Journal entry by Amanda Palmer —
Allan is moving into hospice care tonight.
The goal is to make him as comfortable as possible the next few days.
When this state of decline began a few weeks ago, his primary doctor wanted to take a look at everything. He made appointments with specialists. The tests revealed a few issues, but it was his heart that became the top priority. His echocardiogram showed a severe narrowing of the aortic valve, which caused him to feel tired, dizzy, and unable to do much of anything. The valve needs to be replaced; however, the other issues that were revealed in the tests made him ineligible for the valve replacement.
Allan did undergo a procedure that essentially relieved some of the pressure caused by the narrowing valve. Yet, the effects peaked and faded.
From a more personal perspective...
Listening to Allan, my grandpa, talk about my grandma since losing her in February 2017 brings stillness over me. The way he talks about her, keeps her things around, involves her in his days... His eyes would sometimes drift off as he retold a memory. He allowed himself to grieve and to feel sadness and invited us into his heart. My grandparents have a great love – The Notebook-level kind of love. So, when I learned of his deteriorating heart condition, my first thought was, "Of course. He has a broken heart."
The goal is to make him as comfortable as possible the next few days.
When this state of decline began a few weeks ago, his primary doctor wanted to take a look at everything. He made appointments with specialists. The tests revealed a few issues, but it was his heart that became the top priority. His echocardiogram showed a severe narrowing of the aortic valve, which caused him to feel tired, dizzy, and unable to do much of anything. The valve needs to be replaced; however, the other issues that were revealed in the tests made him ineligible for the valve replacement.
Allan did undergo a procedure that essentially relieved some of the pressure caused by the narrowing valve. Yet, the effects peaked and faded.
From a more personal perspective...
Listening to Allan, my grandpa, talk about my grandma since losing her in February 2017 brings stillness over me. The way he talks about her, keeps her things around, involves her in his days... His eyes would sometimes drift off as he retold a memory. He allowed himself to grieve and to feel sadness and invited us into his heart. My grandparents have a great love – The Notebook-level kind of love. So, when I learned of his deteriorating heart condition, my first thought was, "Of course. He has a broken heart."
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Allan Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation powers a page like Allan's for two weeks.
If you donate by April 17, your gift will doubled, thanks to a matching gift by former CaringBridge board members.
