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I had to request help f/Hubby from Hospice today

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kineneb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:41 AM
Original message
I had to request help f/Hubby from Hospice today
His heart is slowly failing. He has difficulty getting up from his chair, his face swells between dialysis sessions, he seems to have more difficulty breathing, and he spends most of the time in bed. I am afraid to spend much time away from home; and I have to be home to help him up the steps (4) to our house. I called his doctor for the referral; I need the help from Hospice.

He will turn 61 at the end of the month.

I still think that some of his health problems stem from chemical exposures during the years he worked at a naval shipyard (1969-1973). About 10 years later, he developed diabetes (in his mid-late 30s) and was finally diagnosed at 44 when he had retinopathy. Since then- cataract surgery in both eyes, neuropathy, kidney cancer, renal failure, congestive heart failure, and a collapsed lung. The doctors lay the blame on the diabetes, but give no reason why he developed it so young. It is not genetic- only one grandparent had diabetes, in old age.

I still want to know: why? :cry:
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CaliforniaPeggy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:43 AM
Response to Original message
1. I am so very sorry, my dear kineneb...
I have no idea why your beloved husband is dying...

Safe passage to him...

Hugs for you...:hug: :hug:
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librechik Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:50 AM
Response to Original message
2. blessings to you both
Edited on Thu Feb-21-08 01:53 AM by librechik
i have heard that gastric band surgery can cure diabetes. Ask your doctors if it is not too late to treat your husband.

Much sympathy--my dad died of it, and used a hospice program, though much later in life--
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Miss_Underestimated Donating Member (239 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:51 AM
Response to Original message
3. I am so sorry. I will send good thoughts your way and a virtual hug to
you & your hubby.:hug:

Are you in touch with any of his comrades from the shipyard? are they having similar health problems?
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LeftCoast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:51 AM
Response to Original message
4. Dear kineneb
I'm so sorry this is happening. I know how hard it can be and I wish there were answers for you.

All I can do is send an electron :hug: your way.
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The Straight Story Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:53 AM
Response to Original message
5. A kick for you and a hug
I can't answer why, but I can say I feel for you.

If ya need something, pm me.
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SeattleGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:56 AM
Response to Original message
6. I'm so sorry to hear this, kineneb.
Sometimes the answer is hard to find; sometimes it's just unknowable.

What I think is that you are just heartsick at what is happening to him, and I don't blame you at all. My mom just passed away (she was 72), and there is a part of me that is angry that she is gone, part of me that is grieving, and yet another part of me is at peace in knowing that she is not suffering any longer.

Peaceful vibes to you and your husband.

:hug:

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emilyg Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 01:57 AM
Response to Original message
7. I am so very sorry.
Makes you realize how very fragile we all are.
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:01 AM
Response to Original message
8. Very sorry.
I can't imagine how you feel. :hug:
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devilgrrl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:05 AM
Response to Original message
9. I am so sorry
:hug:
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Hekate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:12 AM
Response to Original message
10. I'm so sorry. Peace to you both in the times ahead. I hope Hospice can help soon.
:hug:

Hekate

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kineneb Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:14 AM
Response to Original message
11. thanks to all of you
Hubby and I really appreciate the positive thoughts. The future will be difficult.

We have to do the best we can.

Thank you all.
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rumpel Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:14 AM
Response to Original message
12. oh, kineneb
hang in there.
much strength to you

:(
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Libby2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:16 AM
Response to Original message
13. I'm so sorry. Peace to both of you.
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SheWhoMustBeObeyed Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:23 AM
Response to Original message
14. That must have been hard to do
I hope you get the help you need, and it takes some of the stress off you. It's exhausting to be the caregiver all the time.

It must be hard for him losing his independence. What you describe must be devastating to endure.

I will keep you both in my best thoughts, kineneb.
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pinto Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:30 AM
Response to Original message
15. It's got to be hard for you both kineneb. Hope you find the Hospice folks a help.
I've found them a godsend in the past. Take care. - pinto
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renate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:46 AM
Response to Original message
16. I'm so sorry
:hug:

I wish there were something useful or helpful I could say....

:hug:
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KT2000 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:47 AM
Response to Original message
17. I'm so sorry for you both
You are likely correct about the link to chemical exposures but no doctor will ever admit it. (Doctors can run into trouble if they make too big an issue of health effects from chemicals)
Dioxin has been linked to diabetes, for one.
There is much to learn on this subject but that is for another day.
At this time I wish you both peace.
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Gormy Cuss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:53 AM
Response to Original message
18. ...
:hug:
I am so sorry kineneb. I will keep you both in my thoughts.
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Old and In the Way Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 02:59 AM
Response to Original message
19. My best wishes...
I know this must be a most stressful time for you both. I hope you both find peace and grace to deal with this struggle.

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Digit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 04:11 AM
Response to Original message
20. I am so sorry, peace be with you.
My heart goes out to you.
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Dilligent Donating Member (29 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 04:23 AM
Response to Original message
21. Heartfelt sorrow
I'm sorry to hear anyone is going through this. Hospice is a wonderful organization though and will really be a lot if help and support in the future. The support is very important. Take care of yourself,also.
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shanine Donating Member (322 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 05:28 AM
Response to Original message
22. I am so sorry, kineneb
My father worked at two naval shipyards (as a machinist) and P & W his whole adult life.
He developed a brain tumor and passed away 6 years ago. Since then we were asked to participate
in one of the largest studies linking brain cancer and working at Pratt & Whitney, we have not heard
the results yet.
I feel for you and your husband and I understand having some kind of answer helps with the constant
question of "why?" even tho sometimes we don't get to get the answer.
As a hospice volunteer, I think you made the best choice requesting their help.
Love to you both.
:hug:
s
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Skittles Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 05:29 AM
Response to Original message
23.  so sorry, kineneb
if your husband remembers the names of his shipyard coworkers perhaps you could try to look them up if you really need that solid answer. I hope you get your Hospice assistance - I hear they are very good. I feel so much for you.
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flashl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 05:55 AM
Response to Original message
24. Sorry to hear this kineneb. nt
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onethatcares Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 06:09 AM
Response to Original message
25. you have my thoughts and I hope you can get thru this.
as to the "why" because asbestos was needed in those ships, along with whatever other carcinogens could be used.

Peace.
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EFerrari Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 06:26 AM
Response to Original message
26. Prayers and wishes and strength, kineneb.
:hug:
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BoneDaddy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 07:32 AM
Response to Original message
27. My deepest condolences
but there may never be closure on the "why". I am sure your thinking is on the right track, but I doubt there would ever be any acceptance of accountability on the Navy's part. Peace.
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Stinky The Clown Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 07:41 AM
Response to Original message
28. No words
:hug:
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MorningGlow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 10:37 AM
Response to Original message
29. Oh, kinenb
Sending loving light and support your way. Sixty-one is too young.

Lean on hospice as much as you need to--they're a godsend. :hug:
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2bfree Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 10:44 AM
Response to Original message
30. Oh my............
I am so sorry that you and your husband are going through this. A really good book to read about hospice is Final Gifts. It really helped me when a loved one of mine was in hospice.
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BlueIris Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 07:16 PM
Response to Original message
31. ((((( kineneb )))))
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ourbluenation Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 07:22 PM
Response to Original message
32. much love and strength to you both.
+
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Mz Pip Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Feb-21-08 07:25 PM
Response to Original message
33. I am so sorry
you and your hubby have to go through this. My thoughts are with you.

Sometimes there are questions that there just are no answers to. :hug:

Take care.
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