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@gigi76
There are some similarities in our situations. My husband's symptoms also began to show up at the same time his heart trouble did, too. He also has had a pacemaker, for nearly seven years. I have a durable POA. I am not sure of the difference between a durable and a medical POA. I have been under the impression that the durable POA covers medical decisions. In any case, I signed a DNR for him just last week. Even under the circumstances, it was not easy.
Since there is no cure, and the treatments are temporary, I am also seeking to have my husband's pacemaker deactivated so that death may come more naturally, although, his pacer hardly paces, and one doctor said he should never have had it implanted in the first place. Due to the age of his pacemaker, he has not been able to have MRIs either, since it was implanted. It is not MRI compatible. This all effects treatment and diagnoses. From what I have read, pacemakers do not restart the heart the way a defibrillator would; however, it may prolong the dying process when a person is dying from an unrelated illness. I have not received support from his cardiologist, who suggested discussing it with his GP, nor from his GP, who states that he cannot support deactivation, because my husband is in "good shape". I have, however, made an appointment with the specialist who can deactivate it, and hope she will not give me more grief. That appointment is months from now. I am told I can have it done with a POA anyway, but it would be nice to have some support. I do not understand the need to leave an artificial device in place, that could prolong this living hell for him or for anyone else, except that it means more income for the medical conglomerates that own the medical businesses where we receive care. Surely these doctors must realize that prolonging a hopeless situation is immoral, too.
Macbeth
Replies to "@gigi76 There are some similarities in our situations. My husband's symptoms also began to show up..."
@gigi76
Thank you, and the same to you.
My husband, too, was to have another colonoscopy, and I am not scheduling it, either. Yes, the prep would be very hard on him, but so would the sedation. As you may know, that may cause further decline, from which the patient may recover, or not, or only to a degree.
My husband stopped his statins long ago. Having read that they could affect memory, I really thought it was that, until he was shortly thereafter diagnosed with dementia. He has never had blood pressure problems.
His mental decline seems to have accelerated over the past year, but his body is still strong and healthy. This could go on for many years yet. I'm just not sure how long I can live this way. @IndianaScott, I don't know how you did it. No matter how much you love someone, this is extremely difficult. When he was recently in the hospital (possible TIA) his neurologist commented that she didn't think it would be five years - but, really, who knows.
Hugs to you, too, Gigi!
Macbeth
Hello @macbeth I just saw your post and wanted to send you a virtual hug and some e-strength! You are right. Caregiving is just plain tough and having no roadmap makes it ever more challenging. I wish your husband and you peace!
Remember --each day we can only do our best. Superman and Superwoman have left the building 🙂
Peace & strength
@IndianaScott What a great comment, "Superman and Superwoman have left the building." Love it! Teresa
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Hello Macbeth, I'm sorry that you're going through this, too. Honestly, if my husband's arrest hadn't happened so fast and I had more time to think, I may not have agreed to the pacemaker. From what I understand, the pacer doesn't last forever, so I wouldn't replace it. Is your husband still taking any cardiac meds for high cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.? I've thought of discontinuing his cholesterol med and he doesn't take BP meds. In general, I feel that any further testing other than labs or xrays for an injury would be unnecessary. He is due for a colonoscopy next year, and the prep would be inhumane. This horrible disease! Hugs to you ((()))