Syringe driver

Hi,

Over the past few days my mum has expressed to me that she wants to go and she thinks she will go soon. Since then she has been in what seems like a semi conscious state and unable to make any sense when talking. 

She has had to have 5 lots of subcutaneous drugs in a day so they will be coming to fit a syringe driver over the weekend.

I don't think this is a bad thing. I don't want mum to suffer and I hope she let's go if she feels the need. But I'm just wondering other people's experiences on how long people last with a syringe driver fitted? She is not taking oral fluids or any food at all. We are just dampening her mouth and putting Vaseline onto her lips to help.

Thank you 

  • Hi Laura

    My dad passed from lung cancer nearly 6 yrs ago now and he also had a syringe driver fitted.

    If I remember correctly it was only.2-3 days after.this that we said.our.final goodbyes

    Sending you lots of.support and.hugs at.this.difficult.time x

  •  my wife died of breast cancer December last year she had the syringe driver it really helped with the pain but lasted about three maybe four days! I'm sorry to say 

  • Thank you, its really appreciated x

  • Thank you. 

    I am so very sorry about your wife and hope you are finding peace ️

    It's helped mum even since this morning. It's nice to see her comfy. I just want her to go peacefully 

  • It's not easy but I'm doing okay I've got two boys to look after and that was my promise before she died to her so there's no way I'm going to let her down!When my  wife was on the syringe driver The doctor said to me every time the cancer squeezes the drugs will help so there should be no pain at all she was asleep peacefully for two days with a smile on her face so she definitely had no pain and that made me feel good I just sat with her and held her hand

  • Hello Laura. My Mum passed December 2019. My Mum was on drivers for some time, but given that your Mum is no longer taking fluids or food, my experience is that it could be a matter of days or less especially if your Mum is becoming less coherent. All you can do is be there for her and for yourself and your loved ones. Be happy that you had the chance to say goodbye. I have so many memories of the final days spent with my Mum, happy and painful, but I would not have missed it for anything. And my Mum managed to stay at home which was her wish. I cannot imagine how it is going through this in current times. I hope you are all receiving wonderful care from carers and NHS nurses. Make sure GP has seen Mum in past 2 weeks otherwise it can delay things afterwards.

    Best wishes to you all

    Sarah x

  • hello 

     

    my dad demanded the syringe driver because he said swallowing the tablets was too much, so the doctors ordered this up and it was fitted that evening the next morning he said where are my tablets, he totally couldnt remember demanding the driver, i explained he had a driver and he said oh ok ... i believe he passed away 8 days later peacefully and out of pain x