Teal

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Health & Fitness > Can Pain Kill?
 

Can Pain Kill?


My sis, Tula, is in the hospital. Her blood pressure dropped due to pain meds and Don took her in two days ago. She’s in intensive care. Her EKG tests are okay, but no medication is helping her, not morphine either, and her pain is through the roof. She is drawn, ultra thin, skin and bones and I am terrified this is it. She has had pain since her shingles attack sometime around 2004. She has been very brave about it.

I saw her yesterday but did not stay long since she was so distressed that my presence was not of much use, although I did think she appreciated my being there. Don has been there almost constantly, only coming home for an hour or two of sleep and to tend to their 4 cats.

Although I have ranted and railed about the dysfunctional aspects of our relationship, family is family, particularly for Greeks, and all else fades when there is a crisis.

Teal

posted on Mar 29, 2011 5:36 AM ()

Comments:

As difficult it is for you, your occasional presence can be very comforting to your sister. I'm sure she would do the same for you. Be strong.
comment by solitaire on Mar 30, 2011 6:53 AM ()
It is not difficult for me to see my sis. I've been to the hospital every day. My reference to dysfunction does not interrupt my devotion. And Don is manning up and that's all I care about.
reply by tealstar on Mar 31, 2011 5:13 AM ()
I'm so sorry! It's difficult to find the right pain med for each individual because we're all different as to what works and what we can tolerate. I hope they get it figured out soon, and don't fool around fretting about her getting hooked on a medication, this is no time to be forming someone's character.
comment by traveltales on Mar 29, 2011 7:36 PM ()
Thanks for your encouragement. Tu (short for Tula) is more concerned about getting hooked and I have often told her that if she is hurting, the hook doesn't really happen. I was on pain meds after surgery -- after doctors removed a throat tube, I refused all, didn't need them.
reply by tealstar on Mar 30, 2011 4:52 AM ()
So sorry about your sister. Hoping they can help her soon. Those family ties ARE amazing, aren't they?
comment by jerms on Mar 29, 2011 7:48 AM ()
I got a vaccine for Shingles years ago. If you have ever had chicken pox
you are at risk for getting them. All of you: do it now and avoid the
pain. Congratulations to your brother in law for being there.
comment by elderjane on Mar 29, 2011 6:26 AM ()
Unfortunately, once the aftermath pain happens in the elderly, there is almost nothing that can be done. My ability to feel her condition is doing me in.
reply by tealstar on Mar 29, 2011 6:44 AM ()
Family is family for sure. I hope they can hit on something to relieve
the pain. I hope you don't lose her. My sister and I aren't close but
I would be there if she needed me.
comment by elderjane on Mar 29, 2011 6:21 AM ()
My sis and I have always been close which is why her aberrations have been so hurtful. So to insulate myself I have learned to take her as she is. But I have the memory of sweeter times.
reply by tealstar on Mar 29, 2011 6:46 AM ()
comment by jondude on Mar 29, 2011 6:03 AM ()

I'm so sorry, Teal. Sending you my love and support!
You don't mention a diagnosis, but complications from and reactions to pain medications can dramatically impact blood pressure and cognitive ability and anxiety, especially in the elderly. Unfortunately, once the medication is withdrawn the pain gets very worse for a spell until it can be managed in a new way. This same thing happened to my 79-year-old stepmom who was prescribed the potent painkiller Fentanyl fpr severe arthritis and became critically ill. Same scenario. She was hospitalized as well, but has recovered, slowly.
Sending hopes and prayers!
comment by marta on Mar 29, 2011 5:58 AM ()
Thanks for good thoughts. Her problem is due to the medications suppressing her body's ability to function. Complicating matters is that she has congestive heart disease and pain prevents her from doing almost everything so she can't deal with that with, for instance, walking. Also, she is stubborn and won't listen to remedies that would help her. Don got her an adjustable bed and she doesn't like to use it.
reply by tealstar on Mar 29, 2011 6:38 AM ()

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