On behalf of Ron, thank you.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Final Post
Over the past two months, Dad and Mom felt tremendously supported by the community and by loved ones near and far. Our family is so grateful for all the kind words and thoughtful actions, for the many visits to Dad in the hospital and at home, and for everyone who lent a hand or offered an understanding ear to our not-so-little problems. My father cared greatly about helping other people. I am overwhelmed by how much other people have helped us and have cared for him.
On behalf of Ron, thank you.
On behalf of Ron, thank you.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
And Then
By Wednesday morning, Dad's painkiller dosage had been inched up a few times to make sure that he was being kept comfortable. He slept very deeply for the entire day, and he appeared to be at peace and without pain.
Ron Vogan passed away on the evening of Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the age of 64.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial visitation next Tuesday, July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Weaver Family Funeral Home in Campbellford. A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, at Weaver's Chapel. For details, please visit www.weaverfuneralhomes.com.
Ron Vogan passed away on the evening of Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the age of 64.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial visitation next Tuesday, July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Weaver Family Funeral Home in Campbellford. A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, at Weaver's Chapel. For details, please visit www.weaverfuneralhomes.com.
Monday, 25 June 2012
More of the Same
POST FROM STEPHEN:
Dad continues to sleep most of the time. After visiting him yesterday, we felt that he was sleeping more lightly than before and was waking more frequently, apparently with some discomfort. Today, the nurses increased the painkiller dosage slightly to try to compensate.
When Mom and I arrived today, Dad happened to be having a wakeful moment. He clearly recognized us and gave us a bit of a smile. Jonathan and Jacinta arrived shortly after, and we had a few minutes all together with Dad awake and aware that we were there, before he drifted off to sleep again.
Dad's sister, Clara, is coming to stay with Mom on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then sister-in-law Bridget will be arriving on Thursday. I am heading back to Toronto tonight and returning here by Friday. I will update the blog with any news on the weekend.
Dad continues to sleep most of the time. After visiting him yesterday, we felt that he was sleeping more lightly than before and was waking more frequently, apparently with some discomfort. Today, the nurses increased the painkiller dosage slightly to try to compensate.
When Mom and I arrived today, Dad happened to be having a wakeful moment. He clearly recognized us and gave us a bit of a smile. Jonathan and Jacinta arrived shortly after, and we had a few minutes all together with Dad awake and aware that we were there, before he drifted off to sleep again.
Dad's sister, Clara, is coming to stay with Mom on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then sister-in-law Bridget will be arriving on Thursday. I am heading back to Toronto tonight and returning here by Friday. I will update the blog with any news on the weekend.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Comfortable Sleeping
POST FROM STEPHEN:
With the switch from morphine to the new painkiller, Dad slept very deeply for the rest of Thursday -- which was a relief after the events of the last several days. The doctors then wanted to try reducing the dosage of the painkiller to see if they could allow him to be conscious some of the time while still managing his pain.
After the dosage was reduced, Dad woke up Friday morning but was in some pain and was still somewhat confused and upset. The nurse gave him "a little something" to help him relax, and he promptly fell back asleep for another six hours. By the time he awoke again, he was clearly in a lot of pain. We asked if he would like an extra boost of the painkiller, and he was able to say yes; within a few moments of receiving the boost, he was back to being sound asleep.
Today he slept very comfortably for almost the entire day. He awoke very briefly in the middle of the day and needed an extra boost of the painkiller, but he immediately fell back asleep. We are expecting that this is how the next few days will continue. All of the family is in agreement that we want to make sure Dad is kept comfortable and free of pain. When he is asleep, he appears to be very peaceful, and we are taking some comfort from that.
With the switch from morphine to the new painkiller, Dad slept very deeply for the rest of Thursday -- which was a relief after the events of the last several days. The doctors then wanted to try reducing the dosage of the painkiller to see if they could allow him to be conscious some of the time while still managing his pain.
After the dosage was reduced, Dad woke up Friday morning but was in some pain and was still somewhat confused and upset. The nurse gave him "a little something" to help him relax, and he promptly fell back asleep for another six hours. By the time he awoke again, he was clearly in a lot of pain. We asked if he would like an extra boost of the painkiller, and he was able to say yes; within a few moments of receiving the boost, he was back to being sound asleep.
Today he slept very comfortably for almost the entire day. He awoke very briefly in the middle of the day and needed an extra boost of the painkiller, but he immediately fell back asleep. We are expecting that this is how the next few days will continue. All of the family is in agreement that we want to make sure Dad is kept comfortable and free of pain. When he is asleep, he appears to be very peaceful, and we are taking some comfort from that.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Back in Hospital
POST FROM STEPHEN:
Over the last few days, the side effects from Dad's increased morphine dosage had become much more significant. His state of confusion had progressed to the point that he was having delusions and was becoming paranoid. He started to distrust the various caregivers (including Mom), and he was getting increasingly upset over imagined problems. He'd also been restlessly moving around and trying to do much more than he should, and we've all been getting worried about his safety.
Last night he did not sleep well, and even with multiple boosts of morphine throughout the night, he was still uncomfortable and in pain in the morning. After consulting with the VON and the personal care workers, Mom decided to call for an ambulance to take Dad back into Campbellford Hospital. The doctors have now replaced his morphine with hydromorphone, a similar drug that is supposed to have fewer of the side effects. He has now been sleeping very soundly and peacefully for the afternoon and evening. We are hopeful that returning him to hospital and switching his medication will help to keep him more comfortable and settled.
More info to follow in the days to come.
Over the last few days, the side effects from Dad's increased morphine dosage had become much more significant. His state of confusion had progressed to the point that he was having delusions and was becoming paranoid. He started to distrust the various caregivers (including Mom), and he was getting increasingly upset over imagined problems. He'd also been restlessly moving around and trying to do much more than he should, and we've all been getting worried about his safety.
Last night he did not sleep well, and even with multiple boosts of morphine throughout the night, he was still uncomfortable and in pain in the morning. After consulting with the VON and the personal care workers, Mom decided to call for an ambulance to take Dad back into Campbellford Hospital. The doctors have now replaced his morphine with hydromorphone, a similar drug that is supposed to have fewer of the side effects. He has now been sleeping very soundly and peacefully for the afternoon and evening. We are hopeful that returning him to hospital and switching his medication will help to keep him more comfortable and settled.
More info to follow in the days to come.
Monday, 18 June 2012
More Morphine
POST FROM STEPHEN:
A few days ago, the home care nurses decided it was time to increase the amount of morphine that Dad receives. The good news is that this change appears to be keeping him free of pain. Unfortunately, this also means that he is groggy much of the time and is starting to get confused very easily. He is sometimes able to focus on a topic for a few minutes, but then he will become distracted and will start to mix up details of the conversation. He is remembering some things that are happening but is forgetting many other things. And there are moments when he realizes he's getting confused and not making sense, and then feels very upset.
He is checking his email only sporadically now, and he's having trouble understanding what he's reading. If you'd like to contact him, it's probably better to give a phone call to the house rather than emailing. And if you call, it's a good idea to talk to Mom and share information with her as well, as Dad may have trouble remembering what you talked about later.
Dad seems to still enjoy seeing visitors, but short visits are probably all he can manage at the moment, and with only one or two people at a time.
Jonathan and Jacinta came for the afternoon yesterday, and we had a nice quiet Father's Day together.
A few days ago, the home care nurses decided it was time to increase the amount of morphine that Dad receives. The good news is that this change appears to be keeping him free of pain. Unfortunately, this also means that he is groggy much of the time and is starting to get confused very easily. He is sometimes able to focus on a topic for a few minutes, but then he will become distracted and will start to mix up details of the conversation. He is remembering some things that are happening but is forgetting many other things. And there are moments when he realizes he's getting confused and not making sense, and then feels very upset.
He is checking his email only sporadically now, and he's having trouble understanding what he's reading. If you'd like to contact him, it's probably better to give a phone call to the house rather than emailing. And if you call, it's a good idea to talk to Mom and share information with her as well, as Dad may have trouble remembering what you talked about later.
Dad seems to still enjoy seeing visitors, but short visits are probably all he can manage at the moment, and with only one or two people at a time.
Jonathan and Jacinta came for the afternoon yesterday, and we had a nice quiet Father's Day together.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Anne and the Art of Motorcycle Riding
POST FROM STEPHEN:
Anne
Mom is now back home after a couple of days away with her friend Sandra. While she was gone, Bridget did an excellent job keeping an eye on Dad and the household of animals. (Thank you, Bridget!)
Ken, Tom, Violeta, Jayden and Abbie also came for a visit today. Violeta brought along her scissors and gave Dad a much-needed professional haircut and a trim for his scruffy beard.
Motorcycle Riding
Cal zoomed in this evening on his shiny new motorcycle and took Dad out for spin. It took a bit of work (and some help from the Red Cross personal care worker) to get the IV bags and pumps and tubes safely arranged; but once Dad was on the bike, all you noticed were his dark sunglasses and his cooool attitude!
Anne
Mom is now back home after a couple of days away with her friend Sandra. While she was gone, Bridget did an excellent job keeping an eye on Dad and the household of animals. (Thank you, Bridget!)
Ken, Tom, Violeta, Jayden and Abbie also came for a visit today. Violeta brought along her scissors and gave Dad a much-needed professional haircut and a trim for his scruffy beard.
Motorcycle Riding
Cal zoomed in this evening on his shiny new motorcycle and took Dad out for spin. It took a bit of work (and some help from the Red Cross personal care worker) to get the IV bags and pumps and tubes safely arranged; but once Dad was on the bike, all you noticed were his dark sunglasses and his cooool attitude!
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