Taking blood tests in the last stages. Why?

My Mom has been receiving Hospice care, at home, for about 5 weeks.  I visited her last weekend and couldn't believe the difference in strength and weight.  My sister is her main caregiver, but three other sisters have been really helping out.  My questions is, they thought Mom had a UTI a few days ago (bleeding and extreme weakness going on) and prescribed a strong anti-biotic.  My sister and I questioned the original dose and they cut it in half.  My other question to the doctor was if she can barely drink or eat, wouldn't the antibiotic cause more stomach upset.  They also ordered bloodwork.  Why?  At this stage, we are not doing any transfusions.  I am really struggling with this because I saw for myself how Mom just does not want to eat or drink and just wants to sleep.  My sister got real upset with me because I didn't wake her up to give her water.  I am glad I was able to see her beautiful smile.  Thanks for listening.

Elaine 65

HI So sorry to hear what you, your family and your Mom is going through, if you have any queries about blood work, I would be asking the drs questions, why ? Its awful seeing some one you love go through all this,  Keep telling your Mom you love her and also make sure she drinks lots and have you heard of Ensure, its a drink  thats like a meal also there is Boost... Praying for you all    Best Wishes  ....

Sounds like you and the rest of the family need to get together and agree on what you do or do not want for your mom;  then you need to be very clear with the physician and hospice as to your expectations.  Ask questions and keep asking till you understand.  Sometimes tests are ordered just to get an idea of where patients stand healthwise and to decide how to proceed. 

 

On 9/20/2009 movinnurse wrote:

Sounds like you and the rest of the family need to get together and agree on what you do or do not want for your mom;  then you need to be very clear with the physician and hospice as to your expectations.  Ask questions and keep asking till you understand.  Sometimes tests are ordered just to get an idea of where patients stand healthwise and to decide how to proceed. 

Thank you for responding.  You are right.  I am at a disadvantage because I am 700 miles away and although I have the health care proxy, I have four younger sisters who want to be in charge.  Very sad at this stage that we have the extra stress.  My main concern is that Mom does not suffer.

 

 

On 9/19/2009 barbrob wrote:

HI So sorry to hear what you, your family and your Mom is going through, if you have any queries about blood work, I would be asking the drs questions, why ? Its awful seeing some one you love go through all this,  Keep telling your Mom you love her and also make sure she drinks lots and have you heard of Ensure, its a drink  thats like a meal also there is Boost... Praying for you all    Best Wishes  ....

Thank you.  I appreciate the support and I do tell Mom every time I call that I love her.  She doesn't say much now.  She was drinking the Enlive but very little.  She never did like the Boost.  She just wants to sleep.  Thank you for your prayers.