Mum was not expected to get to Christmas last year, and yet somehow she just kept on going, in fact she looked like she was going to go on for ever earlier this year, fighting the carers, scratching us, it wasn't easy to say the least, but that was her feisty character all over.
After a coughing fit that lasted from about 3pm today, mum went to sleep at around 8pm, still breathing quite heavily and making some gurgling noises. At around 10pm she was staring up and her breathing was very shallow, almost non existant, I called an ambulance as this was something new and really got me worried. By 10.30/40pm she had passed away with me holding her hand, the Ambulance guys gave her oxygen but her blood pressure was down to 40 and she went like a lamb, so quietly and at peace.
I feared a bad death for so long, I have read about all the lingering deaths and dehydration, but expect the unexpected with this illness, she was fine until 3pm today, I can't believe that she could go so suddenly. Ambulance people that came were out of this
world, we have been very lucky with her care, support, nurses, everyone has been brilliant.
I am her only son and have cared for her almost exactly 5 years since the Alzheimer's started, she also had lots of other medical problems. I kept her at home with me, this has extended her life without any doubt. At the end of the day, I'm glad that she staying at home and that she did not suffer in the end. But what a shock, I'm pretty sure it will take some time to sink in.
After a coughing fit that lasted from about 3pm today, mum went to sleep at around 8pm, still breathing quite heavily and making some gurgling noises. At around 10pm she was staring up and her breathing was very shallow, almost non existant, I called an ambulance as this was something new and really got me worried. By 10.30/40pm she had passed away with me holding her hand, the Ambulance guys gave her oxygen but her blood pressure was down to 40 and she went like a lamb, so quietly and at peace.
I feared a bad death for so long, I have read about all the lingering deaths and dehydration, but expect the unexpected with this illness, she was fine until 3pm today, I can't believe that she could go so suddenly. Ambulance people that came were out of this
world, we have been very lucky with her care, support, nurses, everyone has been brilliant.
I am her only son and have cared for her almost exactly 5 years since the Alzheimer's started, she also had lots of other medical problems. I kept her at home with me, this has extended her life without any doubt. At the end of the day, I'm glad that she staying at home and that she did not suffer in the end. But what a shock, I'm pretty sure it will take some time to sink in.
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