My husband has had quite an experience with Parkinson’s for the last four years or so. He was put on hospice nearly a year ago. On the last nurse’s visit she said they may take him off hospice because he can walk now, although very shakily; his tremors have practically stopped; he gained four pounds - up to 105 - in two months; he hasn’t fallen in several weeks. He is confused over what this means for his care. He thinks it means they are giving up and will not provide any services. I’ve tried explaining it’s really kind of the opposite, more like he requires less care because he is better now, not on the verge of passing. Even though he is improved physically, his mental condition is worse. He is depressed and anxious. He takes 100mg Sertraline once a day and 1mg Alprazolam 3Xday. But he says he feels like he is just hanging on by his fingernails. Has anyone had better luck with another med to relieve anxiety?
Tell him that they thought he was dying, but INSTEAD he is getting better.
Tell him he deserves a graduation cap, gown and scroll for doing so well.
Graduating from Hospice! Throw him a party, I say.
I know, if there is some loss of mental acquity your hubby may never understand that he just became to well for end of life care. But that's the fact of the matter.
I wish you both well. I hope you aren't going to miss the extra care too much?
Is it possible for your husband to continue with palliative care? That would give you added help and might give him the reassurance he is seeking.
Best of luck.
Magnesium glycinate supplementation definitely helped reduce Mom's anxiety and she was on it for years but she was not on a lot of prescription meds.
Since your husband is on a lot of prescription meds I'd ask his PCP or pharmacist about efficacy of adding magnesium glycinate to your husband's care plan and effect on his current meds.
If you decide to try it make sure to get the glycinate version to prevent loose stool. We were giving Mom 400 mg per day and she is a small woman. Usually it comes as 200 mg. You can also stagger dosage.
id forgotten about pallative care … possibly since it’s “new”.
it seems a really nice way of helping people between independence and hospice.
thank you for mentioning it !
As for the medication, another replay had a good point about the fact he’s putting on weight and medications may work differently but if you can get him to a geriatric psychologist or a geriatric specialist I would strongly recommend it. We were constantly having to change psyc medications, add or subtract them, change dosage for my mom because it’s such a fine balance and the disease progresses. I imagine it’s just as prevalent with Parkinson’s given it’s neurological so maybe for him it’s his neurologist who stays on top of his behavioral meds but don’t hesitate to call whoever it is and tell them what isn’t working, if that doesn’t work pursue another specialist as well.
Sending strength
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