My husband died of cancer. His last two weeks of life were spent in hospice. I was with him 24/7. I controlled when he was given pain medication based on the level of pain I could tell he was in. If he had been given enough medication that he could sleep, but was still grinding his teeth and grimacing, I knew he needed more. If he was relatively calm I would have them hold off so he could be “present” and included in whatever was going on. The hospice workers, I’m convinced, are Angels come to earth. In the end he went to sleep with no further medication. He slept for a little over five hours. He was extremely hot. Someone called it “terminal fever”. Then without waking his heart stopped and he exhaled for the last time. He was out of pain and was peaceful for the first time in over a year. When people are dying we owe it to them to make their passing as pain free and gentle as possible. Most especially if we love them.
My late partner was on morphine and ativan in the last two weeks of his life. Based on the hospice visits or phone calls the hospice nurse could increase the dosage as needed. I kept very accurate records as was expected and never batted an eye at it. The last two days the dose was increased to help with calming his breathing and restlessness even though at that point he was in a coma. He quietly passed with me at his side telling him he was loved and it was time to let go and see the family who was waiting in heaven for him. I believe they had visited while he was somewhat still lucid because he was staring in awe into the corner of the room and smiled. After that he closed his eyes and never opened them again. The only regret I have is that I didn't just lay in bed and hold him in those final night hours, but he knew I was there. There was a slight squeeze of my hand and it relaxed as he took his final breath.
My daughter was dying of cancer. She had a morphine drip. The doctor said that my daughter couldn't speak or see, but she had a heightened hearing sense. I sang songs to her. Songs my mom and her grandmom sang to her. For a long time I sang and sang. She was a beautiful young woman.❤ miss her!❤
My Dad was dying of lung cancer. The nurses went over palliative care options and told him they would give him morphine to help him any time he felt he needed it. Dad, always a tee-totaller and avoider of pain meds, looked straight at the nurse and asked "I'm not going to get hooked on this stuff, am I?" I miss his sense of humor.
Sad you should say that. My father had metastic prostate cancer. It spread up his spine and he was in excrutiating pain. They only gave him Percodan and limited that because they didn't want him to get addicted! This was in 1973. I will never forgive them for that.
I watched a friend of mine die in a VA hospital. He had cardiac insufficiency and his organs and tissues were dying slowly from lack of oxygen. He cried for morphine while chewing the dying flesh off his fingertips and the nurses would not give him more because it would kill him. I was a nurse at the time and I was appalled at their lack of sympathy. If a person is dying and is suffering that badly give them a little extra push to ease them out of this world. I think that is the kindest thing health care workers could do.
I agree but… Unfortunately, in the US, with the exception of 13 states where physician- assisted “suicide” is legal, you are talking about a crime. Even in the states where physician-assisted suicide is legal, that would be illegal UNLESS the patient set up the legal documentation while they were still compos mentis. That would be cruel if we did that to our pets! It’s nuts.
This is something hospital doctors just won't do. It's assisted suicide. It runs counter to everything they're about. If the choice is suffering or keep them alive they will always choose keeping them alive. It's part of the oath they took. End-of-Life care is atrocious in America. This is how the whole idea of hospice care emerged. Outside of hospice, your results probably would have been the same anywhere you went.
My Dad had morphine in his last 4 hours. He had shortness of breath and it calmed it down to almost (almost) normal and steady. I believe his transition was much more relaxed and peaceful.
My father was dying of prostrate cancer that had spread through out his lower body. It ended up attacking his vital organs the day he died. The nursing home called me in the morning and told me they were sending him to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing. Later in the evening at 5 pm my sister in law called me and said I need to go to the local ER. When I arrived I found my father breathing like he was running a marathon and unconscious. The ER doctor told me that his system was septic and his organs were shutting down. He gave us two choices. One they could try to keep him alive but he was in pain and it would just prolong his condition. Or Two they could give him morphine and lessen the pain and help him pass on. We chose the morphine. The nurses dosed the oral morphine and he lasted 7 hours after the morphine doses started. It is a hard decision if you really love the person that is dying. I had many talks with my father prior to him dying and he told me several times that he didn't want to be kept alive. I am a peace with the whole experience. I hope others that have to make that decision will feel the same when the time comes.
I'm sorry for your loss. I don't understand how you can call that a hard decision. If you love someone, you don't want to prolong their suffering. My mother is going through this now.
My mother had similar symptoms and was dying from liver cancer. Her shortness of breath and unrest prompted me to ask the nurse to get authorization for a light dose of morphine because I did not want her suffering. She passed quietly but I felt guilty for years. This explanation has helped me accept the use of morphine.
As a pain patient, I can honestly say that this is clearly the MOST humane thing that anyone can do to for someone that is dying. It is definitely the way that I would like to go.
my grandma died of cancer. I saw the whole thing. we and the nurses we had at our home gave her morphine when she was passing away. she had a very peaceful death in her own bed. the most picture perfect way to go. the morphine helped out a lot.
Pain patients have some idea about opiods.... Too many myths, too many misconceptions, and, if you are in constant pain, worries about dependence feel pretty trivial!
@@lohikarhu734 It ONLY feels trivial until you realize that the medication, NO matter how it is used as directed and NOT abused, eventually stops working and the dose keeps being increased, until the point where you notice that the medication itself seems to be responsible for the increase of your pain!! After 23+ years on these medications, I made the difficult decision to wean myself off of it. Yes, I still struggle with pain, but at least I have a clear head when dealing with it!!!
I live with chronic pain and these type meds are a god send for me . They have allowed me to work again and control my pain so it is bearable .Hope your pain is ok, i know what it is like to live in pain.
I want as much morphine as they will give me at the end. As a nurse with over 40 years of experience, I've seen many families withhold morphine because "we are just trying to kill" their loved ones. They suffered horribly. I just want to be comfortable, so bring it on.
Former crta/cna/cma/lpn for 35 yrs. I’ve worked hospital,long term care, & did private duty. I’ve seen more than my fair share of ppl dying. Morphine & Dilauded are aGod send. Ppl think you get old, go to sleep and just don’t wake up. 95% of the time that is not how it works. There’s a lot of pain and suffering that goes on when the body starts preparing itself for death. And if you have a disease in one of your organs (liver, heart, lungs, ect), your death is going to be 10 times worse. around 2-3 wks prior to death, The first thing a person does when starting the process of dying is to stop or lessen eating and drinking. They sleep a lot. They become dehydrated & malnourished (which is painful in its own way), they may become confused or look around like they’re lost and then organs start to fail (again, VERY painful). There are more processes that go on but I forget what they are. It’s been 15 yrs since I’ve worked. The last stage of death is sleep. 24/7. That can go on up to 24 hours to a week.
My grandma had bone cancer, she was close to 100 yrs old. This medicine helped her pass away as a rose 🌹 opened up in front of us, she went to sleep peacefully with my Dad at her side. If it wasn't for this medicine she would had passed in alot of pain which is cruel and unnecessary. She asked to take the pain away and she was then in comfort as she closed her eyes and peacefully passed. ✝️🙏☮️😇✌️🌹❤️
She should've been given medication to ease her suffering long before the last few days of life. As a retired R.N. , I'm horrifed new CDC guidelines REQUIRE people to remain in pain unless death is imminent.
As a retired RN who has used morphine to help my patients to relax and stop hurting as they were dying, all I can say is thank you sir for the information given. I have seen too many patients not given the medication they needed to help them as they were dying, because the family believed too many misconceptions about morphine. This short video was very much needed to help alleviate the misconceptions and myths about death and dying. Once again, thank you Legacy Hospice, this was very much needed.
While I agree with you, it should be a decision for the Family to make. Most (if not all) husbands and wives talk about these scenarios well before they are affected. God Bless
Our pain shots they using on themselfs,oh here let me give pain.med,waited was.saline wster toldm.get me pq out of here let me go ,guy begn for sandwich and im in severe pain tildm.go.sit his az.down nurse dics gotmad at me lol......i walked out they not care if u dieing,docs suppose take an oath this doc.does not honor
I am convinced that terminal patients who are in pain should be given the option of having a morphine IV with NO lockout so that the patient can control their own level of pain and if they overdose, they will have a peaceful death!
Yes.. in days past, we called it being snowed. Opioids tend to build in the blood. Our Dr’s had them on a 4 hr, and depending on the pts response, would often increase it to 2 hr delivery. So essentially with the build up of the drug, they “overdosed”, and very peacefully passed away. When there is NO HOPE for the pt’s condition, there is hope for their great ease in the inevitable. 🙏🏼✌️Rosey 🇺🇸
My father passed away recently, suffering from liver cancer. The palliative nurses eased his transition with Morphin, it was a blessing, his pain, difficulty breathing and anxiety was significantly reduced. Finally he stopped breathing and he had a very peaceful expression on his face. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the palliative nurses, they are pure angels. Without their support and care, it would have been impossible for my father to die at home, as it was his wish. They accepted that his beloved cat could accompany him on the bed...
My condolences to you and your family. Went through something similar here, too, only it wasn't cancer. Hospice was great with my dad while he was in their care. I now have a better understanding of why morphine was given for pain and anxiety relief. He was comfortable his final days when we visited him.
I wasn’t aware that the body releases stress hormones to wake it up causing terminal restlessness. That makes my heart ache. My mother laid there and was.. not there. Deep sleep constantly. But she kept raising her arms and grunting when she couldn’t open her eyes or wake up. It broke my heart. Finally she moved her head and grimaced like she just accepted it. My heart aches thinking about this. Thank you for posting.
I am going through this with my grandfather right now. He is still with us currently and would be 97 in March. For weeks he was involuntarily saying "help me" whenever he was awake which honestly was quite disturbing. He refused to keep clothes on and was unable to stand at all. Slowly the help me's turned into just nonverbal moaning. Also refusing food or water. He's currently on morphine doing the rapid breathing thing every minute or so. He was just moved next to my grandmother today who seems to be in denial that he is dying. And I honestly don't have the heart to tell her. She was mentioning how he was sleeping all day.. I just hope he is comfortable now that he is on morphine. I've never taken opiates but I have always heard that it is rather blissful. It has been very difficult as I am close with both of them. Before the holidays I was visiting them on a weekly basis for as long as I can remember. During my childhood they would often babysit me so my mother could save money. They were nothing but good to me. I'm grateful I got one more good Christmas with them. Sorry for venting and I hope you are able to find peace. ❤
Knowledge is power , understanding hormones releases in our bodies helps us make better choices to not over eat and avoid other negatives. I didn't know about hormone release at life's close either.
My Mother in law passed away this evening, drs put her on morphine last Saturday night. I knew the end was coming. My husband was with her today. She started shaking. They came in and gave her an oral dose Of morphine. She had a hard time breathing it was very rapid at first then it became very shallow. She passed away at 6pm California time tonight. She suffered from dementia and bipolar disorder for 6 years. She was 97 years old.RIP Mom. We all loved you and we are missing you tonight. Be happy with Dad, I know he was waiting for you.
My mother was a hippie inside so once, when she was nearing the end, I visited her at the hospice and as I entered, she looked at me with a beatific smile and told me to try one of her pills because she was tripping balls and wanted me to share in the experience. Man, I miss her.
At my insistence I was given a morphine prescription 11 years ago for stage 4 throat cancer that spread to other areas. Surprisingly, after 1 year of cancer treatment I did survive all the cancer (Praise God). I was addicted to morphine after about 6 weeks of use, so I switched to enduring the pain rather than let the morphine create a further risk. It is amazing what you are capable of doing when you realize you might be a survivor. Let those who are terminal have their comfort.
Interesting. I was hospitalized for 6 weeks. 2 weeks of morphin. I became resistant. Had to switch to other opiods. I was totally surprised I didn't get addicted. They sent me home with nothing! Weird, but I was fine. Out of all the pain medications given to me over the years, morphin was the most effective and comfortable. ✌️❤️ ~🦋
Opiates make everything all right in the world. There are some serious downsides for recreational use, but no downsides at all when used for someone dying. I hope I get my share of morphine when my time comes!
Nothing wrong also- for people with a Severe Chronic Pain Illness. Responsibly used it for 29+ years with not one measly problem from it, until they decided to torture us again for nothing like they did to me for 10 years just to start getting a measly non working dosage. A so called high dosage, I simply call a working dosage. Which worked even though the high/buzz feeling had gone away decades before- as a working level dosage works, but they love to negatively lie about Opiate/Opioid Medicines. To freely, happily, gladly, torture innocent people in dire Pain. Thanks I get for not drinking, not smoking, not doing illegal drugs. In this so called united states land- I now consider the biggest con ever told on this earth.
My dad passed in January. Hospice was called in three days before his passing. He was experiencing very strong "hiccups" and difficult breathing patterns before morphine was administered. Daddy was without a doubt more at ease once the morphine began. He never lost the ability to identify anyone and passed peacefully. My daddy is simply waiting to be resurrected when the Lord returns.
when your body can no longer repair itself. your soul/spirit will leave the body and will then enter heaven if you have been good and had faith the Lord will guide you on your way. Can you remember when you cut yourself bruised yourself had hangovers etc Then your body repaired it all? now the day has come and it just cannot do it anymore speak to god ask for the holy spirit to come in and save you Amen. do not leave it too late. blessings to you all.
@@bwghall1 Amen. And when this body finally fails and you have a relationship with the Lord, you'll be given a new body that will never age or hurt again. Praise the Lord
@@ernestchadwell9069 Yes, context is everything. Giving strong drink to someone who is dying is vastly different than someone being misled by strong drink (drunkenness.) That’s why the Bible gives us context. The principle applies here. Giving pain relief to someone who is dying is vastly different than someone who is abusing medication to get a high. It is Godly and biblical to alleviate suffering. It’s not biblical to get drunk. That’s why the previous verses say wine is NOT for the pleasure of kings and princes, it IS for the sick and dying.
@@KiKi-tf8rv I do agree, however opium is better in every way, the only down side is it's prohibition status (like alcohol was illegal in the USA in the not so distant past.) Opium and opiates such as morphine are the God-sent gold standard medication for the dying, not only bringing pain relief, reduced anxiety, and sleep, but having the power to suppress coughing and stop end of life secretions in the lungs, all possible at a dose which unlike alcohol, need not cause stupor and loss of intellectual ability. The restriction of opiates needed by the dying (and some would argue, those with conditions which will probably last for life and having symptoms eased by opiates) is barbarism and a crime against humanity.
Morphine is the last drug drs give to dying patients, I understand now how it helps the death process. Who wants to be afraid and having anxiety attacks. My mother in law did for a very short time. I'm glad her Dr knew what to do. Thank you to all the Nurses and doctors at Royal Oaks in Duarte California for you're constant care .
Because I had healthcare experience (pediatric not geriatric) the hospice nurse let me administer morphine to my dying grandmother who was on home hospice,but I was so concerned that I wait the exact time between doses (like with children it can be deadly to administer some meds too frequently) that I kept calling the nurse saying it was killing me to watch her suffer when the morphine was wearing off. She told me "you can't kill her, she is already dying, she is drowning from the fluid in her lungs and is suffering her, so if you feel she needs it then give it to her" it made me feel better but some family members thought I was over medicating her (of course these were the ones who sat downstairs and only saw her for a few minutes at a time versus hours and hours with her) and my one uncle who's brother was traveling from another state actually said I caused her to pass early because I gave her morphine before the time it was due. I will never forget that pain, but would do it all over again so she didn't suffer as much as she had been (it was unbearable to witness) 😢🙏 no one should have to suffer like that.
She was lucky to have you there watching over you. You’re right, if the pain can be controlled better, it’s ok. Even my church says it is, but not to give them to the patient to make them die, that’s so wrong, it’s Euthanasia! There is a 36 year old woman on UA-cam that is dying from lung cancer. She’s just gone on Hospice comfort care. It’s so sad. She has 2 little children and a very supportive husband. I don’t think she could ask for a better one. She’s very lucky she had the time to say good-bye. Writing this, it seems she’s had a lot of blessings!
"susanobrien9917," "Calm down; chill, please." You and the hospice nurse are medical professionals who by good fortune and circumstance PLUS your devotion and love for your grandmother, were there -- on the front lines with her -- 24/7. How dare 'they' second guess her excruciating pain and the necessary, valid, proven treatment you two administered. To lessen the emotional and psychological pain and uneasiness they've caused you, straight from a non-medical professional's, yet intelligent, reasonable, supportive adult's advice -- by way of a quip. The blessed, loved, healthy and happy-as-a-clam soul of your grandmother -- direct from 'her reward' in Heaven -- gives you permission -- in fact, implores you -- to tell all of 'them' to 'go eff themselves.' That accomplished, many, many in the UA-cam Universe would love to be a fly on the wall at your extended family's Thanksgiving dinner. "Thank You, 'Legacy Hospice.'" & "Good Luck and Stay Strong to 'Susanobrien9917.'"
God used your training, skills, and compassion to ensure your Mom was comfortable. You did everything right. We don’t let animals suffer how could we let our Mom’s. Family will always put their two cents in. I haven’t spoken to my family since before her funeral. I did everything possible to make her comfortable. When she was on hospice my sister insisted on playing Christian music in her hospice bed. I am a born again Christian and I turned it off at her request and played “Ave Maria” as she was a devoted Catholic. It’s not about what we want for them it’s what they need. Only real caregivers who have been with them from the beginning know their needs. My Mom was promoted to heaven on April 28th, 2021. She was a living saint until dementia and sundowners hit. I was the closest to her so I took most of the verbal abuse. My 5 siblings believed my Mom’s hallucinations because my Mom would never tell a lie. It still hurts to the core but God sees the heart. Thank You Lord for giving me the best Mother in the world. Blessings to you!
You absolutely did the best thing for her. I was the caregiver for my sis and had to fight a loved one who berated me for killing her with morphine. Thank goodness for the hospice nurses who supported me.
My Mother and Father were both in Hospice and Morphine was literally a gift from God to ease their suffering and anxiety near the end. I am very grateful for the Hospice centers and the wonderful people who work there.
My 97 year mother just passed away after several months of advancing agitation and paranoia. One year ago she was still yielding a shovel in her beloved flower garden. Fast forward to 3 months ago eyesight and hearing essentially gone. Physically she used a Walker but otherwise fine with no pain of any sort. Her last night at home was spent pacing the floors arguing with deceased siblings, etc. Early next morning I called hospice nurse who promptly was able to get Rx for Adivan started which didn’t seem to touch her and she continued to pace refusing to lie down. Bottom line she fell, shattered shoulder and hip at which point she was put on morphine since repairing damage not an option. She was in a morphine “coma” for 3 days to alleviate the pain until her final passing. It would have been cruel to attempt to prolong her life. She had a healthy full filling life until 95 when she quickly went downhill. Give me morphine and let me go when my quality of life becomes a waiting game.
As a retired RN, I wholeheartedly concur with this physician’s explanation of end-of-life issues and the need for morphine. Administration of morphine can not only decrease the patient’s anxiety, pain, and restlessness; it also enables the family to have more meaningful time with the patient. The goal is to help the patient and family at the end of life. That the patient “passed peacefully” is what families with hospice care often say.
Morphine is a respiratory depressant which is increased with the common addition of Midazolam. Yes, it is a peaceful death but it definitely does hasten the end of life, lets not kid ourselves.
We can’t really know what they are experiencing, can we? I’m on pain pills for 20 years and I’ve always been in pain. I’ve had 3 endoscopies and a biopsy where I was supposed to be out of it, but could replay what the doctor said. I think I’m going to need horse pills at the end😮
The hospice that handled my sister-in-law's last days denied her the morphine to put her out of her agonizing pain from cervical cancer. She literally died screaming. When placing a loved one in hospice care, investigate them carefully to ascertain what their policy is towards end of life care, and what organizations they belong to, including religious ones that may influence their end care policy. I wouldn't wish a death like hers on anyone.
Wtf They should have been sued. A hospice care center is suppose to help a dying person with the last part of their life and that includes keeping them out of pain so they can make their passing easier.
Agree 100% with this video. As a retired Geriatric Physician I had thousands of patients over the years that succumbed to their disease. Morphine virtually always alleviated the pain and anxiety. It's a good drug when it is used as it is intended to be used. No one should have to suffer through the end of life stage.
I'm not a health professional but I know the necessity of morphine near the end of life. My father was in hospice care and suffering from cancer. He had reached a point where the mere touch was excruciating. He never complained but you saw the pain and anxiety in his eyes. He was given morphine and Ativan which eased his suffering. Whether morphine quickens the dying process or not one would want a dying person to be as comfortable as possible. Thank you for your explanation and for caring for patients at the end of life stage. It can't be easy for caregivers knowing what the most common outcome is in hospice and having that level of compassion for the patient and their loved ones and maintaining such professionalism is extraordinary.
My right index finger got destroyed in an accident and the pain and fear I was feeling, while absolutely nothing compared to what terminal cancer can cause you, where still so strong that to calm me down I was given morphine. Every 10 second or so, flashes of the accident were vividly happening in my mind and I could hear the heartbeat monitor accelerating every time. When the nurse released the lace on my arm and the morphine reached my heart, I felt like a star was being born in my chest and it was one of the most profoundly pleasant feelings I have ever experienced. If something as bad as terminal cancer would happen to me, I know that, hands down, morphine would be what I’d need the most.
My husband who battled esophageal cancer for 2 years requested he be unconscious in the end. Hospice placed him on enough morphine to render him unconscious as he had requested . He went to sleep, water was withheld and he died 7 days later. We are very grateful for this merciful end to the horrific pain and fear.
My Dad died of esophageal cancer. My brother kept the morphine tablets at his house. He moved in to my brother's house just a few weeks before he died, and he didn't want to be "doped up", as he called it. A few days before he died, he wanted the tablets...
@@snowyowel7961 There are observable signs when someone is in pain, even when they are not able to speak. Restlessness, tight or clenched hands, frowning and grimacing. Also, shallow rapid breathing and fast heart rate also, though these can also be due to the underlying disease. Fortunately, opioids are very effective to relieve both pain and air hunger.
Lack of water during terminal phase of most illnesses is easily relieved for most by moistening lips, and sometimes wetting tongue. Usually the dying doesn't feel thirst but they feel the oral dryness when more awake.
@@joywebster2678 Why do they withhold water from the patient in the last few days? Is there a reason why they can't be hydrated via drip? I have never understood, I would have thought being without fluids would make for extra pain during the death process.
I have had 3 family that have passed with cancer. Last in 2018. When your near/at the end of your days. The morphine is is a compassionate, empathetic act to sooth the mind and body as you pass. Whatever your misconceptions are or hesitation to use morphine has NOTHING to do with your conviction. It's about your loved one getting ready to pass. Life is HARD ENOUGH, don't let the pain continue to the last days of one's life. Thank You Dr. Lopez. Allot of people need to hear this...again!
My mother in law died of ovarian cancer. It was a long, terrible, six year long drawn out death. My wife was in charge of the morphine..and when her mother came "up", briefly, she was in terrible distress. At that point, my wife and I made damn sure that she (my wife) painted the morphine on her mom's lips enough to keep her down. This was only for the last day of her life. It has been 22 years, and we know in our hearts that we did the right thing.
When my husband was taken off the ventilator and was dying he became anxious, which increased his difficulty breathing. The kind nurse began to dose him with MS, then quickly followed with Ativan. Doing this gave us nearly an hour to talk together before he passed. That was a huge gift. She kept it coming about every two minutes, which kept him comfortable and allowed a dignified death.
When I hear people say why give morphine to a dying person, I say why not. If they are going to die anyway what make them suffer anymore than necessary?
I watched my grandfather die in a hospital in 1991,we had planned to pass peacefully at home, however, in the last days the breakthrough pain after home pain medication management failed, he was brought to the hospital. My grandmother pleaded with them to just make him comfortable.He was given morphine,& he could finally sleep.He didn’t get nauseous, vomit or anything. He given it at 9 am, he went to sleep and passed peacefully at 10 pm. I can only hope to die like that when my time comes. Sadly since then doctors who know a person is dying, will often deny pain control because “they might get addicted “! If you’re going to die within 2 weeks, who cares? Let them be comfortable. Have final visits with loved ones and allow them to say goodbye.
Thank you for this explanation and of the death process. I found it very helpful. I was with a dear friend as he was dying and didn't recognize the signs at the time. He was yelling for help and that he couldn't breathe. He had cancer and was undergoing radiation therapy. He was determined to beat the cancer and I was there to support him and be his caregiver. It appeared that he was suddenly having a heart attack and I called 9-1-1 immediately. While I was still on the phone with 9-1-1 and standing right in front of him, he continued yelling for help, as if he didn't realize I was right there, despite my assuring him that help was already on the way. He was sitting on the edge of his bed with his feet on the floor and would alternately fall back onto the bed, and then reach out to me. When he reached out, I grabbed his wrist to help him sit back up. Most of the time, he kept his eyes tightly closed. I knew he was in pain and was scared, but we both were determined that this was NOT going to be the last day for him because we had cancer to beat! Just after the paramedics arrived and were tending to him, I was being questioned about what meds he was on, did he have a DNR, etc. One of the paramedics called out that he had stopped breathing, and I was alarmed and telling them to hurry up and get him out of here on the way to the ER. Because I could not produce the DNR (I wasn't 100% sure he had one, and if he did, I would need to dig through the pile of paperwork on the dining room table to locate it), they told me that they would have to resuscitate him. Remember, we were in the mindset of beating and surviving cancer, not dying this day! Fast forward - when I finally spoke with the ER doctor, she told me that he had come in with a pulse, but they were not able to save him. Okay, this was over three years ago, and I'm falling apart again. But I tell my story because while I didn't understand at the time all that was going on, I still find it helpful to learn anything I can about the dying process. The doctor said that he probably died of a PE. Thinking back a few hours earlier to when he was fine 10 minutes previously before I left the room to when I heard him yell for help, that the dying process would come on this suddenly wasn't something I was prepared for. Your explanation about the confusion, anxiety, and shortness of breath explains exactly what he was going through. I think he died right there while paramedics were still there, and the fact that he had a pulse when arriving a the ER was a result of their resuscitation efforts. So while he was battling cancer, he also had every possible risk factor for a blood clot there is - he was a couple weeks post-surgery, on heavy pain meds, and had cancer. Had I known he WAS dying that day, I would certainly have given him morphine! It was scary to watch him struggle and suffer. Giving morphine to the dying seems every bit as humane as giving an epidural to a woman in childbirth labor.
This was hard but precious to read. I am truly impressed! Thank you for having gifted us with your story, by going through this again. What a Rollercoaster these moments must have been!
People shouldn't die in agony and distress. I would definitely want this after seeing the difference of having morphine and not having morphine. What this doctor says is true and is only thinking and doing the best for the person passing.
The only thing I will say on this subject is that if I'm ever in that much pain. Turn the morphine up to 12 and send me to the afterlife with a smile on my face. It's wrong and selfish to keep a body alive when it's clear that the soul wants to go. And the whole thing about "Pulling the plug " and letting the patient expire slowly and painfully is just cruel Puh-leeeze
Thank you for this very compassionate and clear explanation about the importance of morphine, especially in end stage or palliative care. I am a retired nurse and eventually specialized as an ER nurse. When I was training on the various wards it was understood that morphine did indeed help quicken death, but not in the sense of a fatal dose. For those for whom it was obvious that the end was near but they were anxious, agitated and perhaps in pain and often in a semi-conscious state, the relief morphine gave allowed them to let go and slip away peacefully. Far less traumatic for patient and family. Don't we wish that for ourselves and loved ones?
It sure helped my Mama to pass peacefully . My Pop didn't want any medication, as he was sure Mama would come to get him when it was time , and he didn't want to miss that . He was restless the last few hours , but calmed down considerably , and passed quietly & peacefully . Maybe Mama did come for him afterall ... They were married for 63 years , lived in the same house for 63 years , and both passed away in the same bed , 3 years apart .. That generation was truly the greatest ever . Mama led 3 out of us 4 kids to the Lord , and Pop 10 years before her death .. God bless you Mama , and you as well Pop ..
When I was working oncology, I had a family come in - about 20 family members in the room. They asked me why the woman was asleep when they all wanted to speak with her. I told them she was on morphine for extreme pain, but they were concerned that she'd become a morphine addict. (The patient was in her last 48 hours of life.). As soon as I left the room apparently, the family just turned off the patient's morphine drip on their own without warning. I had moved to my next patient when suddenly there was a cacophony of screaming from the next room. I then raced back into the patient's room to find wailing children,terrified family members, and a patient screaming in appalling agony. So,I had to find out what had happened to turn a comfortable patient with a dignified family around her into this disaster. Apart from the pain and reckless disregard this family showed to the safety and well being of my patient, (their special family member), the last memory they will have ever had of their beloved family matriarch is of screaming, mayhem, and panic.
There was a time I would not have believed it, but today people will do what ever they want despite if it contradicts expert advice & common sense. But why, why have they lost the ability to think like sane adults ???
My cousin was in hospice dying from final stages of ALS and his older brother was actually judging him for having the morphine drip. I later scolded him for judging his dying brothers peaceful transition and for not educating himself about hospice
My grandfather walked into a hospice. We waited outside whilst he was settled in. He was in more discomfort from the cold outside than the cancer, whilst being transported in the ambulance. When we re- entered the room, a morphine syringe driver had been set up and administered. He was unconscious and we were unable to communicate with him. He died the day after and we were unable to say our goodbyes. What you forget, as staff, is that sometimes these persons have no physical experience of anything stronger than paracetamol. My grandfather was admitted on no pain medication. He was 84 and had been healthy all his life, apart from prostate cancer diagnosed 3 yrs.😅😢
As a nurse, we hold a privileged position to enable the families of those dying to accept and be comfortable with the dying process and to provide comfort and compassion to the patient and their relatives. However, this is a really bad example of your poor communication skills between the family and the patient. Please don’t blame the relatives. Your heart of stone is exposed. You appear angry and arrogant that they caused you more work. It is not YOUR patient, but it’s certainly their relative. You do not have ownership of any patients, you are paid to provide care and to kindly support the relatives and the patient, the whole family in their grieving process. I would urge you to be kind. If you feel so resentful to significant others in your job, then perhaps look for another. Because they re not animals, they are family team that has a history. 😢
I am a caregiver and I often care for people during the last days. So many families refuse to allow their loved ones to take the morphine. They believe it hastens death, that their loved one is out of it, and most common, that the patient will become addicted. They desperately cling to the small sliver of hope that this is not the end.
Thats so weird that people worry about addiction. A woman who told her story about her dying mother said the doctor wouldn't give her mother a higher dose of morphine because she might get addicted. This happened in the 60's I believe.
When my husband was dying from agent orange. He was at a VA hospital. Hospice came in and took over. VA had a special ward for the dying. Hospice gave Me a paper telling me what was going to happen to my husband. They called it a natural death. They took him off all support systems. It was renal failure. They gave him pain meds seems like every 15 minutes. He was not conscious but they said he could hear. He was surrounded by family. We talked, joked, told old family stories, and laughed. It was a great way for him to pass.
@@Sheryl777 Good question. He died from saturation of Agent Orange. There was no coming back. The cancer had moved to his brain. Just because he was not conscious he still had pain. Also, he could hear. That was explained to Me by the nurses. His body was not in pain only his brain. They brought a great deal of peace to Me.
That you for posting this part- "We talked, joked, told old family stories, and laughed." When my father was dying in hospice care this is what we did. I think he would have liked knowing that we had so many good stories about being with him. And yet sometimes I wonder if we should have been more solemn. After reading what you wrote, I think we did the right thing and what he would have preferred. I am sorry for your loss.
@@Sheryl777 My mother was given morphine at the end and I'm VERY happy that she was. Maybe she would have lived a day or two more without it, but her life would not have been better had she lived 2 days more. Her condition was such that recovery was not possible It's impossible to put a value on someone else's days. but her last days were difficult. I've questioned many things about how her last years might have been better, but never doubted approving morphine.
My grandma was on morphine before she passed on June 3,2021 and I’m glad my aunt made a great decisions to put her on it so she could be a comfortable dying with be with Jesus. I love you grannie RIP
The one who makes the decision to do that can have a lot of guilt too. I’m a believer of writing down in your will, or last wishes that if your situation is hopeless and painful, you want this. It saves a lot of family members guilt.
Thank you for this timely video. My wife went into her final stages of life on 10-28-2019. She finally passed on 11-05-2019. I stayed with her during most of this time. She was non-responsive, and i was allowed to administer additional Morphine whenever she appeared to be struggling. I was told that I was helping her and not hastening her death, but I have seriously been concerned that the opposite was true. I feel more comforted having watched and listening to you. Perhaps I gave her the most comfort that I could give by doing that. Unfortunately I was not with her when she passed. I had gone home to shower and get some sleep. Maybe that was her final gift to me.
She knew. My Aunt did they same. We were getting ready to switch sitting with her and when no one was in the room ( maybe 10 min) she went "home". I hug you.
Thank you. A few years ago I experienced cardiac arrest and respiratory failure while in a hospital cardiology bed. It triggered code blue. My last awareness before losing consciousness was anxiety. I knew that I was dying. The nurses in cardiology saved my life. No one should experience the fear of dying unnecessarily. For someone in the last days of cancer, morphine would be far preferable to the grim sense of death. This video is very helpful.
Thankypu for this post My Father was a great man. He died pf lung cancer In his last moments a nurse gave him morphine. He died soon after with a contented smile after sitting up one last time to look at all eleven of his children one last time. I rhought the nurse hastened his death till today. God is good. Thankyou
@@amysands2413 For some of us, it is a big deal. I know for others they don't mind if someone hastens their loved one's death, and that's their decision. I was only speaking for what my choice would be. Hopefully that's ok with you if I have a different opinion than yours.
@@Sheryl777 Nothing wrong with having a different opinion that you respectfully keep to yourself. However, to post badgering and harassing comments regarding the deaths of other people's loved ones, in a thinly veiled attempt to publicly argue and selfishly shove your opinion into everybody's faces, is an extremely insensitive, extremely disrespectful, and extremely inappropriate thing to do.
@@gregcarter8656 Uhhhh...it's not about other people's loved ones...that is their own business...it was about my loved one that got killed without my knowledge at the time. WHY should I be required to keep that to myself? My experience is just as valid as anyone else's who has lost a loved one to cancer (or whatever else the disease might have been for their loved one). So, are you suggesting that I have no right to talk about how it made me feel when I realized my loved one had been euthanized without my knowledge? Sorry but you are wrong...I have just as much right to my feelings about the subject as anyone else who has been through that horrible experience of losing a loved one to a disease has a right to their feelings. If you are suggesting that only people who are FOR euthanasia should speak, then again, I believe you are wrong. There are people who have lost loved ones (me included) who are on both sides of this issue.
This video just released my soul a bit. My Father was suffering from CHF, CLL, and COPD. At the end of his life he was gasping for breath. I gave him Lorazapam(sp?) to calm him. When that didn't work, I gave him Morphine. Within a minute or two, he was gone. This was in 2013. Since them I have been beating myself up for that. My motive was to slow him down and gain steady breathing. Not his demise. I have been believing it was the Morphine that took him and it was my fault. I know now scientifically, that was not the case. Thank you so very much for this video.
My condolences to you. Actually, I had a similar experience. My sister suffered a heart attack at home and I took her to the emergency room. The doctor gave her morphine as treatment for her chest pains which I felt was incorrect. The morphine was too strong because she ended up not being able to breathe properly (worsened the heart attack). The gave her norepinephrine to reverse the morphine which brought her back temporarily but the damage had already been done. She suffered a second heart attack and didn't survive. This doctor (as well as other doctors) cannot tell the whole truth because if they did, profits will drop and they will lose their job. Morphine can and does kill. So your hunch was correct.
@@wakeup6759You couldn’t have any less idea what you are talking about. The other poster did not hasten or cause a family members death, and for you to suggest they did is just wrong. They allowed their family member to be more comfortable and pass away peacefully. Your sister didn’t die of a morphine overdose. She died of a heart attack. Norepinephrine isn’t given for a morphine overdose, narcan is. Your sister had a massive heart attack, went into cardiogenic shock, and that was why norepinephrine was given. Good on whoever gave her morphine in an attempt to provide some pain relief. She should have been taken directly to the cath lab and or operating room for either stent placement or bypass grafting. I don’t know whether this was done or not or what went on in the hospital, but please do not falsely place blame on people when you are clearly misinformed about what actually went on.
While I was in hospital with COVID back in January, after I'd been moved from the ICU to a ward, two ladies both sadly passed away from a combination of COVID & dementia. With the first lady, we knew in the morning she would pass away, & in the evening, the nurses took her to a private, single-bed room & made her comfortable with morphine. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. The second lady, it was sudden. She'd only been given morphine to help calm her night-time agitation, but before she'd had enough of it, she developed agonal breathing (a pattern of breathing a person slips into before they pass away). However, I have absolutely no doubt that she had enough morphine on board to stop her breathing to distress her. I've seen for myself, the relief that morphine can provide to a dying person. I'm very grateful we have it for people who are dying &/or in pain.
Thank you so much for this. When Mom was dying from Lewy Body dementia, she was screaming and crying. The hospice nurse told us she was going to administer morphine, and my Mom quieted and shortly died. I always wondered if the morphine hastened her death and felt guilty because even if it did, I was grateful that she died peacefully. Thanks to this video, I now know that the morphine did not kill her, it just helped her to die peacefully.
With all the meds out there keeping us alive, dying is a hard .. I witnessed this process with my Father two weeks ago with the administration of Morphine. It truly eases the dying into an easier death from what I saw as he took his last breath
Anyone that is knowledgeable of what morphine actually does and still disagrees with it should take a look at postmortem spasms. We are surrounded by life so we often forget what death entails
I’m so thankful I found this video, my MIL is in dying process. The family has been weighing her end of life care. I personally don’t see any reason for her last moments to be uncomfortable and full of anxiety. I plan to show this video to those family who think I’m wanting to hasten her death. No matter what choices we make,she will die,the only thing we can control is what her emotional state will be at the time. I want to see her bathed regular as she hated being dirty,play her favorite music, hold her hand, reassure her that she is loved, medicate her to reduce her pain and especially control her anxiety as this has been the most distressing symptom so far.She is afraid of the pain to a point where her anxiety is effecting the quality of the time she has left.
I was a Hospice nurse at a Hospice here in Florida for years. I called it the "Morphine Monster" that so many families were afraid of, educating them on the benefits often worked. All to often, the family members would say " I do not want my loved one strung out on drugs!" Morphine to the dying is like Tylenol to the living. The dying benefit from opioids in the dying process. Ativan, MSE, and even Haldol benefit the patient greatly.
I needed to hear this. I am a nurse, I don’t work hospice, and was present at my Dads side when he passed. He did start complaining of intense pain the day before he died. This explanation makes total sense, wish I heard it a few years ago.
I’m a retired hospice nurse. I know how the use of medications in actively/imminently dying patients is very much different than with curative medicine. Given the different goals of care, that makes sense. One of the experiences that eventually drew me into nursing, then hospice, was watching my aunt die of lung cancer in 1976. Hospice was all-but-unknown then in the US, and her pain and dyspnea treatments were rudimentary, not much more than aspirin. When my mother was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in 1992, I know how afraid she was. Fortunately, when the time came, her oncologist referred her to hospice. Mom’s decline and death were entirely opposite of my aunt’s, thanks to the hospice nurses and CNAs who led an entirely ignorant primary caregiver, me, through it. Nursing is by far the most rewarding part of my life. I hope you find it the same in these trying times. 💚
My nephew was given morphine & he said it gave him a warm feeling that everything was all right, with no pain. My Mother was given morphine at the end & I sat with her, holding her hand for 5 days. The nurses, said to watch her face for distress. Her death was very peaceful, with no physical manifestion of distress. My brother was given morphine & immediately went into terrible convulsions-he was allergic to morphine.
My mother had stage IV metastatic lung cancer. It had progressed to her brain and she had terrible headaches in hospice. We elected that she be given morphine till she passed. She passed away peacefully. We don’t regret our decision.
My godson (my nephew)was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end of Feb 20 19.He and my sister-his mom-came to stay with me for his final days.We got him into Hospice and he was gone by March the 7th.Had he not had the kind and loving care of the nurses at hospice ,his last days would have been even more excruciating then they were .None of us ,who were caring for him, could have taken seeing him in such pain.The morphine shots we were taught to give him every hour on the hour allowed him to leave this world so filled with pain and go to his heavenly father.I can never thank the people with hospice enough.Ending his pain and giving him that comfort, helped to make our pain at losing him more bearable.We all knew the morphine shots eased him into another place where he was no longer in pain.And he could die in peace.
I was present during the final days of my Mother In Law's life. Morphine was a godsend as she was in pain and made her final days bearable. The final hours are brutal and people need to prepare themselves. I suggest you watch videos on what happens to a person as their body's systems shut down. If we had not, the event would have been horrifying. As it was my wife and her brothers could not be in the room as she expired. I volunteered for that duty and it really opened my eyes. She was a great lady and the thought of her suffering was not acceptable.
Make sure you use IV morphine as opposed to PO (by mouth), as end of life pain management is difficult when using PO medication. I was the RN director of patient care for a hospice in Los Angeles and experienced great frustration when IV morphine was not available. PO Roxanol is fine when used for pain management, but not at end of life.
My mother had liquid morphine by mouth the morning she died and unbeknownst to me she couldn't swallow it. When she passed away the throat muscles let go and the morning mouthful went down with a glug. Each time she moved or seemed a bit agitated she was given more. Maybe she was just trying to talk to us? I don't understand why someone who is no longer swallowing is given morphine by mouth.
@@pnkrckmomNot always true; some do, for instance, a dilaudid drip, or infusion pump for various high potency opiates (yummy). My sister is a hospice nurse. I wasn't in hospice, but I used to get 240 ml bottles of liquid morphine 20mg/ ml. This clear stuff could easily be drawn into a needle and injected 💉 which I did a lot. Now, one must be careful, since some liquid morphine that is a blue liquid burns like hell upon injection. The blue stuff contains a bit of hydrochloric acid - probably an abuse deterrent ...
Thank you. This is a very comforting message to me since I had to agree to the morphine for my dying father three years ago and I never completely understood its use at the end of life. I had a nagging feeling that I was hastening his death, which a small part of me knew wasn't the case. Instinctively, I told the doctor that I didn't want my father to be aware he was struggling for breath or suffocating at the end, like a person slowing having the sensation of drowning. That was my biggest fear, that since my father died of stroke complications, he was not communicative at the end. I had to be his advocate. When his breathing became labored, my instincts told me to tell the attending doctor the night he died to 'keep him comfortable and not let him feel the struggle to breathe'. This is where the morphine came in and I am grateful he died peacefully in his sleep later that night.
Just give me the morphine drip in one arm and the Bacardi rum drip in the other. Oh and a pack of smokes with some nice Miles and Coltrane playing in the background. 😎
Thank you for making this information clear. A family member was allowed to die with less stress. What a blessing to see his pain relieved in his last moments.
My partner died of Lewy body dementia a year ago, during last two months of his life he no longer recognized anyone, he lost his ability to eat, speak, or walk. The Hospice nurses were only with him a day and a half, I don't know if he was in pain, but his passing was a blessing I wouldn't want anyone to suffer with dementia. I got to watch him die for five years, very slowly, loosing little bits of him every day until there was nothing left.
My mother heard me speak on this topic many times. When she had hospice she asked me to be sure she got the last shot. It was my privilege to give it to her and others. No one died before their last second here on earth. ❤️🙏🌹
Thank you for that message. When my mother was dying, the hospice nurse gave her some morphine. My sister later said it bothered her, that maybe the nurse caused her passing. I didn't think so and comforted my sister. My mother was dying, there was no other way it was going to go. She was 89 years old with dementia. Thank you.
My mom passed away in January I was with her the night before she passed. She was on hospice but not yet given the morphine. I called the nurse first thing in the morning because it was a difficult night and her breathing was becoming labored. She gave her morphine and filled up viles of it to give her every 4 hours. When the nurse left I gave my mom another dose after the 4 hours. I felt unsure giving it to her , My mom ended up passing away in the afternoon. I felt like the morphine made her pass. I actually felt guilt. Reading these comments and hearing what the doctor says in this video makes me feel a bit more at peace . I still hope I did the right thing 😢
It's so hard what you're going through but she was no more in pain due to the morphine and I'm really sure your mom smiles and thanks to you. Overdose? No idea but you'll be fine. Take care.
Rest assured you did the right thing. I was with my mom, my mom in law AND dad in law when they died. Morphine allowed a calm death. I worked as an RN for decades.
I'm so glad you posted this I saw my parents suffer until hospice started helping I've heard so many say hospice kills your love ones and my mom was suffering wouldn't have live a month with her help she got two years of at least a somewhat normal life thank you hospice god bless
My dad was a doctor and I would go with him to accident cases in the 1950's and 60's. I have seen people in their death agonies without the morphine to ease their passing. It's not a pretty situation and not for the faint of heart. I just hope when it is my time that I die in a hospital or hospice where my death can be eased by drugs.
I have had both my beloved husband (lung cancer) & Mother (ms+copd+chf) both at home w/hospice diagnosis... thank God (& I do) for the morphine pain & anxiety treatment... thank you Hospice for helping me help them
My FIL was "actively dying" for nearly 3 weeks after suffering a massive stroke. He was on Morphine that entire time. It did not quicken his death, only made him more comfortable while the rest of his body slowly shut down. Only at the very end, did they start to increase the dosage to help the lungs slow down, for as the dr said, the stress response of the body to try and stay alive, is real.
@@Sheryl777 No. Didn't say "overdose" at all. They increased his amount, but it was still in the acceptable parameters of care. The same thing if your in an increased amount of pain, they increase your pain meds, or if you need an increase in heart or thyroid medication. They monitored the situation and adjusted the medication as needed. I was reiterating that these patients are typically on low doses of Morphine to alleviate the suffering, and don't receive higher doses until the very end, as the dying body starts going into a "fight or flight" stress response. Not overdosed at all.
@@Sheryl777 when someone is dying of say breast cancer they are in a lot of pain and ask for more pain relief. It's a fine line but it's not nice watching people suffer.
@@yvonnegill2155 It's also not nice to not let the family know ahead of time that you're going to euthanize their family member, or keep them in the dark about what really happened. If it's such a big secret, then maybe something is wrong.
My 52 year old niece just died last Thursday 6/8/2021 It was Cancer she had a large mass in her uterus and she went in to have what we thought was going to be a hysterectomy but then doctors discovered this. She was in Hospice for only 2 and a half days and was on morphine. Thank you for this video, it helped clarify things💔
I worked at Kaiser Permanente hospice dept. in SF. I do have high respects to my coworkers especially the nurses. Everybody worked very hard to make the patients life control their pain. Hats off to all of my coworkers.
Not everyone has a tough life though. People think they have a tough life but have never had a rough day even. If you have never had ANY MENTAL OR PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS UNTIL YOU GOT OLDER......You had an EXCELLENT LIFE!!
I'm getting very old and if I'm dying anyway and dealing with chronic pain I would welcome the drug. Just say your goodbyes before you start taking it.
@@Kacee2 i.commented i take one.every 12hrs go to pharmacy and a suddem.dose to high???kne..old.lady took,100mg 3x a day year's bk,dont let this mrn fool you
Thank you. I was the only family member who cared about my dad dying. The hospice was so kind that they allowed me to stay in a suite and did not charge me. I suspect they felt bad due to our family dysfunction. I was the only family member who watched him take his last breath. I was talking to him the whole time, about my childhood memories. He got morphine a lot even when he had extensive motteling. But he was still able to squeeze my had (barely) during his last hour alive. He deserved a loving wife and sadly he was addicted to Catholicism. Death relieved him from his painful life.
My wife is in hospice right now. When a person goes into hospice care, the goal is to keep them comfortable and without pain. Medical professionals have already determined that the person is terminal so the goal is to keep them comfortable and pain free during the death process. No attempt is made to treat the cause of their death. The patients needs as well as immediate family are the primary concern of the hospice caregivers. Hospice care is the only program where medicare will pay for custodial care. My only complaint is that care is only provided 5 days per week , but is required by some patients 7 days a week.
What an important video this is. Yesterday I was discussing with some good friends that we need to be prepared to face death as a normal moment of our lives. Having a good doctor to turn this difficult moment in a less painful experience is very important to those who are dying and their families.
i was my wifes caregiver during he hospice care from a rare form of advanced thyroid cancer. the nurses came to check on us once a week.it got to the point her pain was getting worse and she decided now was the time for morphine, she had rejected it up to that point where the pain was unbearable. the hospice nurses inserted a port in her wrist and showed me how to administer the morphine, the day before we started was fairly normal but the next day after i had given her the first morphine injection, she went to sleep and never once woke up, she was in this state for 2 weeks. i didn't know this is how morphine worked, i thought she would at least be somewhat aware and talk. so basically she died right after the first injection. during the 2 weeks up until her death, all i could think about was that she ate no food and drank nothing. i asked the nurses about this because as far as i was concerned she was dying because she had no sustenance but they were adamant that she was fine and did not feel the effects of hunger or thirst. this was very hard to wrap my mind around
When my mom was dying of brain cancer at home last year, she was also on morphine as needed. She’d wake up periodically but would not eat or drink. The nurse assured us this is normal process of the body dying, the body goes into a dying mode where it will not take in food or drink. I didn’t know this either, but I do know the morphine helped with my moms agitation and fear. She was blind and couldn’t speak, but I believe she was still in there somewhere to some extent and we wanted her passing to be as comfortable and not scary (for her) as possible
I was in the hospitsl for 8 days at the beggining of this month. The first 4.5 days i ate nothing and drank nothing. They did have an iv in my to help with hydration but my mouth got very dry. I could touch my tounge with a spong. Thats it. The first couple of days i wadnt hungry bc of the pain killer just a little thirsty. By yhe end of the 3rdcday i had no desire for foid or drink whatsoever and was very peacful and relaxed. Bc of that experience, I believe that your wife didnt suffer bc of no eating/drinking.
My aging father was dying from a fall. At the hospital they said he was restless and tried to get out of bed. He was put on hospice care and was brought home (he had always said he wanted to die at home) and we took care of him for the few days before he passed. He was on morphine and other meds - he basically slept for the few days before passing. Never said a word - and seemed to be in no discomfort. The only time he acted like he was in pain was when the nurse had to move him to adjust his bed clothes, etc. My mother was also on hospice, many years ago, a few weeks before dying - as she had wanted to die at home also. For me, this is the way to go - as opposed to being forced to stay alive - worse if the body goes into a vegetative state. If you are in a hospital if this happens, their job is to keep you alive. Yes, some people do make a full recovery, but many don't.
I am a RN very very familiar with end of life. This however was very informative for the public, myself and health professionals. Continual learning is key.
My poor poor mother died from ALS. She lost so much so quickly and lived for three years unable to even scratch her own nose. lift her arm. lift even a finger. She was trapped in her shell in pain and the do tors would not prescribe her anything more because they would be reported if someone on staff thought she had had too much. It was so horrible and I still rage when I think how long it finally took her to pass.
My elderly dad was dying in hospice, of lung and bone cancer. He was becoming less lucid and repeatedly was trying to get out of bed "to go to work" but had a seriously gangreneous foot. We tried distracting him but nothing brought him back to reality. He was inconsolable thinking he was late for work, so doctors gave him morphine and haloperidol which helped tremendously to relax him. He was awake and calm right up until his last breath.
After two months of dying from cancer, we were told our mom was going to die that night. She was not really “there”, and had her eyes closed. But occasionally she would moan and act like she was in pain. The instant I saw that I asked them to give her more morphine, and they would. After she died one of my sisters was perplexed by the morphine, and at first thought that they had sort of “mercy killed” her, or helped her along quicker. I think I’ll share this video with her. Thank you.
My mom was on morphine during her final days. She was very comfortable and died peacefully at the age of 95. We were so blessed to have her for so long. She was a gift from god. I was confused as to why she wasn’t being fed any nutrients during this time. God bless the heath care workers ❤️
@@bflathead I don't know the circumstances. People in the final stages loose their appetite and won't feel the hunger. An IV can be painful and doesn't do much. Many dementia patients at the end would choke on their food, and the actual death will be from starvation, but it will be peaceful one without discomfort.My mother went this way.
I just listened to a video the other day by a hospice nurse who stated that when the patient is actively in the final moments stage, the body needs all the energy it can to move the dying process forward. To give them food is actually hurting them, even through IV, because now the body is trying to use energy to digest the food. This causes stress to the patient and can be extremely uncomfortable for them, making the dying process very stressful. You are actually doing the patient a huge justice, and you are actually being merciful by not feeding them in the final stages. This makes the transition so much easier for them and depletes stress in their bodies.
My mother developed bleeding on the brain after a fall, she was 90 and she wouldn't have survived any procedure to mitigate her condition. She began to experience serious terminal restlessness, she kept pulling out her IV's, pulling her clothes off, and trying to get out of bed, the milder sedatives weren't very effective, it was agonizing to watch her struggle. It was finally decided to put her on an IV drip of morphine a few days before her death, even though she was mostly out of it, it eased our loss to know she wasn't fighting spirits in her head and she peacefully passed.
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My husband died of cancer. His last two weeks of life were spent in hospice. I was with him 24/7. I controlled when he was given pain medication based on the level of pain I could tell he was in. If he had been given enough medication that he could sleep, but was still grinding his teeth and grimacing, I knew he needed more. If he was relatively calm I would have them hold off so he could be “present” and included in whatever was going on. The hospice workers, I’m convinced, are Angels come to earth. In the end he went to sleep with no further medication. He slept for a little over five hours. He was extremely hot. Someone called it “terminal fever”. Then without waking his heart stopped and he exhaled for the last time. He was out of pain and was peaceful for the first time in over a year. When people are dying we owe it to them to make their passing as pain free and gentle as possible. Most especially if we love them.
Thank you for sharing. God bless!
My late partner was on morphine and ativan in the last two weeks of his life. Based on the hospice visits or phone calls the hospice nurse could increase the dosage as needed. I kept very accurate records as was expected and never batted an eye at it. The last two days the dose was increased to help with calming his breathing and restlessness even though at that point he was in a coma. He quietly passed with me at his side telling him he was loved and it was time to let go and see the family who was waiting in heaven for him. I believe they had visited while he was somewhat still lucid because he was staring in awe into the corner of the room and smiled. After that he closed his eyes and never opened them again. The only regret I have is that I didn't just lay in bed and hold him in those final night hours, but he knew I was there. There was a slight squeeze of my hand and it relaxed as he took his final breath.
Amen!
@@averyflynn3359 Beautiful. 🙏
@@stevelangland3924 Wow , Your post made me tear up. I hope you’re getting over your pain. Thanks for sharing
My daughter was dying of cancer. She had a morphine drip. The doctor said that my daughter couldn't speak or see, but she had a heightened hearing sense. I sang songs to her. Songs my mom and her grandmom sang to her. For a long time I sang and sang. She was a beautiful young woman.❤ miss her!❤
GOD BLESS YOU God favors the broken hearted
Really sorry. Those songs you sang are still vibrating. ☮️
Can I ask how you knew she had heightened hearing?
thank you for that, tearing up as as I type.
@@sweetbeep she wrote that the Drs told her that
My Dad was dying of lung cancer. The nurses went over palliative care options and told him they would give him morphine to help him any time he felt he needed it. Dad, always a tee-totaller and avoider of pain meds, looked straight at the nurse and asked "I'm not going to get hooked on this stuff, am I?" I miss his sense of humor.
Sad you should say that. My father had metastic prostate cancer. It spread up his spine and he was in excrutiating pain. They only gave him Percodan and limited that because they didn't want him to get addicted! This was in 1973. I will never forgive them for that.
Your dad brought a big smile to my face with his sense of humor. RIP
Gold
Downtown Indy -- Your dad sounds like a great guy. He's probably making The Angels laugh right now. Bless you.
Pucca
I watched a friend of mine die in a VA hospital. He had cardiac insufficiency and his organs and tissues were dying slowly from lack of oxygen. He cried for morphine while chewing the dying flesh off his fingertips and the nurses would not give him more because it would kill him. I was a nurse at the time and I was appalled at their lack of sympathy. If a person is dying and is suffering that badly give them a little extra push to ease them out of this world. I think that is the kindest thing health care workers could do.
The VA is much more open to scrutiny than a private doctor.
I agree but… Unfortunately, in the US, with the exception of 13 states where physician- assisted “suicide” is legal, you are talking about a crime. Even in the states where physician-assisted suicide is legal, that would be illegal UNLESS the patient set up the legal documentation while they were still compos mentis.
That would be cruel if we did that to our pets! It’s nuts.
Yes you are correct
@@ailleananaithnid2566we treat are pets better than our loved ones.
This is something hospital doctors just won't do. It's assisted suicide. It runs counter to everything they're about. If the choice is suffering or keep them alive they will always choose keeping them alive. It's part of the oath they took. End-of-Life care is atrocious in America. This is how the whole idea of hospice care emerged. Outside of hospice, your results probably would have been the same anywhere you went.
That drug is a Blessing to those dying and in pain.
MOST THE PEOPLE ARE NOT DYING YA KNOW. THERE MADE TO LOOK THAT WAY
@@lookingthruwolfeyes What do you mean, explain.
@@lookingthruwolfeyes you are a pathetic troll
@@jimmyolsen5897 Report all his posts.
@@guitarista67 I believe in free speech
My Dad had morphine in his last 4 hours. He had shortness of breath and it calmed it down to almost (almost) normal and steady. I believe his transition was much more relaxed and peaceful.
Bless you !!!
My father was dying of prostrate cancer that had spread through out his lower body. It ended up attacking his vital organs the day he died. The nursing home called me in the morning and told me they were sending him to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing. Later in the evening at 5 pm my sister in law called me and said I need to go to the local ER. When I arrived I found my father breathing like he was running a marathon and unconscious. The ER doctor told me that his system was septic and his organs were shutting down. He gave us two choices. One they could try to keep him alive but he was in pain and it would just prolong his condition. Or Two they could give him morphine and lessen the pain and help him pass on. We chose the morphine. The nurses dosed the oral morphine and he lasted 7 hours after the morphine doses started. It is a hard decision if you really love the person that is dying. I had many talks with my father prior to him dying and he told me several times that he didn't want to be kept alive. I am a peace with the whole experience. I hope others that have to make that decision will feel the same when the time comes.
I'm sorry for your loss. I don't understand how you can call that a hard decision. If you love someone, you don't want to prolong their suffering. My mother is going through this now.
My father was unkind to me, so I'm happy for the peace that brings
Sorry to hear that. Prayers for your mother, you and your family. @@karenshaw7807
Bless you sister
My mother had similar symptoms and was dying from liver cancer. Her shortness of breath and unrest prompted me to ask the nurse to get authorization for a light dose of morphine because I did not want her suffering. She passed quietly but I felt guilty for years. This explanation has helped me accept the use of morphine.
As a pain patient, I can honestly say that this is clearly the MOST humane thing that anyone can do to for someone that is dying. It is definitely the way that I would like to go.
AMEN
my grandma died of cancer. I saw the whole thing. we and the nurses we had at our home gave her morphine when she was passing away. she had a very peaceful death in her own bed. the most picture perfect way to go. the morphine helped out a lot.
Pain patients have some idea about opiods.... Too many myths, too many misconceptions, and, if you are in constant pain, worries about dependence feel pretty trivial!
@@lohikarhu734 It ONLY feels trivial until you realize that the medication, NO matter how it is used as directed and NOT abused, eventually stops working and the dose keeps being increased, until the point where you notice that the medication itself seems to be responsible for the increase of your pain!! After 23+ years on these medications, I made the difficult decision to wean myself off of it. Yes, I still struggle with pain, but at least I have a clear head when dealing with it!!!
I live with chronic pain and these type meds are a god send for me . They have allowed me to work again and control my pain so it is bearable .Hope your pain is ok, i know what it is like to live in pain.
I want as much morphine as they will give me at the end. As a nurse with over 40 years of experience, I've seen many families withhold morphine because "we are just trying to kill" their loved ones. They suffered horribly. I just want to be comfortable, so bring it on.
It's comforting to know it's available, thank you for the information.
@@Nilla187og
What the heck are you blabbering on about? You’re making no sense. Try using punctuation & auto correct.
Former crta/cna/cma/lpn for 35 yrs. I’ve worked hospital,long term care, & did private duty. I’ve seen more than my fair share of ppl dying. Morphine & Dilauded are aGod send. Ppl think you get old, go to sleep and just don’t wake up. 95% of the time that is not how it works. There’s a lot of pain and suffering that goes on when the body starts preparing itself for death. And if you have a disease in one of your organs (liver, heart, lungs, ect), your death is going to be 10 times worse. around 2-3 wks prior to death, The first thing a person does when starting the process of dying is to stop or lessen eating and drinking. They sleep a lot. They become dehydrated & malnourished (which is painful in its own way), they may become confused or look around like they’re lost and then organs start to fail (again, VERY painful). There are more processes that go on but I forget what they are. It’s been 15 yrs since I’ve worked. The last stage of death is sleep. 24/7. That can go on up to 24 hours to a week.
❤❤
Some people are just disgusting. Putting their "loved ones" through that is pure ignorance, horrible and a clear lack of intelligence.
My Aunt had brain cancer and was in terrible pain, the morphine helped her sleep. She also died peacefully.
@@lookingthruwolfeyes what an ass
@@rexhayes1719 yeah he is.
@@lookingthruwolfeyes I’m sorry you’re such a miserable fuck.
@@lookingthruwolfeyes YOU DON'T GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m sorry for your Aunt’s passing but I’m glad she was able to go in a peaceful manner
My grandma had bone cancer, she was close to 100 yrs old. This medicine helped her pass away as a rose 🌹 opened up in front of us, she went to sleep peacefully with my Dad at her side. If it wasn't for this medicine she would had passed in alot of pain which is cruel and unnecessary. She asked to take the pain away and she was then in comfort as she closed her eyes and peacefully passed. ✝️🙏☮️😇✌️🌹❤️
She should've been given medication to ease her suffering long before the last few days of life. As a retired R.N. , I'm horrifed new CDC guidelines REQUIRE people to remain in pain unless death is imminent.
Morphine was given to my dad as an end-of-life medication and I am so grateful for that!
As a retired RN who has used morphine to help my patients to relax and stop hurting as they were dying, all I can say is thank you sir for the information given. I have seen too many patients not given the medication they needed to help them as they were dying, because the family believed too many misconceptions about morphine. This short video was very much needed to help alleviate the misconceptions and myths about death and dying. Once again, thank you Legacy Hospice, this was very much needed.
While I agree with you, it should be a decision for the Family to make. Most (if not all) husbands and wives talk about these scenarios well before they are affected. God Bless
7
Cause some nurse's docs take shots themselfs noticed
Our pain shots they using on themselfs,oh here let me give pain.med,waited was.saline wster toldm.get me pq out of here let me go ,guy begn for sandwich and im in severe pain tildm.go.sit his az.down nurse dics gotmad at me lol......i walked out they not care if u dieing,docs suppose take an oath this doc.does not honor
Is it true if taking morphine overdose can we die
I am convinced that terminal patients who are in pain should be given the option of having a morphine IV with NO lockout so that the patient can control their own level of pain and if they overdose, they will have a peaceful death!
Most patients in a dying state can't administer their own morphine.
@@RBLong0928 Right, they sleep alot and are non responsive.
OVERDOSE???? THEY"RE DYING...overdose, your kidding right?
Yes.. in days past, we called it being snowed. Opioids tend to build in the blood. Our Dr’s had them on a 4 hr, and depending on the pts response, would often increase it to 2 hr delivery. So essentially with the build up of the drug, they “overdosed”, and very peacefully passed away. When there is NO HOPE for the pt’s condition, there is hope for their great ease in the inevitable.
🙏🏼✌️Rosey 🇺🇸
@@rosemariedice3092 I think you're right!
My father passed away recently, suffering from liver cancer. The palliative nurses eased his transition with Morphin, it was a blessing, his pain, difficulty breathing and anxiety was significantly reduced. Finally he stopped breathing and he had a very peaceful expression on his face. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the palliative nurses, they are pure angels. Without their support and care, it would have been impossible for my father to die at home, as it was his wish. They accepted that his beloved cat could accompany him on the bed...
My condolences to you and your family. Went through something similar here, too, only it wasn't cancer. Hospice was great with my dad while he was in their care. I now have a better understanding of why morphine was given for pain and anxiety relief. He was comfortable his final days when we visited him.
I wasn’t aware that the body releases stress hormones to wake it up causing terminal restlessness. That makes my heart ache. My mother laid there and was.. not there. Deep sleep constantly. But she kept raising her arms and grunting when she couldn’t open her eyes or wake up. It broke my heart. Finally she moved her head and grimaced like she just accepted it. My heart aches thinking about this. Thank you for posting.
I am going through this with my grandfather right now. He is still with us currently and would be 97 in March. For weeks he was involuntarily saying "help me" whenever he was awake which honestly was quite disturbing. He refused to keep clothes on and was unable to stand at all. Slowly the help me's turned into just nonverbal moaning. Also refusing food or water. He's currently on morphine doing the rapid breathing thing every minute or so. He was just moved next to my grandmother today who seems to be in denial that he is dying. And I honestly don't have the heart to tell her. She was mentioning how he was sleeping all day.. I just hope he is comfortable now that he is on morphine. I've never taken opiates but I have always heard that it is rather blissful. It has been very difficult as I am close with both of them. Before the holidays I was visiting them on a weekly basis for as long as I can remember. During my childhood they would often babysit me so my mother could save money. They were nothing but good to me. I'm grateful I got one more good Christmas with them. Sorry for venting and I hope you are able to find peace. ❤
My grandmother the day before she died said help me and still don’t understand what she meant.
@@yooo2568 Only your grandmother knows what she was asking for, maybe help me to get out of this...
@@bentzenfabio my mom thought it meant help her like transition.
Knowledge is power , understanding hormones releases in our bodies helps us make better choices to not over eat and avoid other negatives. I didn't know about hormone release at life's close either.
My Mother in law passed away this evening, drs put her on morphine last Saturday night. I knew the end was coming. My husband was with her today. She started shaking. They came in and gave her an oral dose Of morphine. She had a hard time breathing it was very rapid at first then it became very shallow. She passed away at 6pm California time tonight. She suffered from dementia and bipolar disorder for 6 years. She was 97 years old.RIP Mom. We all loved you and we are missing you tonight. Be happy with Dad, I know he was waiting for you.
I'm sorry for your loss.
I am also sorry for your loss.
@@cathydavis7622 thank you very much ❤️
😪💔
my mom died the same way she had brain tumors I know the feeling to watch someone you love go
My mother was a hippie inside so once, when she was nearing the end, I visited her at the hospice and as I entered, she looked at me with a beatific smile and told me to try one of her pills because she was tripping balls and wanted me to share in the experience. Man, I miss her.
Being an old hippy me self i would like to go tripping balls too , i bet you miss her ! ❤
Your mother sounds like a kindred spirit! I would have loved to have known her. 😊❤
Ahhhhh....
That's quite sad, actually.
tripping balls on morphine? might have been something else
I was by my mothers side when she died of brain cancer. You better be thankful there are drugs like morphine.
At my insistence I was given a morphine prescription 11 years ago for stage 4 throat cancer that spread to other areas. Surprisingly, after 1 year of cancer treatment I did survive all the cancer (Praise God). I was addicted to morphine after about 6 weeks of use, so I switched to enduring the pain rather than let the morphine create a further risk. It is amazing what you are capable of doing when you realize you might be a survivor. Let those who are terminal have their comfort.
Interesting. I was hospitalized for 6 weeks. 2 weeks of morphin. I became resistant. Had to switch to other opiods. I was totally surprised I didn't get addicted. They sent me home with nothing! Weird, but I was fine.
Out of all the pain medications given to me over the years, morphin was the most effective and comfortable. ✌️❤️
~🦋
You, sir, are one in a million. Usually, when the cancer has already spread to other areas, the chances of recovery are very unlikely.
Opiates make everything all right in the world. There are some serious downsides for recreational use, but no downsides at all when used for someone dying. I hope I get my share of morphine when my time comes!
Nothing wrong also- for people with a Severe Chronic Pain Illness. Responsibly used it for 29+ years with not one measly problem from it, until they decided to torture us again for nothing like they did to me for 10 years just to start getting a measly non working dosage.
A so called high dosage, I simply call a working dosage. Which worked even though the high/buzz feeling had gone away decades before- as a working level dosage works, but they love to negatively lie about Opiate/Opioid Medicines. To freely, happily, gladly, torture innocent people in dire Pain.
Thanks I get for not drinking, not smoking, not doing illegal drugs. In this so called united states land- I now consider the biggest con ever told on this earth.
@@Wolfwolveswolf agree!
I would prefer to get my morphine now. 😃
@@brianpan6453 People are dying to get morphine! I'm here all week, be sure to tip the waitresses.
JOKES ABOUT DYING..SAD..😥
Here's the short answer, Morphine helps prevent excessive suffering for the patient,so you can pass in peace.
My dad passed in January. Hospice was called in three days before his passing. He was experiencing very strong "hiccups" and difficult breathing patterns before morphine was administered. Daddy was without a doubt more at ease once the morphine began. He never lost the ability to identify anyone and passed peacefully. My daddy is simply waiting to be resurrected when the Lord returns.
Sorry about your dad passing away. You can rest assured he is alive and well right now. To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.
@@InCityDreamss Thank you. You are right. And although I miss him, I know he's in paradise.
@@marilynwade7136 I am really glad you believe and take comfort in that.
when your body can no longer repair itself. your soul/spirit will leave the body and will then enter heaven if you have been good and had faith the Lord will guide you on your way. Can you remember when you cut yourself bruised yourself had hangovers etc Then your body repaired it all? now the day has come and it just cannot do it anymore speak to god ask for the holy spirit to come in and save you Amen. do not leave it too late. blessings to you all.
@@bwghall1 Amen. And when this body finally fails and you have a relationship with the Lord, you'll be given a new body that will never age or hurt again. Praise the Lord
“Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.” Proverbs 31:6
Thank you for sharing, God loves us.
Yes a wine infusion would be great!
Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is thereby misled is not wise.
@@ernestchadwell9069 Yes, context is everything. Giving strong drink to someone who is dying is vastly different than someone being misled by strong drink (drunkenness.) That’s why the Bible gives us context. The principle applies here. Giving pain relief to someone who is dying is vastly different than someone who is abusing medication to get a high. It is Godly and biblical to alleviate suffering. It’s not biblical to get drunk. That’s why the previous verses say wine is NOT for the pleasure of kings and princes, it IS for the sick and dying.
@@KiKi-tf8rv I do agree, however opium is better in every way, the only down side is it's prohibition status (like alcohol was illegal in the USA in the not so distant past.)
Opium and opiates such as morphine are the God-sent gold standard medication for the dying, not only bringing pain relief, reduced anxiety, and sleep, but having the power to suppress coughing and stop end of life secretions in the lungs, all possible at a dose which unlike alcohol, need not cause stupor and loss of intellectual ability.
The restriction of opiates needed by the dying (and some would argue, those with conditions which will probably last for life and having symptoms eased by opiates) is barbarism and a crime against humanity.
Morphine is the last drug drs give to dying patients, I understand now how it helps the death process. Who wants to be afraid and having anxiety attacks. My mother in law did for a very short time. I'm glad her Dr knew what to do. Thank you to all the Nurses and doctors at Royal Oaks in Duarte California for you're constant care .
your
@@dunruden9720 shutup!!!
my mom died from complications of alzheimers. at the end they gave her morphine to allow her anxiety to stop so she could pass peacefully.
Because I had healthcare experience (pediatric not geriatric) the hospice nurse let me administer morphine to my dying grandmother who was on home hospice,but I was so concerned that I wait the exact time between doses (like with children it can be deadly to administer some meds too frequently) that I kept calling the nurse saying it was killing me to watch her suffer when the morphine was wearing off. She told me "you can't kill her, she is already dying, she is drowning from the fluid in her lungs and is suffering her, so if you feel she needs it then give it to her" it made me feel better but some family members thought I was over medicating her (of course these were the ones who sat downstairs and only saw her for a few minutes at a time versus hours and hours with her) and my one uncle who's brother was traveling from another state actually said I caused her to pass early because I gave her morphine before the time it was due. I will never forget that pain, but would do it all over again so she didn't suffer as much as she had been (it was unbearable to witness) 😢🙏 no one should have to suffer like that.
She was lucky to have you there watching over you. You’re right, if the pain can be controlled better, it’s ok. Even my church says it is, but not to give them to the patient to make them die, that’s so wrong, it’s Euthanasia! There is a 36 year old woman on UA-cam that is dying from lung cancer. She’s just gone on Hospice comfort care. It’s so sad. She has 2 little children and a very supportive husband. I don’t think she could ask for a better one. She’s very lucky she had the time to say good-bye. Writing this, it seems she’s had a lot of blessings!
"susanobrien9917," "Calm down; chill, please."
You and the hospice nurse are medical professionals who by good fortune and circumstance PLUS your devotion and love for your grandmother, were there -- on the front lines with her -- 24/7. How dare 'they' second guess her excruciating pain and the necessary, valid, proven treatment you two administered.
To lessen the emotional and psychological pain and uneasiness they've caused you, straight from a non-medical professional's, yet intelligent, reasonable, supportive adult's advice -- by way of a quip.
The blessed, loved, healthy and happy-as-a-clam soul of your grandmother -- direct from 'her reward' in Heaven -- gives you permission -- in fact, implores you -- to tell all of 'them' to 'go eff themselves.' That accomplished, many, many in the UA-cam Universe would love to be a fly on the wall at your extended family's Thanksgiving dinner.
"Thank You, 'Legacy Hospice.'"
&
"Good Luck and Stay Strong to 'Susanobrien9917.'"
NO ONE has the right to say that. You were absolutely right. God Bless.
God used your training, skills, and compassion to ensure your Mom was comfortable. You did everything right. We don’t let animals suffer how could we let our Mom’s. Family will always put their two cents in. I haven’t spoken to my family since before her funeral. I did everything possible to make her comfortable. When she was on hospice my sister insisted on playing Christian music in her hospice bed. I am a born again Christian and I turned it off at her request and played “Ave Maria” as she was a devoted Catholic. It’s not about what we want for them it’s what they need. Only real caregivers who have been with them from the beginning know their needs. My Mom was promoted to heaven on April 28th, 2021. She was a living saint until dementia and sundowners hit. I was the closest to her so I took most of the verbal abuse. My 5 siblings believed
my Mom’s hallucinations because my Mom would never tell a lie. It still hurts to the core but God sees the heart. Thank You Lord for giving me the best Mother in the world. Blessings to you!
You absolutely did the best thing for her. I was the caregiver for my sis and had to fight a loved one who berated me for killing her with morphine. Thank goodness for the hospice nurses who supported me.
My Mother and Father were both in Hospice and Morphine was literally a gift from God to ease their suffering and anxiety near the end. I am very grateful for the Hospice centers and the wonderful people who work there.
My 97 year mother just passed away after several months of advancing agitation and paranoia. One year ago she was still yielding a shovel in her beloved flower garden. Fast forward to 3 months ago eyesight and hearing essentially gone. Physically she used a Walker but otherwise fine with no pain of any sort. Her last night at home was spent pacing the floors arguing with deceased siblings, etc. Early next morning I called hospice nurse who promptly was able to get Rx for Adivan started which didn’t seem to touch her and she continued to pace refusing to lie down. Bottom line she fell, shattered shoulder and hip at which point she was put on morphine since repairing damage not an option. She was in a morphine “coma” for 3 days to alleviate the pain until her final passing. It would have been cruel to attempt to prolong her life. She had a healthy full filling life until 95 when she quickly went downhill. Give me morphine and let me go when my quality of life becomes a waiting game.
As a retired RN, I wholeheartedly concur with this physician’s explanation of end-of-life issues and the need for morphine. Administration of morphine can not only decrease the patient’s anxiety, pain, and restlessness; it also enables the family to have more meaningful time with the patient. The goal is to help the patient and family at the end of life. That the patient “passed peacefully” is what families with hospice care often say.
Bullshit,,, My Mother had a stroke and after several weeks they cranked up the Morphine and killed her.
Morphine is a respiratory depressant which is increased with the common addition of Midazolam. Yes, it is a peaceful death but it definitely does hasten the end of life, lets not kid ourselves.
Really ?? I did not have that experience with the hospice when my brother died. 💔
@@lindaconner3236I don’t think it works for everyone. Two out of 3 of my grandparents it worked for.
We can’t really know what they are experiencing, can we? I’m on pain pills for 20 years and I’ve always been in pain. I’ve had 3 endoscopies and a biopsy where I was supposed to be out of it, but could replay what the doctor said. I think I’m going to need horse pills at the end😮
Anyone that denies their loved one that peace is only thinking of themselves.
You may change your mind when it's your time.
so true
And is very cruel, and evil, to withhold pain meds from an actively dying loved one.
The hospice that handled my sister-in-law's last days denied her the morphine to put her out of her agonizing pain from cervical cancer. She literally died screaming. When placing a loved one in hospice care, investigate them carefully to ascertain what their policy is towards end of life care, and what organizations they belong to, including religious ones that may influence their end care policy. I wouldn't wish a death like hers on anyone.
That is terrible. Everybody needs to talk to family about situations like this. Everybody needs a living will.
Jesus what
WTF? What was the reason for them withholding it?
Wtf They should have been sued. A hospice care center is suppose to help a dying person with the last part of their life and that includes keeping them out of pain so they can make their passing easier.
I’m sorry that you went through that. Not sure where you are, but what hospice agency is this?
Thank you. Aren't we fortunate to have this drug to use at this precious time of life. No one needs to die in pain with suffering.
Agree 100% with this video. As a retired Geriatric Physician I had thousands of patients over the years that succumbed to their disease. Morphine virtually always alleviated the pain and anxiety. It's a good drug when it is used as it is intended to be used. No one should have to suffer through the end of life stage.
I'm not a health professional but I know the necessity of morphine near the end of life. My father was in hospice care and suffering from cancer. He had reached a point where the mere touch was excruciating. He never complained but you saw the pain and anxiety in his eyes. He was given morphine and Ativan which eased his suffering. Whether morphine quickens the dying process or not one would want a dying person to be as comfortable as possible. Thank you for your explanation and for caring for patients at the end of life stage. It can't be easy for caregivers knowing what the most common outcome is in hospice and having that level of compassion for the patient and their loved ones and maintaining such professionalism is extraordinary.
Thank you,from a former hospice nurse.
My right index finger got destroyed in an accident and the pain and fear I was feeling, while absolutely nothing compared to what terminal cancer can cause you, where still so strong that to calm me down I was given morphine.
Every 10 second or so, flashes of the accident were vividly happening in my mind and I could hear the heartbeat monitor accelerating every time.
When the nurse released the lace on my arm and the morphine reached my heart, I felt like a star was being born in my chest and it was one of the most profoundly pleasant feelings I have ever experienced.
If something as bad as terminal cancer would happen to me, I know that, hands down, morphine would be what I’d need the most.
My husband who battled esophageal cancer for 2 years requested he be unconscious in the end. Hospice placed him on enough morphine to render him unconscious as he had requested . He went to sleep, water was withheld and he died 7 days later. We are very grateful for this merciful end to the horrific pain and fear.
My Dad died of esophageal cancer. My brother kept the morphine tablets at his house. He moved in to my brother's house just a few weeks before he died, and he didn't want to be "doped up", as he called it. A few days before he died, he wanted the tablets...
Only he could say if it was painless no one else,
@@snowyowel7961
There are observable signs when someone is in pain, even when they are not able to speak. Restlessness, tight or clenched hands, frowning and grimacing.
Also, shallow rapid breathing and fast heart rate also, though these can also be due to the underlying disease. Fortunately, opioids are very effective to relieve both pain and air hunger.
Lack of water during terminal phase of most illnesses is easily relieved for most by moistening lips, and sometimes wetting tongue. Usually the dying doesn't feel thirst but they feel the oral dryness when more awake.
@@joywebster2678 Why do they withhold water from the patient in the last few days? Is there a reason why they can't be hydrated via drip? I have never understood, I would have thought being without fluids would make for extra pain during the death process.
I have had 3 family that have passed with cancer. Last in 2018. When your near/at the end of your days. The morphine is is a compassionate, empathetic act to sooth the mind and body as you pass. Whatever your misconceptions are or hesitation to use morphine has NOTHING to do with your conviction. It's about your loved one getting ready to pass. Life is HARD ENOUGH, don't let the pain continue to the last days of one's life. Thank You Dr. Lopez. Allot of people need to hear this...again!
My mother in law died of ovarian cancer. It was a long, terrible, six year long drawn out death. My wife was in charge of the morphine..and when her mother came "up", briefly, she was in terrible distress. At that point, my wife and I made damn sure that she (my wife) painted the morphine on her mom's lips enough to keep her down. This was only for the last day of her life. It has been 22 years, and we know in our hearts that we did the right thing.
When my husband was taken off the ventilator and was dying he became anxious, which increased his difficulty breathing. The kind nurse began to dose him with MS, then quickly followed with Ativan. Doing this gave us nearly an hour to talk together before he passed. That was a huge gift. She kept it coming about every two minutes, which kept him comfortable and allowed a dignified death.
When I hear people say why give morphine to a dying person, I say why not. If they are going to die anyway what make them suffer anymore than necessary?
Exactly my thoughts 🙏🏼
Sadly, when morphine is given to a hospice person, it makes them very nauseated
I watched my grandfather die in a hospital in 1991,we had planned to pass peacefully at home, however, in the last days the breakthrough pain after home pain medication management failed, he was brought to the hospital.
My grandmother pleaded with them to just make him comfortable.He was given morphine,& he could finally sleep.He didn’t get nauseous, vomit or anything.
He given it at 9 am, he went to sleep and passed peacefully at 10 pm.
I can only hope to die like that when my time comes. Sadly since then doctors who know a person is dying, will often deny pain control because “they might get addicted “! If you’re going to die within 2 weeks, who cares? Let them be comfortable. Have final visits with loved ones and allow them to say goodbye.
@@mydyisgod that’s not true for all patients. Sure, it can happen to some. But not everyone.
@@mydyisgod Perhaps that's true but I did not see that with either of my parents that it was given to.
Thank you for this explanation and of the death process. I found it very helpful. I was with a dear friend as he was dying and didn't recognize the signs at the time. He was yelling for help and that he couldn't breathe. He had cancer and was undergoing radiation therapy. He was determined to beat the cancer and I was there to support him and be his caregiver. It appeared that he was suddenly having a heart attack and I called 9-1-1 immediately. While I was still on the phone with 9-1-1 and standing right in front of him, he continued yelling for help, as if he didn't realize I was right there, despite my assuring him that help was already on the way. He was sitting on the edge of his bed with his feet on the floor and would alternately fall back onto the bed, and then reach out to me. When he reached out, I grabbed his wrist to help him sit back up. Most of the time, he kept his eyes tightly closed. I knew he was in pain and was scared, but we both were determined that this was NOT going to be the last day for him because we had cancer to beat! Just after the paramedics arrived and were tending to him, I was being questioned about what meds he was on, did he have a DNR, etc. One of the paramedics called out that he had stopped breathing, and I was alarmed and telling them to hurry up and get him out of here on the way to the ER. Because I could not produce the DNR (I wasn't 100% sure he had one, and if he did, I would need to dig through the pile of paperwork on the dining room table to locate it), they told me that they would have to resuscitate him. Remember, we were in the mindset of beating and surviving cancer, not dying this day! Fast forward - when I finally spoke with the ER doctor, she told me that he had come in with a pulse, but they were not able to save him. Okay, this was over three years ago, and I'm falling apart again. But I tell my story because while I didn't understand at the time all that was going on, I still find it helpful to learn anything I can about the dying process. The doctor said that he probably died of a PE. Thinking back a few hours earlier to when he was fine 10 minutes previously before I left the room to when I heard him yell for help, that the dying process would come on this suddenly wasn't something I was prepared for. Your explanation about the confusion, anxiety, and shortness of breath explains exactly what he was going through. I think he died right there while paramedics were still there, and the fact that he had a pulse when arriving a the ER was a result of their resuscitation efforts. So while he was battling cancer, he also had every possible risk factor for a blood clot there is - he was a couple weeks post-surgery, on heavy pain meds, and had cancer. Had I known he WAS dying that day, I would certainly have given him morphine! It was scary to watch him struggle and suffer. Giving morphine to the dying seems every bit as humane as giving an epidural to a woman in childbirth labor.
thank you for your story makes my decision about how to handle my mom's possible decision re death and meds much clearer. Bless you -Mima
This was hard but precious to read. I am truly impressed! Thank you for having gifted us with your story, by going through this again. What a Rollercoaster these moments must have been!
People shouldn't die in agony and distress. I would definitely want this after seeing the difference of having morphine and not having morphine. What this doctor says is true and is only thinking and doing the best for the person passing.
Please always allow your loved one to die with dignity it’s the last thing you can do for them. Thank you ❤🙏
The only thing I will say on this subject is that if I'm ever in that much pain. Turn the morphine up to 12 and send me to the afterlife with a smile on my face. It's wrong and selfish to keep a body alive when it's clear that the soul wants to go. And the whole thing about
"Pulling the plug " and letting the patient expire slowly and painfully is just cruel
Puh-leeeze
Thank you for this very compassionate and clear explanation about the importance of morphine, especially in end stage or palliative care. I am a retired nurse and eventually specialized as an ER nurse. When I was training on the various wards it was understood that morphine did indeed help quicken death, but not in the sense of a fatal dose. For those for whom it was obvious that the end was near but they were anxious, agitated and perhaps in pain and often in a semi-conscious state, the relief morphine gave allowed them to let go and slip away peacefully. Far less traumatic for patient and family. Don't we wish that for ourselves and loved ones?
Yes.
Yes we do
It can be abused.
It sure helped my Mama to pass peacefully . My Pop didn't want any medication, as he was sure Mama would come to get him when it was time , and he didn't want to miss that . He was restless the last few hours , but calmed down considerably , and passed quietly & peacefully . Maybe Mama did come for him afterall ... They were married for 63 years , lived in the same house for 63 years , and both passed away in the same bed , 3 years apart .. That generation was truly the greatest ever . Mama led 3 out of us 4 kids to the Lord , and Pop 10 years before her death .. God bless you Mama , and you as well Pop ..
When I was working oncology, I had a family come in - about 20 family members in the room. They asked me why the woman was asleep when they all wanted to speak with her. I told them she was on morphine for extreme pain, but they were concerned that she'd become a morphine addict. (The patient was in her last 48 hours of life.). As soon as I left the room apparently, the family just turned off the patient's morphine drip on their own without warning. I had moved to my next patient when suddenly there was a cacophony of screaming from the next room. I then raced back into the patient's room to find wailing children,terrified family members, and a patient screaming in appalling agony. So,I had to find out what had happened to turn a comfortable patient with a dignified family around her into this disaster. Apart from the pain and reckless disregard this family showed to the safety and well being of my patient, (their special family member), the last memory they will have ever had of their beloved family matriarch is of screaming, mayhem, and panic.
There was a time I would not have believed it, but today people will do what ever they want despite if it contradicts expert advice & common sense. But why, why have they lost the ability to think like sane adults ???
My cousin was in hospice dying from final stages of ALS and his older brother was actually judging him for having the morphine drip. I later scolded him for judging his dying brothers peaceful transition and for not educating himself about hospice
My grandfather walked into a hospice.
We waited outside whilst he was settled in. He was in more discomfort from the cold outside than the cancer, whilst being transported in the ambulance.
When we re- entered the room, a morphine syringe driver had been set up and administered. He was unconscious and we were unable to communicate with him. He died the day after and we were unable to say our goodbyes. What you forget, as staff, is that sometimes these persons have no physical experience of anything stronger than paracetamol. My grandfather was admitted on no pain medication. He was 84 and had been healthy all his life, apart from prostate cancer diagnosed 3 yrs.😅😢
As a nurse, we hold a privileged position to enable the families of those dying to accept and be comfortable with the dying process and to provide comfort and compassion to the patient and their relatives.
However, this is a really bad example of your poor communication skills between the family and the patient. Please don’t blame the relatives. Your heart of stone is exposed. You appear angry and arrogant that they caused you more work. It is not YOUR patient, but it’s certainly their relative. You do not have ownership of any patients, you are paid to provide care and to kindly support the relatives and the patient, the whole family in their grieving process. I would urge you to be kind. If you feel so resentful to significant others in your job, then perhaps look for another. Because they re not animals, they are family team that has a history. 😢
@@lor3999 Yeah,the family should have been the sane adults!!!!
I am a caregiver and I often care for people during the last days. So many families refuse to allow their loved ones to take the morphine. They believe it hastens death, that their loved one is out of it, and most common, that the patient will become addicted. They desperately cling to the small sliver of hope that this is not the end.
Thats so weird that people worry about addiction. A woman who told her story about her dying mother said the doctor wouldn't give her mother a higher dose of morphine because she might get addicted. This happened in the 60's I believe.
This is why you need a living will
Dying ppl becoming addicted.....yeah, this crap is seriously messed up. 😒
As a nurse since 1975, I couldn't agree more! Yes, giving morphine allows the patient to go peacefully to the other side.
peacefully, they going up or down on after life
When my husband was dying from agent orange. He was at a VA hospital.
Hospice came in and took over. VA had a special ward for the dying.
Hospice gave Me a paper telling me what was going to happen to my husband.
They called it a natural death. They took him off all support systems. It was renal failure. They gave him pain meds seems like every 15 minutes. He was not conscious but they said he could hear.
He was surrounded by family. We talked, joked, told old family stories, and laughed.
It was a great way for him to pass.
Do you think that giving him pain meds that often had anything to do with him passing on sooner than he otherwise would have?
@@Sheryl777
Good question.
He died from saturation of Agent Orange. There was no coming back.
The cancer had moved to his brain.
Just because he was not conscious he still had pain. Also, he could hear.
That was explained to Me by the nurses.
His body was not in pain only his brain.
They brought a great deal of peace to Me.
That you for posting this part- "We talked, joked, told old family stories, and laughed." When my father was dying in hospice care this is what we did. I think he would have liked knowing that we had so many good stories about being with him. And yet sometimes I wonder if we should have been more solemn. After reading what you wrote, I think we did the right thing and what he would have preferred. I am sorry for your loss.
@@bromeo3032
What a beautiful thing.
You all did the right thing.
My condolences.
Peace
@@Sheryl777 My mother was given morphine at the end and I'm VERY happy that she was. Maybe she would have lived a day or two more without it, but her life would not have been better had she lived 2 days more. Her condition was such that recovery was not possible It's impossible to put a value on someone else's days. but her last days were difficult. I've questioned many things about how her last years might have been better, but never doubted approving morphine.
My grandma was on morphine before she passed on June 3,2021 and I’m glad my aunt made a great decisions to put her on it so she could be a comfortable dying with be with Jesus. I love you grannie RIP
My deepest sympathy.
The one who makes the decision to do that can have a lot of guilt too. I’m a believer of writing down in your will, or last wishes that if your situation is hopeless and painful, you want this. It saves a lot of family members guilt.
Thank you for this timely video. My wife went into her final stages of life on 10-28-2019. She finally passed on 11-05-2019. I stayed with her during most of this time. She was non-responsive, and i was allowed to administer additional Morphine whenever she appeared to be struggling. I was told that I was helping her and not hastening her death, but I have seriously been concerned that the opposite was true.
I feel more comforted having watched and listening to you. Perhaps I gave her the most comfort that I could give by doing that. Unfortunately I was not with her when she passed. I had gone home to shower and get some sleep. Maybe that was her final gift to me.
I'm sorry for your wife. Go to Thailand and marry an Asian now.
Please allow your loved ones to die with dignity it’s the last thing you can do for them. ❤
Sorry for loss.
She knew. My Aunt did they same. We were getting ready to switch sitting with her and when no one was in the room ( maybe 10 min) she went "home". I hug you.
The dying wait until their loved ones are gone so they can pass
Thank you. A few years ago I experienced cardiac arrest and respiratory failure while in a hospital cardiology bed. It triggered code blue. My last awareness before losing consciousness was anxiety. I knew that I was dying. The nurses in cardiology saved my life. No one should experience the fear of dying unnecessarily. For someone in the last days of cancer, morphine would be far preferable to the grim sense of death. This video is very helpful.
Thankypu for this post
My Father was a great man.
He died pf lung cancer
In his last moments a nurse gave him morphine.
He died soon after with a contented smile after sitting up one last time to look at all eleven of his children one last time.
I rhought the nurse hastened his death till today.
God is good.
Thankyou
It wouldn't surprise me at all to find out she did hasten his death.
@@Sheryl777
And what is wrong with that. At that stage all you want for your loved one is to be free of pain. And be at peace. I have been there.
@@amysands2413 For some of us, it is a big deal. I know for others they don't mind if someone hastens their loved one's death, and that's their decision. I was only speaking for what my choice would be. Hopefully that's ok with you if I have a different opinion than yours.
@@Sheryl777 Nothing wrong with having a different opinion that you respectfully keep to yourself.
However, to post badgering and harassing comments regarding the deaths of other people's loved ones,
in a thinly veiled attempt to publicly argue and selfishly shove your opinion into everybody's faces,
is an extremely insensitive, extremely disrespectful, and extremely inappropriate thing to do.
@@gregcarter8656 Uhhhh...it's not about other people's loved ones...that is their own business...it was about my loved one that got killed without my knowledge at the time. WHY should I be required to keep that to myself? My experience is just as valid as anyone else's who has lost a loved one to cancer (or whatever else the disease might have been for their loved one). So, are you suggesting that I have no right to talk about how it made me feel when I realized my loved one had been euthanized without my knowledge? Sorry but you are wrong...I have just as much right to my feelings about the subject as anyone else who has been through that horrible experience of losing a loved one to a disease has a right to their feelings. If you are suggesting that only people who are FOR euthanasia should speak, then again, I believe you are wrong. There are people who have lost loved ones (me included) who are on both sides of this issue.
This video just released my soul a bit. My Father was suffering from CHF, CLL, and COPD. At the end of his life he was gasping for breath. I gave him Lorazapam(sp?) to calm him. When that didn't work, I gave him Morphine. Within a minute or two, he was gone. This was in 2013. Since them I have been beating myself up for that. My motive was to slow him down and gain steady breathing. Not his demise. I have been believing it was the Morphine that took him and it was my fault. I know now scientifically, that was not the case. Thank you so very much for this video.
My condolences to you.
Actually, I had a similar experience. My sister suffered a heart attack at home and I took her to the emergency room. The doctor gave her morphine as treatment for her chest pains which I felt was incorrect. The morphine was too strong because she ended up not being able to breathe properly (worsened the heart attack). The gave her norepinephrine to reverse the morphine which brought her back temporarily but the damage had already been done. She suffered a second heart attack and didn't survive. This doctor (as well as other doctors) cannot tell the whole truth because if they did, profits will drop and they will lose their job. Morphine can and does kill. So your hunch was correct.
@@wakeup6759You couldn’t have any less idea what you are talking about. The other poster did not hasten or cause a family members death, and for you to suggest they did is just wrong. They allowed their family member to be more comfortable and pass away peacefully.
Your sister didn’t die of a morphine overdose. She died of a heart attack. Norepinephrine isn’t given for a morphine overdose, narcan is. Your sister had a massive heart attack, went into cardiogenic shock, and that was why norepinephrine was given. Good on whoever gave her morphine in an attempt to provide some pain relief. She should have been taken directly to the cath lab and or operating room for either stent placement or bypass grafting. I don’t know whether this was done or not or what went on in the hospital, but please do not falsely place blame on people when you are clearly misinformed about what actually went on.
@wakeup6759 Your story is so completely medically incorrect that I question your motive for posting it.
I had a heart attack I played in bed rolled up in a ball .Had bad chest pain for 10 hrs I welcomed the Morphine it happened 7 years ago.😊
While I was in hospital with COVID back in January, after I'd been moved from the ICU to a ward, two ladies both sadly passed away from a combination of COVID & dementia. With the first lady, we knew in the morning she would pass away, & in the evening, the nurses took her to a private, single-bed room & made her comfortable with morphine. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. The second lady, it was sudden. She'd only been given morphine to help calm her night-time agitation, but before she'd had enough of it, she developed agonal breathing (a pattern of breathing a person slips into before they pass away). However, I have absolutely no doubt that she had enough morphine on board to stop her breathing to distress her. I've seen for myself, the relief that morphine can provide to a dying person. I'm very grateful we have it for people who are dying &/or in pain.
Thank you so much for this. When Mom was dying from Lewy Body dementia, she was screaming and crying. The hospice nurse told us she was going to administer morphine, and my Mom quieted and shortly died. I always wondered if the morphine hastened her death and felt guilty because even if it did, I was grateful that she died peacefully. Thanks to this video, I now know that the morphine did not kill her, it just helped her to die peacefully.
With all the meds out there keeping us alive, dying is a hard .. I witnessed this process with my Father two weeks ago with the administration of Morphine. It truly eases the dying into an easier death from what I saw as he took his last breath
Hello how are you doing 👋👋👋👋☺️
@@bryanjason1980 just 🍑 peachy
My father passed in June, 2021.
Anyone that is knowledgeable of what morphine actually does and still disagrees with it should take a look at postmortem spasms. We are surrounded by life so we often forget what death entails
I’m so thankful I found this video, my MIL is in dying process. The family has been weighing her end of life care. I personally don’t see any reason for her last moments to be uncomfortable and full of anxiety. I plan to show this video to those family who think I’m wanting to hasten her death. No matter what choices we make,she will die,the only thing we can control is what her emotional state will be at the time.
I want to see her bathed regular as she hated being dirty,play her favorite music, hold her hand, reassure her that she is loved, medicate her to reduce her pain and especially control her anxiety as this has been the most distressing symptom so far.She is afraid of the pain to a point where her anxiety is effecting the quality of the time she has left.
I was a Hospice nurse at a Hospice here in Florida for years. I called it the "Morphine Monster" that so many families were afraid of, educating them on the benefits often worked. All to often, the family members would say " I do not want my loved one strung out on drugs!" Morphine to the dying is like Tylenol to the living. The dying benefit from opioids in the dying process. Ativan, MSE, and even Haldol benefit the patient greatly.
I needed to hear this. I am a nurse, I don’t work hospice, and was present at my Dads side when he passed. He did start complaining of intense pain the day before he died. This explanation makes total sense, wish I heard it a few years ago.
I’m a retired hospice nurse. I know how the use of medications in actively/imminently dying patients is very much different than with curative medicine. Given the different goals of care, that makes sense.
One of the experiences that eventually drew me into nursing, then hospice, was watching my aunt die of lung cancer in 1976. Hospice was all-but-unknown then in the US, and her pain and dyspnea treatments were rudimentary, not much more than aspirin. When my mother was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in 1992, I know how afraid she was. Fortunately, when the time came, her oncologist referred her to hospice. Mom’s decline and death were entirely opposite of my aunt’s, thanks to the hospice nurses and CNAs who led an entirely ignorant primary caregiver, me, through it.
Nursing is by far the most rewarding part of my life. I hope you find it the same in these trying times. 💚
Causes terrible hallucinations.But i am all for morphine!!!!!!
My nephew was given morphine & he said it gave him a warm feeling that everything was all right, with no pain. My Mother was given morphine at the end & I sat with her, holding her hand for 5 days. The nurses, said to watch her face for distress. Her death was very peaceful, with no physical manifestion of distress. My brother was given morphine & immediately went into terrible convulsions-he was allergic to morphine.
My mother had stage IV metastatic lung cancer. It had progressed to her brain and she had terrible headaches in hospice. We elected that she be given morphine till she passed. She passed away peacefully. We don’t regret our decision.
Nor should you.
My godson (my nephew)was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end of Feb 20 19.He and my sister-his mom-came to stay with me for his final days.We got him into Hospice and he was gone by March the 7th.Had he not had the kind and loving care of the nurses at hospice ,his last days would have been even more excruciating then they were .None of us ,who were caring for him, could have taken seeing him in such pain.The morphine shots we were taught to give him every hour on the hour allowed him to leave this world so filled with pain and go to his heavenly father.I can never thank the people with hospice enough.Ending his pain and giving him that comfort, helped to make our pain at losing him more bearable.We all knew the morphine shots eased him into another place where he was no longer in pain.And he could die in peace.
I was present during the final days of my Mother In Law's life. Morphine was a godsend as she was in pain and made her final days bearable. The final hours are brutal and people need to prepare themselves. I suggest you watch videos on what happens to a person as their body's systems shut down. If we had not, the event would have been horrifying. As it was my wife and her brothers could not be in the room as she expired. I volunteered for that duty and it really opened my eyes. She was a great lady and the thought of her suffering was not acceptable.
As a recovering alcoholic, given drugs to me while i am dying, would be a relief.
Make sure you use IV morphine as opposed to PO (by mouth), as end of life pain management is difficult when using PO medication. I was the RN director of patient care for a hospice in Los Angeles and experienced great frustration when IV morphine was not available. PO Roxanol is fine when used for pain management, but not at end of life.
IV meds are not available to/for hospice patients in the home or in nursing homes.
My mother had liquid morphine by mouth the morning she died and unbeknownst to me she couldn't swallow it. When she passed away the throat muscles let go and the morning mouthful went down with a glug. Each time she moved or seemed a bit agitated she was given more. Maybe she was just trying to talk to us? I don't understand why someone who is no longer swallowing is given morphine by mouth.
@@rbird3766 The volume given is very small, and it's given buccally (in the cheek) so it can be absorbed.
Oral morphine is crap. You only get about 30-40% of the dose.
@@pnkrckmomNot always true; some do, for instance, a dilaudid drip, or infusion pump for various high potency opiates (yummy). My sister is a hospice nurse. I wasn't in hospice, but I used to get 240 ml bottles of liquid morphine 20mg/ ml. This clear stuff could easily be drawn into a needle and injected 💉 which I did a lot. Now, one must be careful, since some liquid morphine that is a blue liquid burns like hell upon injection. The blue stuff contains a bit of hydrochloric acid - probably an abuse deterrent ...
Thank you. This is a very comforting message to me since I had to agree to the morphine for my dying father three years ago and I never completely understood its use at the end of life. I had a nagging feeling that I was hastening his death, which a small part of me knew wasn't the case. Instinctively, I told the doctor that I didn't want my father to be aware he was struggling for breath or suffocating at the end, like a person slowing having the sensation of drowning. That was my biggest fear, that since my father died of stroke complications, he was not communicative at the end. I had to be his advocate. When his breathing became labored, my instincts told me to tell the attending doctor the night he died to 'keep him comfortable and not let him feel the struggle to breathe'. This is where the morphine came in and I am grateful he died peacefully in his sleep later that night.
As a former hospice nurse you certainly did the right thing!
This drug made my dad's last moments here easier for him and us ,I miss you Pop see you soon.
I want a bucket full when I go please ,no adrenal glands so no hormones to help me thru ,my Dad died in feb ,thank goodness he was on morphine .
Absolutely. A bucket full please
Just give me the morphine drip in one arm and the Bacardi rum drip in the other. Oh and a pack of smokes with some nice Miles and Coltrane playing in the background. 😎
@@vitocorleone8323 I can dig it
@@Dumbluck14 make that two
I prefer a cocktail Morphine with a shot of Versed back. The stuff they give you before surgeries happy juice let’s say.
Thank you for making this information clear. A family member was allowed to die with less stress. What a blessing to see his pain relieved in his last moments.
If I'm ever in the situation where my passing is inevitable I BETTER get morphine.
Thanks doctor for helping patients die peacefully. This is an act of kindness.
My partner died of Lewy body dementia a year ago, during last two months of his life he no longer recognized anyone, he lost his ability to eat, speak, or walk. The Hospice nurses were only with him a day and a half, I don't know if he was in pain, but his passing was a blessing I wouldn't want anyone to suffer with dementia. I got to watch him die for five years, very slowly, loosing little bits of him every day until there was nothing left.
I’m sorry for your loss. God Bless
My mother heard me speak on this topic many times. When she had hospice she asked me to be sure she got the last shot. It was my privilege to give it to her and others. No one died before their last second here on earth. ❤️🙏🌹
Thank you for that message. When my mother was dying, the hospice nurse gave her some morphine. My sister later said it bothered her, that maybe the nurse caused her passing. I didn't think so and comforted my sister. My mother was dying, there was no other way it was going to go. She was 89 years old with dementia. Thank you.
lol the nurse did not make the decision....the doc did. your sister seems clueless
My mom passed away in January I was with her the night before she passed. She was on hospice but not yet given the morphine. I called the nurse first thing in the morning because it was a difficult night and her breathing was becoming labored. She gave her morphine and filled up viles of it to give her every 4 hours. When the nurse left I gave my mom another dose after the 4 hours. I felt unsure giving it to her , My mom ended up passing away in the afternoon. I felt like the morphine made her pass. I actually felt guilt. Reading these comments and hearing what the doctor says in this video makes me feel a bit more at peace . I still hope I did the right thing 😢
It's so hard what you're going through but she was no more in pain due to the morphine and I'm really sure your mom smiles and thanks to you. Overdose? No idea but you'll be fine. Take care.
You murdered your mom, did the nurse know what you did
She was in hospace.she was going to die.of course you did the right thing.if anything,you should feel guilt not giving it to her earlier.
You definitely did the right thing
Rest assured you did the right thing. I was with my mom, my mom in law AND dad in law when they died. Morphine allowed a calm death. I worked as an RN for decades.
I just experienced this with my husband 4 days ago. It breaks my heart.
I’m sorry for your loss
I'm sorry for your loss.
My Sincere Condolences 💐
@@kevinmaurer7839 thank you so much for your kindness
My deepest sympathy.
I'm so glad you posted this I saw my parents suffer until hospice started helping I've heard so many say hospice kills your love ones and my mom was suffering wouldn't have live a month with her help she got two years of at least a somewhat normal life thank you hospice god bless
I think sometimes they do kill loved ones towards the end. That's just my feeling on it though.
YOU CURE THE SUFFERING, YOU DONT TURN THEM INTO HOSPICE.WTF WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE. PYSCHOPATHS.
My dad was a doctor and I would go with him to accident cases in the 1950's and 60's. I have seen people in their death agonies without the morphine to ease their passing. It's not a pretty situation and not for the faint of heart. I just hope when it is my time that I die in a hospital or hospice where my death can be eased by drugs.
I have had both my beloved husband (lung cancer) & Mother (ms+copd+chf) both at home w/hospice diagnosis... thank God (& I do) for the morphine pain & anxiety treatment... thank you Hospice for helping me help them
Thank you for explaining these facts for people who have never experienced this with a loved one who is dying.
My FIL was "actively dying" for nearly 3 weeks after suffering a massive stroke. He was on Morphine that entire time. It did not quicken his death, only made him more comfortable while the rest of his body slowly shut down.
Only at the very end, did they start to increase the dosage to help the lungs slow down, for as the dr said, the stress response of the body to try and stay alive, is real.
In other words, you're saying they over dosed him at the very end right?
@@Sheryl777 No. Didn't say "overdose" at all. They increased his amount, but it was still in the acceptable parameters of care. The same thing if your in an increased amount of pain, they increase your pain meds, or if you need an increase in heart or thyroid medication. They monitored the situation and adjusted the medication as needed.
I was reiterating that these patients are typically on low doses of Morphine to alleviate the suffering, and don't receive higher doses until the very end, as the dying body starts going into a "fight or flight" stress response.
Not overdosed at all.
@@GardenJensJourney Ok.
@@Sheryl777 when someone is dying of say breast cancer they are in a lot of pain and ask for more pain relief. It's a fine line but it's not nice watching people suffer.
@@yvonnegill2155 It's also not nice to not let the family know ahead of time that you're going to euthanize their family member, or keep them in the dark about what really happened. If it's such a big secret, then maybe something is wrong.
My 52 year old niece just died last Thursday 6/8/2021 It was Cancer she had a large mass in her uterus and she went in to have what we thought was going to be a hysterectomy but then doctors discovered this. She was in Hospice for only 2 and a half days and was on morphine. Thank you for this video, it helped clarify things💔
It made a difference when my mother was dying. You want people to be comfortable . It is not about you, it is about them. Everyone's time will come.
I worked at Kaiser Permanente hospice dept. in SF. I do have high respects to my coworkers especially the nurses. Everybody worked very hard to make the patients life control their pain. Hats off to all of my coworkers.
Life is tough enough, death should be as easy as possible. We all have to go through that door.
couldn't have said it better
Not everyone has a tough life though. People think they have a tough life but have never had a rough day even. If you have never had ANY MENTAL OR PHYSICAL HEALTH PROBLEMS UNTIL YOU GOT OLDER......You had an EXCELLENT LIFE!!
@@devanrogers3133 No one is in a position to judge how little or how much another person has suffered. We each live in our own world.
I'm getting very old and if I'm dying anyway and dealing with chronic pain I would welcome the drug. Just say your goodbyes before you start taking it.
Kelly its ppl abusing it drinking alcohol on
Morphene not gonna kill if take as perscribed,doc full of.cht
@@Nilla187og So what. You can't stop people from doing that. People do that every day.
@@Kacee2 i.commented i take one.every 12hrs go to pharmacy and a suddem.dose to high???kne..old.lady took,100mg 3x a day year's bk,dont let this mrn fool you
Wishwas in iraq id grab a poppy bulb and bleed.cpl drops.for.tea and Say pq dea
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Thank you. I was the only family member who cared about my dad dying. The hospice was so kind that they allowed me to stay in a suite and did not charge me. I suspect they felt bad due to our family dysfunction. I was the only family member who watched him take his last breath. I was talking to him the whole time, about my childhood memories. He got morphine a lot even when he had extensive motteling. But he was still able to squeeze my had (barely) during his last hour alive. He deserved a loving wife and sadly he was addicted to Catholicism. Death relieved him from his painful life.
My wife is in hospice right now. When a person goes into hospice care, the goal is to keep them comfortable and without pain. Medical professionals have already determined that the person is terminal so the goal is to keep them comfortable and pain free during the death process. No attempt is made to treat the cause of their death. The patients needs as well as immediate family are the primary concern of the hospice caregivers. Hospice care is the only program where medicare will pay for custodial care. My only complaint is that care is only provided 5 days per week , but is required by some patients 7 days a week.
What an important video this is. Yesterday I was discussing with some good friends that we need to be prepared to face death as a normal moment of our lives. Having a good doctor to turn this difficult moment in a less painful experience is very important to those who are dying and their families.
i was my wifes caregiver during he hospice care from a rare form of advanced thyroid cancer. the nurses came to check on us once a week.it got to the point her pain was getting worse and she decided now was the time for morphine, she had rejected it up to that point where the pain was unbearable. the hospice nurses inserted a port in her wrist and showed me how to administer the morphine, the day before we started was fairly normal but the next day after i had given her the first morphine injection, she went to sleep and never once woke up, she was in this state for 2 weeks. i didn't know this is how morphine worked, i thought she would at least be somewhat aware and talk. so basically she died right after the first injection. during the 2 weeks up until her death, all i could think about was that she ate no food and drank nothing. i asked the nurses about this because as far as i was concerned she was dying because she had no sustenance but they were adamant that she was fine and did not feel the effects of hunger or thirst. this was very hard to wrap my mind around
When my mom was dying of brain cancer at home last year, she was also on morphine as needed. She’d wake up periodically but would not eat or drink. The nurse assured us this is normal process of the body dying, the body goes into a dying mode where it will not take in food or drink. I didn’t know this either, but I do know the morphine helped with my moms agitation and fear. She was blind and couldn’t speak, but I believe she was still in there somewhere to some extent and we wanted her passing to be as comfortable and not scary (for her) as possible
I was in the hospitsl for 8 days at the beggining of this month. The first 4.5 days i ate nothing and drank nothing. They did have an iv in my to help with hydration but my mouth got very dry. I could touch my tounge with a spong. Thats it. The first couple of days i wadnt hungry bc of the pain killer just a little thirsty. By yhe end of the 3rdcday i had no desire for foid or drink whatsoever and was very peacful and relaxed. Bc of that experience, I believe that your wife didnt suffer bc of no eating/drinking.
Yep at the end of life, food and water aren't necessary. Especially not IV hydration. Watch hospice nurse Julie she explained it better
My aging father was dying from a fall. At the hospital they said he was restless and tried to get out of bed. He was put on hospice care and was brought home (he had always said he wanted to die at home) and we took care of him for the few days before he passed. He was on morphine and other meds - he basically slept for the few days before passing. Never said a word - and seemed to be in no discomfort. The only time he acted like he was in pain was when the nurse had to move him to adjust his bed clothes, etc. My mother was also on hospice, many years ago, a few weeks before dying - as she had wanted to die at home also. For me, this is the way to go - as opposed to being forced to stay alive - worse if the body goes into a vegetative state. If you are in a hospital if this happens, their job is to keep you alive. Yes, some people do make a full recovery, but many don't.
Thank you sir. It’s comforting to know that it’s not a form of euthanasia. Grateful for the clarification 🙏🏼
I am a RN very very familiar with end of life. This however was very informative for the public, myself and health professionals. Continual learning is key.
My poor poor mother died from ALS. She lost so much so quickly and lived for three years unable to even scratch her own nose. lift her arm. lift even a finger. She was trapped in her shell in pain and the do tors would not prescribe her anything more because they would be reported if someone on staff thought she had had too much. It was so horrible and I still rage when I think how long it finally took her to pass.
My elderly dad was dying in hospice, of lung and bone cancer. He was becoming less lucid and repeatedly was trying to get out of bed "to go to work" but had a seriously gangreneous foot. We tried distracting him but nothing brought him back to reality. He was inconsolable thinking he was late for work, so doctors gave him morphine and haloperidol which helped tremendously to relax him. He was awake and calm right up until his last breath.
After two months of dying from cancer, we were told our mom was going to die that night. She was not really “there”, and had her eyes closed. But occasionally she would moan and act like she was in pain. The instant I saw that I asked them to give her more morphine, and they would. After she died one of my sisters was perplexed by the morphine, and at first thought that they had sort of “mercy killed” her, or helped her along quicker. I think I’ll share this video with her. Thank you.
My mom was on morphine during her final days. She was very comfortable and died peacefully at the age of 95. We were so blessed to have her for so long. She was a gift from god.
I was confused as to why she wasn’t being fed any nutrients during this time.
God bless the heath care workers ❤️
She would have choked on food.
@@SandfordSmythe Even through an IV ?
@@bflathead I don't know the circumstances. People in the final stages loose their appetite and won't feel the hunger. An IV can be painful and doesn't do much. Many dementia patients at the end would choke on their food, and the actual death will be from starvation, but it will be peaceful one without discomfort.My mother went this way.
@Daniel P yes. It actually makes the dying process a lot worse and painful. No IV hydration either.
I just listened to a video the other day by a hospice nurse who stated that when the patient is actively in the final moments stage, the body needs all the energy it can to move the dying process forward. To give them food is actually hurting them, even through IV, because now the body is trying to use energy to digest the food. This causes stress to the patient and can be extremely uncomfortable for them, making the dying process very stressful. You are actually doing the patient a huge justice, and you are actually being merciful by not feeding them in the final stages. This makes the transition so much easier for them and depletes stress in their bodies.
My mother developed bleeding on the brain after a fall, she was 90 and she wouldn't have survived any procedure to mitigate her condition. She began to experience serious terminal restlessness, she kept pulling out her IV's, pulling her clothes off, and trying to get out of bed, the milder sedatives weren't very effective, it was agonizing to watch her struggle. It was finally decided to put her on an IV drip of morphine a few days before her death, even though she was mostly out of it, it eased our loss to know she wasn't fighting spirits in her head and she peacefully passed.