What is PALLIATIVE CARE TO YOU ?

soul-mate
soul-mate Member Posts: 82
in Caregivers #1

Palliative does not mean surrender. MedicineNet.com definition - palliative care is medical or comfort care that reduces the severity of a disease or slows it's progress, but does not provide a cure. A quick overview of palliative care see site - getpalliativecare.org/whatis/  Your thoughts on a subject that many people mix with hospice .

SOUL-MATE

Comments

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #2
    Palliative vs. Hospice

    Hospice does not mean end of life like it used to.  My husband has been on hospice since September 2013 because our oncologist thought it was best.  I, in a way, think of it as more palliative care.  No he doesn't go to the doctors for treatment mainly because in January 2013 he decided after a reoccurrence and spread he didn't want to undergo any further treatment (this was after 72 rounds of radiation in basically the same spot, 10 rounds of chemo and surgery).  Chemo only thing offered this time.  Hospice comes out once a week due to Medicare guidelines, we don't think it is necessary.  They provide his nutrition for his feeding tube and pain medication.  Yes he is getting weaker and in more pain but is still able to do for himself.  Can't do what he used to do and that is yard work which he loved but now he doesn't have the strength for more than 5-10 minutes to do anything.   I won't let him drive anymore due to pain medication and we aren't able to take trips because it would wear him out too much.  And of course, I wouldn't be able to take him commenting on my driving for any length of time -- you know that is a man thing they are the only ones who can drive.  LOL

    I really don't know the difference between the two except I guess you can continue to see your doctors.  To me there are basically the same. 

    Sharon

     

  • soul-mate
    soul-mate Member Posts: 82
    #3
    Ladylacy said:

    Palliative vs. Hospice

    Hospice does not mean end of life like it used to.  My husband has been on hospice since September 2013 because our oncologist thought it was best.  I, in a way, think of it as more palliative care.  No he doesn't go to the doctors for treatment mainly because in January 2013 he decided after a reoccurrence and spread he didn't want to undergo any further treatment (this was after 72 rounds of radiation in basically the same spot, 10 rounds of chemo and surgery).  Chemo only thing offered this time.  Hospice comes out once a week due to Medicare guidelines, we don't think it is necessary.  They provide his nutrition for his feeding tube and pain medication.  Yes he is getting weaker and in more pain but is still able to do for himself.  Can't do what he used to do and that is yard work which he loved but now he doesn't have the strength for more than 5-10 minutes to do anything.   I won't let him drive anymore due to pain medication and we aren't able to take trips because it would wear him out too much.  And of course, I wouldn't be able to take him commenting on my driving for any length of time -- you know that is a man thing they are the only ones who can drive.  LOL

    I really don't know the difference between the two except I guess you can continue to see your doctors.  To me there are basically the same. 

    Sharon

     

    It's just a name for good care.

    Sharon, I'm so happy to hear things are manageable and quality of life is paramount in our new normal situation. The misconception of the two words basicaly is irrelevant to those that choose to have the best care possible for those involved on this journey. One thing that I've read over different articles, those who choose this care live longer time as there is usually more professionals involved and share their experience to offer quality care in pain, nausea,etc. I wish you the best.

    SOUL-MATE

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