jean

Jeff

Just to let you know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Take very good care of yourself!

“Hope is the foundation on which we build our wellness. It is our most vital emotion.”
“My continued existence sprang from hope put into action.”
(From “There’s No Place Like Hope” by Vickie Girard)

Jean

Hi Sherri

I had a few thoughts of things that might help…everyone is so different so it can take quite a bit of experimenting to find something that will work. But, keep trying!

Marion has a good idea, using a light sedative, an anti anxiety medication such as Ativan (Lorazepam) can often be helpful. It can be given orally or even dissolved under the tongue if needed.

Compazine is in a class of drugs called “major tranquilizers” and it can work well, but can also be quite sedating, especially in older people. Zofran is well worth trying…it’s usually taken 3 times a day. Another drug in the same class of drugs that may work better than Zofran is Kytril, usually taken 2 times a day. They both have few side effects as well and each is now available as generics, so that can help a great deal with cost. Prior to becoming generic, many insurance companies refused to cover them as they are quite pricey.

Another drug that may be helpful is Reglan (Metoclopramide). It is taken 4 times daily, usually 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. It allows the stomach to empty more quickly as well and can often be useful when combined with the other anti nausea medications.

An important point is that any of these work best if one can prevent the nausea rather than trying to get rid of it. Taking the medication regime on a regular schedule is often especially helpful in someone like your step dad who has such chronic problems with nausea. Certainly narcotics can also contribute to the nausea so changing to a different one, the MS Contin, is a good idea. Also, all narcotics are quite constipating so make sure he’s taking something to counteract that, as that also can contribute to nausea.

Just a few ideas that might be worth discussing with the Hospice people and getting their thoughts.

It is very good that you can be there as an advocate for your step dad and your mom. It’s so good they have you there!

Wishing the best to you and your family.

Jean

Kris

So glad you’re having a great trip home! We’ve definitely settled into fall here in Seattle…that’s mostly gray and in the 50’s…so high 80’s sounds wonderful.

Sorry none of the tips helped but maybe Jeff’s baked potato will…worth a try!!!

Jean

Kris

I saw a pamphlet today and remembered that you had posted about this…”What I need to Know About Gas”!!!! It’s put out by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Anyway, it has some good points:

Changing what you eat and drink can help prevent or relieve gas:

Cut down on foods that cause gas. The amount of gas caused by certain foods varies from person to person. The only way to know your own limits is through trial and error. These are some foods that cause gas:
–beans
–vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, artichokes, and asparagus
–fruits such as pears, apples, and peaches
–whole grains such as whole wheat bread and bran
–soft drinks and fruit drinks
–milk and milk products, such as cheese and ice cream
–packaged foods that have lactose in them, such as bread, cereal, and salad dressing
–dietetic foods and sugar free candies and gums

Drink plenty of water, non fizzy liquids, and clear soup. Try not to drink liquids that cause gas, like soda and beer, If you do drink these liquids, pour into a glass first to let some of the fizz out.

Reduce the amount of air you swallow by:
–Eat slower and chew more to cut down on the amount of air you swallow when you eat.
–Avoid chewing gum and eating hard candy.

Keep a diary. Write down the foods and the amounts that seem to cause you the most problems.

I don’t know if this is helpful or not. Most are obvious, but there were a number of things that I hadn’t thought of e.g. whole grains, fruit, cheese, and packaged foods with lactose (salad dressing!). Just in case any of this might help, I thought I would pass it along.

Also, though this may have been mentioned, any over the counter medication with simethicone. “Gas-X” is a common brand here in the states. The dosage is 125 mg. and the directions are to take 1-2 capsules after meals and at bedtime, not to exceed 4 capsules in 24 hours.

It’s such an uncomfortable and painful problem, I also have problems with this at times and the simethicone really does help…now I’m going to look at my diet more!

When are you going home or are you already there? Have a very good trip home in any case!

Thinking of you!

Jean

That really is good new Lainy! Bet he’s SO relieved to get that out. Hope his temp goes down and he’s able to come home soon, like tomorrow! Then on to getting that Cyberknife done!!!

Jean

Lissa

I’m sure this must have been quite a blow on top of what you’re going through. But, it sounds very positive from what you’ve said. One more fight to get through and I know you can do it! Will he be having radiation and chemo after surgery? Take a day, or I should say, even a moment at a time. It sounds like you have a wonderful and close family and that makes such a difference. Be sure to rely and lean on them and everyone here as well.

You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Jean

I was so sorry to hear about your dad. It sounds as if he was very loved and that is a great tribute to him. I hope he was able to find some peace as time went by and that you were all able to be there with him.
Sending thoughts and wishes for strength and peace to you and your mom.

Jean