Re: Imogene - Playing God...

[Guest guest]

Imogene-

Thank you for your support. I felt the need to fight for my dad during that

time yet I had to set my own feelings aside to honor his wishes. It still

breaks my heart remembering how much he struggled. He fought a good fight and

got back so much dignity when he won his battle.

Thank you so much for your kind words. Hoping there is a bit of comfort knowing

there are members here who have travelled the journey and are taking your hands

to help you along.

Big hugs-

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

dad, Merle, passed from LBD 9-20-02, at age 65

-- Iward27663@... wrote:

What a heart wrenching experience, Sandie. I am sure it ripped your heart

out, but you are, and were, right. I feel for you in your loss that occurred as

of today, but you are also a strong lady with a head on your shoulders. I

really appreciate you in helping us as we grope.

Love you,

Imogene

In a message dated 9/19/2008 4:37:28 PM Central Daylight Time,

sanclown@... writes:

Jannis-

This post didn't come through for me, for some unknown reason, so I am

thankful Jayn replied and left the message with it. I also agree with what

Jayn

wrote about true love.

I also agree with what you said. Atleast 2 1/2 years before my dad passed

away I was faced with a feeding tube for my dad. An incompetent doctor that

didn't make it to the swallow evaluations done on my dad while he was

hospitalized had no idea my dad couldn't swallow anything. So when I found the

hospital was going to release him with no means of eating or drinking I had a 5

minute decision to make - I opted for the PEG tube. My dad was able to gain

weight back he had lost, was able to walk again, had the tube removed and

lived on 2 1/2 years after the tube had been removed.

Then came the time when my dad was refusing to eat. He would turn his head,

clench his jaws, and even flail his arms at the utensil as I tried to feed

him. I had the tray taken away at breakfast and by the lunch time meal I

figured it out. My dad didn't want to eat. He was going to win his battle.

I

took my dad's hands, looked him in the eyes and said that I knew what he was

doing and " it " was ok with me. I would support him with this decision. He

looked me straight in the eyes, big and blue as his were, and we understood

one another. We cried together. A meeting was called at this hospital and

dietary was included. The final decision was mine and when asked if I wanted a

PEG tube or IV fluids for my dad I said...no. The doctors agreed. I

questioned what would we gain sustaining my dad's life when it was apparent he

knew

what he wanted. Sure, if he showed an interest in food or liquids I and the

staff were prepared to give it to him and he was still offered nutrition at

each meal but not forced. Within a 2-3 week period my dad had less than a

half cup of a chocolate nutrition drink. That was 6 years ago earlier this

month and my dad won his battle with LBD on Sept. 20, 2002.

It is a personal decision and one of the hardest I have ever faced. I know

I honored my dad with what he wanted. He fought a hard 7 years with LBD and

was able to win the battle.

My heart goes out to each and every person who has a loved one struggling

with LBD and for those whom have lost their loved ones.

Huge hugs to all with many prayers-

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

dad, Merle, passed from LBD 9-20-02, at age 65

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[Guest guest]

Dear Sandie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know words of comfort are only that

-words. But please know that my heart goes out to you and your loved ones who

are mourning his passing. What you did was right, and doing otherwise would have

only prolonged his suffering. I am doing the same thing for my Sherman and he is

going slowly but peacefully. Soon his spirit will be free and he will have a

joyful reunion with his loved ones who are waiting for him. Be sure your Dad is

enjoying the same thing and be happy for him. Cherish all the good times you had

together and his memory will be forever with you. He will be your guardian

angel.

A big hug,

Raquel