Would you push for a new med for hospice patient?

My dad has cancer and it's rapid. He also has pneumonia and hearing his wheezing and deep bronchial sounds when breathing is very sad. They're treating him with morphine and said it can help relax airways. But I read online it's often used with a nebulizer or steroid too. I said today that his wheezing is really chronic, and could we do a steroid for a day. They basically bypassed my request with just more morphine. It's not really helping and while I understand we are not going to actively treat it, I think something else should be given now that he's in a lot of distress.
It's just about labored breathing even though nurse said it's not really affecting him. I believe it is. Should I push again tomorrow for alternative med?

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Baybreeze · 41-45, F

@Gibbon What is so unfortunate is before coming to hospice they offer that procedure. He said yes and apparently my mom said he saw the needle and declined it. He had had a procedure to clean an open wound the year prior and he was screaming in pain because the lidocaine never really set in. So I believe he was thinking back to that. But I told him they'd Def numb it and I'm mad he didn't do it.
He's in distress Bec he can't get full air in and I know morphine is not doing much. I really think they need to give steroid or nebulizer for the day. If it's about comfort, then why aren't they attacking the wheezing?

Gibbon · 70-79, M

@Baybreeze I don't know what else to say. My personal experience is wheezing is congestion but my is relieved by coughing. My nebulizer and inhalers I honestly believe do nothing to help me and I supposedly have COPD. My body is keeping oxygen levels normal for me all by itself.

Gibbon · 70-79, M

Honestly I don't think it will help. My big problem with pneumonia when I was in the hospital in October was the fluid. I've been on inhalers and nebulizers for my oxygen levels but only getting oxygen helped. I had my lungs drained twice in the hospital and that's what improved my oxygen levels. The procedure they did was new and painless. They did in my room. The first time a bunch of students observed. It was a long needle inserted in the back but a little local anesthesia made it painless.

Boeing · 36-40

Sometimes to my experience, medicine for the lungs are hard on the heart, increasing heart rate and on other organs as well.. I know it can be painful to watch and to not be able to do anything...but trust that they are giving him the best thing possible for his case, and if you need to ask them again calmly, then ask why they are not giving him a steroid and listen to the reasons.

Strongtea · 22-25, M

You should do what you think is right and go for what you think he needs. I would be to shy but I’d also be upset with myself. I had a friend who is a nurse who pushed for other meds when I had a situation similar to yours.

IM5688 · 70-79, M

IMO, I wouldn't push it. The Drs and nurses know what they are doing. If they upped his morphine, (even though he is wheezing,) he is feeling no real pain. Also, breathing may become very unsteady and labored as he nears the end.

Tastyfrzz · 61-69, M

The morning when my gf Kristin died she asked me to get her her blue pill. I didn't realize it at the time but it was fentanyl. Her doctor had told her that when she wanted to go to just take it. It was fast. She just went to sleep and stopped breathing.

heavyone2 · 61-69, M

If his pain level is increasing, push for more morphine and also ask for a change in pain medications, There are several that can be used in his situation to keep him more relaxed and comfortable, but you will have to push for it , sadly. Hang in there.

TexChik · F

Narcotics cause respiratory depression. In his weakened state and difficulty breathing ... it can cause him to lose consciousness and stop him from being able to breathe and cause his heart to stop. Some docs believe its an act of mercy if suffering and eminent death are all he has left.

Ohplease47 · F

Yes keep at it.They have to help and not make excuses, talk to administrators...

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