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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,190
Major_AS_Kicker
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OP
Major_AS_Kicker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,190 |
I just got back from driving almost 3800 miles from N CA to Des Moines to see my brother. He was suffering from congestive heart failure, was in a hospice facility,and not expected to live more then a few days. I was surprised how nice the Hospice facility was. His room looked like a hotel room with a sitting room attached. They had a fridge, recliner, a sofa bed and table and chairs for the family. There was a small patio off his room and a large patio with a BBQ off a large living room and full kitchen that was for the families of the patients. Every time I walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, tea or a cold drink, there were plates of cookies, donuts, cake and other goodies. I just couldn't believe how nice they treated us. There was a large bathroom with a shower for the family, complete with thick, fluffy towels and an assortment of bath products. They kept coming around asking if they could do anything to make my brother or us comfortable. Carl passed quietly in his sleep. I couldn't thank them enough for the wonderful treatment.
I packed ice bags, a thick cushion to sit on, lots of pain meds and Flector patches. I had been taking pred(5mg). I was surprised that my back didn't hurt any more then it did at home.
Donna
Cherish your yesterdays,
Dream your tomorrows,
But live your todays.
Do the very best you can
leave the rest to God.
God Bless,
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 646
Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
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Master_Sergeant_AS_Kicker
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 646 |
So sorry to hear that you lost your brother...that must be hard.Nice you were with him when he passed.
There are caring people out there in this big world,and so glad you had people that treated you and your brother and family so nice.
 Happy Trails To You Until We Meet Again
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,368
Bronze_AS_Kicker
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Bronze_AS_Kicker
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,368 |
Sounds like they treated your brother with such dignity, and the family with kindness. I'm glad you did ok on the long drive, and I am sure you were glad to see your brother before he passed. Nice to pass away in a queit environment instead of a regular hospital room.
Janet
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 21,346 Likes: 2
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 21,346 Likes: 2 |
so sorry to hear about your brother  but glad to hear how wonderful hospice was. both of my husbands parents used hospice: one at home, the other in the hospital. and my husband who was down there caring for his parents each time commented about how wonderful they were. i've heard nothing but good things about them. glad you survived the trip physically. sounds like you went prepared though. and at least without having to focus so much on your body, could focus your attention on your brother. 
sue
Spondyloarthropathy, HLAB27 negative
Humira (still methylprednisone for flares, just not as often. Aleve if needed, rarely.)
LDN/zanaflex/flector patches over SI/ice
vits C, D. probiotics. hyaluronic acid. CoQ, Mg, Ca, K.
chiro
walk, bike
no dairy (casein sensitivity), limited eggs, limited yeast (bread)
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,968
Captain_AS_Kicker
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Captain_AS_Kicker
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,968 |
Sorry Donna to hear of the lost of your brother Carl. Prayers and thoughts to you and your family. I have heard nothing but good things about hospice. Several of my family members had hospice come to their homes and it was a good experience. So glad that you came through with little pain. What a long drive. I lost several family members last year and went through a 12 week class called "Grief Share". It really helped. Our leader had lost her brother as well. Take care.
Pea
Diagnosed with A.S. 29 year's ago.
Diagnosed with Fibro 10 year's ago.
Remicade, Intrathecal Pain Pump 2013
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 456
Warrior_AS_Kicker
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Warrior_AS_Kicker
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 456 |
So sorry to hear about your brother passing away. It sounds like he was in really good hands at the hospice, which you will always remember.
Glad to hear your body held up o.k for the trip. Travel is so hard on our bodies sometimes. I do the Flector patches, cushion, ice packs, pain meds and Prednisone too when I travel.
Shari
Meds -Hizentra, leflunomide, Prednisone
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,190
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,190 |
Im so sorry to hear about your brother...it sure sounds like he was surrounded with all the love and comfort he could have. Im sure it was so nice having to go thru something so heartbreaking that at least some things you didnt have to worry about.
Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come!
Hugs!
Speak kindly, Live simply, Care deeply, Love generously, and BLAH, HA, HA, LOUDLY! every chance you get.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,187 Likes: 7
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,187 Likes: 7 |
Donna, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. And so glad to know you were able to be there. The hospice sounds wonderful, by the way. It's good to know there are places like that when you need them. Take care of you, OK? Love and Warm hugs,
Kat
A life lived in fear is a life half lived.
"Strictly Ballroom"
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,848 Likes: 6
Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
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Very_Addicted_to_AS_Kickin
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,848 Likes: 6 |
So sad Donna - My bro died of heart as well. Wretched loss to you an your family, commiserations. The hospice sounds a wonderful place. What care and kindness, making the passing of a loved one that much easier to bear. Blessings on the hospice movement and all who work in such a movement. Well done on that drive - that was some marathon of a trip...half way from here to India! Glad all went well and your back was 'no worse' than at home. Take care Donna
MollyC1i - Riding OutAS
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,105
Major_AS_Kicker
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Major_AS_Kicker
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,105 |
I'm sorry to hear about your brother, but so pleased you were able to be with him, and that the place he spent his last days was so nice.
Also glad that you managed to do things that made sure you could survive the trip in no worse shape than if you'd been at home.
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