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The Emergency Room Homestretch
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Sam’s memory was fading at 82,
but he was well-aware of having chest pain. After having undergone a second cardiac bypass surgery ten years ago, his wife Lucy knew when to call 911 when Sam started showing symptoms. The paramedics gave Sam nitroglycerin, which promptly dropped his blood pressure and slowed his pulse rate. Sam received IV fluids and arrived safely at the ER with his pain improving.
A recent PET scan revealed diminished blood flow to one
part of Sam’s heart. His cardiologist was considering the option of performing another angiogram and placing another stent in the blocked artery. Sam’s cardiac enzymes were elevated in the ER, indicative of more damage to the heart. His pulse was 40, which meant Sam might need a pacemaker.
Sam was anxious upon arrival at the ER, but he now appeared
calm with his arms folded behind his head. He was eager to go home. His two children had now arrived, and it was the ideal time for the ER physician to discuss the pros and cons of further medical intervention. While Sam was bored during the homestretch of his life’s journey, his family members were sitting on the edge of their seats.
These three tips will help guide you during your patient’s homestretch to the finish line:
Where Can I Get End-of-Life
Care?
This article, written by the National Institute of Aging, provides a list of "Questions to Ask About End-of-Life Decisions" and several glossy statements about hospitals and nursing homes. Patients and their caregivers expect the best practice of medicine in the care they receive. This article
encourages patients to make their own decisions while taking their chances with miscommunication.
Some glaring statements in this article raised my
eyebrows: - There is no right place to die.
- Medical professionals know what needs to be done for someone who is dying.
- Nursing staff are always present in nursing homes.
- It’s important to follow the doctor’s plan to make the dying person comfortable.
October 3, 2017
10:00 - 11:30am
Caregiver Support Group
Faith
Presbyterian Church
1600 N Del Web, Sun City, AZ 85351
October 17, 2017
Noon - 2:00amAlzheimer's and Dementia - Phoenix
Church of the Beatitudes
555 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021
Is Palliative Care Right For YOU?
by Kevin J. Haselhorst, MD The key to making medical decisions
is understanding palliative care:
Palliative Care is the
bridge between
advance care
and end-of-life
care.
When you no longer have your health,
how will you spend your time and money?
Is quality of life more important than
staying alive at any cost?
This booklet will teach you: - What palliative care means in practical terms
- The value of making your own medical decisions
- How to gain peace of mind with chronic
illness
Command respect during your next
doctor visit by saying,
"I receive palliative care."
Learn more at KevinHaselhorst.com
A Courageous Adventure
My friend, John, and I love yoga, but water – not so much. Before the weather and the water got too cold, we set out on an adventure to Clarkdale, Arizona, which is located in the foothills of Sedona. Our mission was to launch paddleboards
from the bank of the Verde River, paddle upstream like Huckleberry Finn, drop anchors and practice yoga with our instructor Debra.
Yoga teaches me how to let go of attachments to the past and fear of uncertainty while being mindful of the present and
having the courage to try new things. John truly let go of his attachments when he flung his anchor in the water without securing the rope to the board. While John experienced humility, I practiced flexibility by linking our boards to my anchor. The best part of the practice was seeing the world upset down from the down dog position and "becoming one" with fish and boat poses atop the
water.
#TributeTuesday
Share a tribute to a loved one who has died, or to mark the anniversary of their death.
From September 26th: #TributeTuesday: Caregivers need a creative outlet to express their emotions in support of their loved ones and each other.
#WishfulWednesdayHave a wish for the weekend? Post your plan on Wednesday. Practice expressing end-of-life wishes during the prime of life. From September 20th: #WishfulWednesday: Make plans midweek for
the end of week. Wishing Mom a Happy 91st Birthday - without the desire to match her longevity.
How to Approach Living While
Dying
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Living While Dying
"Living while
dying" is a new concept for most people. It’s also the name of a new film that’s being released by my friend, Cathy Zheutlin. She has asked me to be an advisor on the project. My opinion, like your opinion matters in life and death.
As Cathy explores the reality of her loved ones facing death, she turns the camera around and looks at herself.
How will she approach living
while dying?
The end result of the film is to have viewers ponder and pick their own rite of passage.
Please support this film that makes "living while dying" easier for everyone to engage.
Help spread the word about
this Generosity fundraiser! UPDATE
Immense Possibilities is a weekly public TV
and internet series that featured an interview with Cathy Zheutlin about Living While Dying.
Watch the interview: (10 minutes)
Watch on Vimeo
Cathy needs to raise more money for the music, the sound mix and the color corrections.
Please help get the word out to others you think
might want to back this project!
Only have time for 24 seconds?
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