Palliative care and syringe driver

[Justmuddlingalong]

Could I ask for some advice please? My lovely BIL has terminal lung cancer. He was in the local hospice a few weeks ago, but signed himself out after a few days. He deteriorated over the weekend, was admitted to hospital and has just been released. As of tomorrow, the palliative nurses will be coming 4 times a day and he will also be given a syringe driver. Does this mean the end is near? His immediate family and him are so happy he's home, that's where he wants to be, but I want to be prepared to support them. Thank you

Unfortunately yes, in my experience. People can recover but typically this would be part of end of life care.

Sometimes people do have them for pain management rather than end of life care but generally yes in these situations it does mean the end is close. My mum was given a syringe driver when she couldn’t swallow her morphine anymore and was essentially unconscious. She passed away a few hours after being given the driver, however my Gran went on for 2 weeks in a similar situation.

I am sorry for you all in such a difficult time.

Unfortunately those are the answers I was expecting and dreading. Thank you for taking the time to post. 💐

So sorry.

The syringe driver on its own could be for symptom control, but if his overall condition is worsening it may mean he's reaching the end of his life.

If that's the case, the district nurses will be able to provide support, and work closely with gps and community palliative care teams. There are often things like night sitters than can be arranged to give family a rest. Many hospices have 24 hour advice lines that patients and families can call for help and advice- maybe check if his one does this?

hope he's comfortable, look after yourselves

Potentially it could be for symptom control (nausea or pain management for example) and then he’ll return to oral medication.
Alternatively it is used to give him medication to manage any pain, nausea, secretions or hallucinations when he is unable to take it orally at the end of life.

Without knowing his history and medication it’s impossible to confirm which it is sorry

Yes sadly, in my experience the syringe driver usually means the end is near.

He's not really been eating and is struggling to swallow his medication. He's shaky, a bit confused at times and just fading away in front of our eyes. God, it's heartbreaking.

Hi Op, my dad was given a syringe driver on a Tuesday afternoon. He passed away in the early hours of the Thursday morning

I would stress it was fantastic pain management, it made his last few days continue to be peaceful and comfortable.

He slept almost constantly once it was introduced, so there was much less interaction,but we still chatted to him

All the best to you all at what must be a very difficult and emotional time. Hope your brother in law, if this is his last few days, has a passing that is peaceful and surrounded with love

Sorry to hear about your BIL. It's very sad for him and for the family to be at this stage. In 4 close relatives that have had to use the syringe driver, the longest lived 4 days/nights. My mum passed in 24 hours after having it set up. We were made aware that it was a no turning back situation.

I'm sorry OP but yes the end is close. My dad is currently at end of life and has his pain relief and a sedative being given on a driver. I'm sorry you're in this situation.

Sending love and strength

Thank you all for your support. 💐 I'm going to see him in the morning. I have that horrible, selfish, not wanting him to go feeling.

Keep posting here, we're all here for you

DP is working tonight. I don't think he realises how poorly his DB is. Or maybe he's in denial.

So sorry @Justmuddlingalong agree with other posters we looked after my mom at home and she had a syringe driver from the start of home care after chemotherapy unfortunately she was only with us at home for a few weeks. It sounds a little crazy I know but make the most of each moment and if he is up to going out even in the garden do it. I take great comfort in the fact my mom was at home at the end and we did all we could no matter how small it felt at the time

He's the drollest, most sarcastic man I know. The banter we have is brilliant. When that goes, I'll know.

My dad was on one for 2 weeks.

Take care OP and your DH too. Having literally just done this phase with my lovely daddy and having lost a sibling in different circumstances a few years ago my heart really does go out to you both.

Look after yourselves and each other (sibling loss is a v weird and often over looked type of grief I found, and the only people who got it were people who had lost their own siblings)

The palliative care nurses I met today we're lovely. They were sorting out his driver just as I left. There's a Macmillan nurse coming in to do an overnight shift. 😟

Just a quick post to thank you and update. BIL died this morning. Thanks again for your advice. 💐

So sorry for your loss. I hope the syringe driver kept him comfortable. Hope you're able to hold up ok

So sorry to hear your news. May he rest in peace. Be kind to yourself.

Sorry op for your loss.

A small plea to make sure the syringe pump goes back to the hospice or team that loaned it , they cost £1000 to replace.

So sorry to hear that. Thank you for the update. Thinking of you ad your family

The syringe pump's already been collected. It was a godsend in the last few days. He was at home, as was his wish, surrounded by family and love. I'm glad he's out of pain and fear. But, by Christ we'll miss the grumpy auld bugger.

I'm so sorry to hear, take care of yourself xx