Originally posted by Mary C
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This is the reality, we are riding the highs and lows with Dad, hoping each time the 'highs' are longer...
The NIV definitely has to be a personal decision. He hated it, felt stressed, really uncomfortable, and that he had that 'loss of control' feeling - a machine breathing for him, doing something his body has done automatically for 82 years... The nurse team said that he had to weigh up feeling stressed the last few months of his life, or, feeling at least there wasn't yet another uncomfortable thing he was enduring, having some peace and control over his body, his choices about what works for him.
I have to admit it was noisy, he couldn't hear us (partial deafness) and we couldn't talk to him... but I know it works well for others.
That's what it is all about - keeping him comfortable, reducing his stress as far as possible, quality of life.
Its hard seeing my Mum so grief-stricken. She has been so stoic up till now. I am 'compartmentalising' because I can't carry on if I stop to think about losing Dad, even that horrible feeling I am 'losing' a bit of Mum too, I feel I can't give in to grief...
Thanks Mary
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