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I am 83 and I have cervical stenosis and pain is my main concern at this time. I'm also having problems getting socks on (anything that entails bending over) I use a medical service that comes to my house and she is setting me up with a palliative care visiting person. It's not like hospice she said but will help with pain relief and physical problems I will be facing in the future. I just wondered how others have found this service to be helpful.

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I have a team of 3 palliative care people I meet with monthly who provide assistance with symptom management of stage 4 cancer, emotional support and spiritual care. One is an M.D., one a nurse and the other a licensed social worker. Palliative care is intended to last longer than hospice which is 6 months, normally, and to offer curative treatments that hospice does not. A palliative care team looks for answers to help us cope with our illness/disease in the best way possible.

Good luck to you
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Both my parents were on Palliative and Mom was on Hospice and is now back on Palliative care. the company is not associated with the AL and I have been very happy with the care. palliative Care means my Mom gets a visit every two weeks from a nurse who manages her meds, renews them and can treat any medical issues that crop up. they are the extra eyes someone like my bedridden mother needs
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My husband was under palliative care for two years before transitioning to hospice care on the advice of the palliative care doctor and his PCP. The wonderful palliative care doctor visited every month, or more often if needed. She prescribed meds when needed and in consultation with his PCP. When my husband required bloodwork, she wrote the order and arranged for an in-home service. When he needed a scan to detect the extent of a blood clot, she wrote the order and arranged for an in-home imaging service. These were very important steps because my husband has lost his mobility, and it's difficult to leave the house for appointments. I can't say enough good things about our experience with palliative care, and it sounds like it would be a good fit for you too.
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I am assuming you fully understand what palliative care is? If not, this visiting medical person will describe it for you. You may also need a referral to a pain clinic to manage pain and pain medication.

I have some spinal problems as well, due to compression of the spine and 81 years of living combined with old nurse's back. I never took anything strong than motrin and other NSAIDS for it, and now for 9 years have taken NO pain meds because I had diverticulitis and NSAIDs are a no no for it. While there is pain, I honestly can say it is no worse than it was when I WAS taking medications.

Do google palliative care so you understand what you are looking at, and be certain you have documented what you end of life wishes are for your care (advance directive).

Wishing you the best.
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RedVanAnnie Jun 2023
I am glad you asked this question b/c I have generally thought Palliative Care seemed like a good idea. My biggest confusion is whether a Palliatve Care Doctor (or team) replaces your regular doctor or is an addition to your other doctors. It seems Hospice pretty much "takes over" care decisions, so I wonder if Palliative Care works the same way.
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I wouldn't be "googling" anything in this case but asking direct questions of the palliative care company/team that you want to use! Especially about pain meds if they claim to be writing prescriptions.
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I'm very interested in answers as well, as we just got a referral for palliative care for my 86-year-old mom who has spinal stenosis among other issues. It is my understanding that they do comprehensive care separate and apart from hospice oriented care. In essence, they improve your quality of life, but my question is how is that done differently than what we have now?
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It is very difficult to get a prescription for pain meds today. If you are on palliative care, you get them.
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Palliative care focuses on helping you to live your "best life." The goal is comfort - not healing from a disease or injury - with the least amount of discomfort. Most aides can help with home tasks and personal care tasks. Make sure to get all the help that you need now.
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This simple gadget helps me a lot:
(copy and paste)

https://www.amazon.com/Maddak-Deluxe-Flexible-Dressing-738520000/dp/B000PGRKXE/ref=asc_df_B000PGRKXE/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167119246510&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18371594499266895477&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033425&hvtargid=pla-307464777496&psc=1
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Once a week visits, took vitals. Offered advice when asked. No hands on care. That was dads palliative care. Enabled person to person evaluation. Then we continued virtual appointments with dads doctor
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