My brother had a new diagnosis, congestive heart failure. He had 1 1/2 liters of liquid drained from his right lung, and then it collapsed. His heart rate is at 158, and his blood pressure has dropped at some times to 75/40.
It has been difficult talking to some of the hospital doctors about pallative care. They are so life focused. I've been trying to explain to them what my brother's future will be in a nursing home where he will be neglected because he is autistic and can't advocate for himself at all. I am concerned that he won't be ambulatory, wear a diaper, and sit in a chair staring into space all day long, because that's what he has already started to do at his assisted living residence.
When he was admitted I asked that I be asked for approval for all agressive invasive procedures. That's pretty hard to define on the edges. I agreed to draining his lung, and putting in the other drain once his lung collapsed because I wanted him to be comfortable and I figured that even if he ends up in a nursing home, there's a slight chance he might get better enough to go home (but I am really doubtful.) The day time hospitalist is certified in palliative care, and I think she gets it. I even "made" her cry when I started crying. She said that if he starts crashing she won't put him in intensive care, and she won't push air into his lungs. I hope I have made the right decision. I am really torn.
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