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So dad gets a syringe driver today

EmilyS
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Hi everyone,

My dad has been doing so well, all things considered. But over the last couple of nights he's had very little sleep and has been in some discomfort. Yesterday, apparently, the doctor and hospice nurse went round and today they will be fitting dad with a syringe driver.

His wife told me that once those meds kick in, he may no longer be able to communicate. So I had a long chat with my dad last night and told him how much I loved him, how proud I was to be his daughter, etc. We exchanged some lovely words and he kept saying goodbye until I put the phone down. I was so upset and cried for an hour afterwards.

It was (probably) my last call to him.

What I want to know is what is likely to be in that syringe, will he still be able to eat and drink if he's unable to communicate. Is it now a few days away?

Thank you and thinking of everyone who is going through this, or who has recently gone through it. My thoughts are with you all.

Emily 

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    H.i Emily

    This is such an emotional time and a hard one too.  My hubby was fitted with a syringe driver when it became difficult for him to swallow liquids (he had not been eating much solid food for some time) and thus any medication can be delivered through the driver that is required.  In my hubby's case he had a small dose of morphine for his discomfort and also a drug to help with his noisy breathing.  I think it will depend how much pain relief your Dad requires as to how much he is able to talk and how wonderful that you could talk to each other so wellthough not surprised you needed to have a good cry.  He may indeed sleep for longer and longer periods as the illness progresses but as to the length of time that varies with everyone and some people have the drivers for a while. My hubby was not eating or drinking much before the driver was put in and only managed sips of water towards the end of his journey. My thoughts are with you as it is not an easy time and I know the dread that every phone call will bring.  Take care of yourself.  Jules x

  • Offline in reply to jules54

    Thank you [@jules54]‍ 

    Well, my dad needs quite a lot of pain relief and up until about 2 days ago, he had a pretty good appetite - fancying chocolate and egg & chips! I think they'll be taking him off the steroids, which will no doubt mean his appetite will fade away (he had very little 4 weeks ago until they put him on steroids).

    Hoping for an update from my brother tonight, who is going down to see him today.

    Yes, I do dread those phone calls, but I'm pretty sure it won't be in the next few days.

    Take care of you too - I hope you are doing OK?

    Emily x

  • Offline in reply to EmilyS
    Hi. I'm sorry about your dad. My dad had a syringe driver put in because we couldn't keep his pain under control and he was starting to struggle taking all the tablets he was on. I think it's very hard to say what will happen, but I had been warned by a friend that once her mum had a syringe driver she never properly communicated again. My dad was already struggling before it went in, it sounds like your dad is at a better starting point so that's good. Things did go downhill very fast for my dad, but they were before the syringe driver went in. With the syringe driver in he slept a lot but when he was awake he was able to have a video call with my sister, and although he couldn't really talk I could tell he knew what she was saying. These days are going to be incredibly hard, I'm sorry you're having to go through it. But hopefully your dad will be more comfortable now. Thinking of you. xx
  • Offline in reply to AmyPond

    Thank you Amy.

    I just heard that he couldn't swallow any of his meds this morning and hasn't eaten. He's now fallen into a deep sleep but the nurses are on their way to fit the syringe driver.

    It is so so hard and being away doesn't help. My brothers are on the way to him now though, so that gives me some comfort as they will update me.

    I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I feel now that given how fast my dad has changed even in just 24 hours, things will go fast for him too.

    It's the worst feeling. 

    Really appreciate your reply. I feel people here are the ones keeping me strong!

    Emily x

  • Offline in reply to EmilyS

    Thanks Emily I think am coping ok just now and will spend time with family and friends in the coming weeks. An emotional time of year for us all but with young grandchildren I am blessed.  Hope the update from your brother gives you more information as to how Dad's treatment is going.  Do not know if they can put steroids through the driver if Dad loses ability to swallow though  very often steroids are given in short bursts for appetite boost.  Worked a few times for my hubby too. Take care. Jules x

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