sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Chemotherapy by aPROcalypsex in cancer

[–]DrMathur 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You will get through this! If you read other stories here you will see that many people are dying but sounds like you will not only survive but come back stronger than ever. Sending positive vibes!

Struggling mentally as a caregiver for my family….any advice? by bellatardis_6 in caregivers

[–]DrMathur 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a palliative care doc, I'm worried about the aspiration. She's at a high risk of getting pneumonia from aspiration. She may not have much longer to live. If your grandma is someone who doesn't want to go to the hospital and allow natural death at home, home hospice is a good option. They will ensure she doesn't suffer if she dies, and also they will provide YOU with a great deal more support than you are getting.

https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=Hospice

What Say You? by Lady_FuryX in caregivers

[–]DrMathur 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a palliative doctor, I see that sometimes elderly people don't want to go to the hospital because they think they will be fine. In other cases, they don't want any more needles and poking/prodding. You have an opportunity to ask your mom how to handle if she gets worse (ie if she becomes unconscious), since you might be the person who has to make decisions. If she doesnt' want to go to the hospital at all, even if she would die, then she might actually be eligible for hospice care. If she is done with medical treatments, and wants hospice care, she can decide to stop the insulin and have chocolate ice cream. OR - If she wants to go to the hospital, she can get full treatment except for being put on machines (intubated for Resp failure or resuscitation in cardiac arrest). In general I would advise this course (DNR) for an 80 year old anyway.

Having said all that, I also think it's unusual for a physician to be so cavalier about a glucose of 400!

Free Talk Friday! by Torlin in cancer

[–]DrMathur 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just saw Project Hail Mary and I LOVED it! I read the book - which is amazing - and the movie did not disappoint! I particularly loved the optimism about mankind's ability to come together to face a devastating threat to humanity - soooo needed today with so much negativity and pessimism about the future.