here to help those caring for loved ones

deekay 7 years ago

4 replies

Hi to you all I am new to the community. I care for my sister who is 35 and terminally ill due to heart failure it's a heartbreaking situation and one i ha ve been in before 2 years ago as my Dad died of cancer so I am here if anyone has any questions about how to cope when a loved one is at the end stages. Tonight is our first night with a Marie Curie nurse here to help us and i am so grateful for her

Tina19 7 years ago

Hello Deekay

I'm so sorry for your distressing situation, do you still check into this forum?  I'm sorry I had not seen your post earlier or I would have dropped you a line sooner to have a chat about end of life care.  I hope you are bearing up looking after your sister, it is so difficult to watch our loved ones suffer isn't it.  I hope your Sister is as comfortable as can possibly be.  I lost my Husband to Congestive Heart Failure.  

kath 7 years ago

Hi I am new to all this, and I am looking after my husband who has COPD and heart problems, he has been ill now for fourteen years but we know that we are in end stage of all this, he has constant problems with his stomach and has been on oxygen for 2 years, he is suffering a lot with loss of feelings in his legs, he did have a pic line but they took this out a couple of weeks ago and no mention of a replacement so not sure what will happen if he needs blood tests or iv's. It is really upsetting to watch him gasping for breath, and is waking during the night with his legs playing him up.  Just not sure who to turn to anymore, he said there is no point in phoning the doctor because they cant do anything for him and doesn't want to go into hospital because he said he will die there. Don't have any nurses coming in now that the pic line is gone so no back up at all really. Anyhow, hope you are coping and hope the nurses are helping you. Kath

Lynn 7 years ago

I'm caring for partner with terminal cancer and feel so alone

Support 7 years ago

Hi Lynn,

I am sorry to read that you are feeling alone as you care for your partner through their illness. Many carers’ talk to us about the emotions they feel, which can be wide ranging. Many people tell us that it helps to talk. Talking to others about your feelings – whether a friend, counsellor or someone at a local support group – may help you to deal with your emotions and the impact that being a carer is having on your life. At the Support Line we can offer you emotional support and a listening ear.

There are support services and networks available to you as a carer. You can find details of some them here: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/being-there/helping-someone-cope/carer-role

If you would like to talk about things in more detail please call our Free phone Support Line on 0800 090 2309, or drop us a line via Web Chat:

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help

Best Wishes

Brigette

Marie Curie Support Line