Re: Simon update, Tuesday

[Wheezercat42]

(((((Michelle))))),   Humans do that kind of thing too.  It's called terminal restlessness. Basically, his brain knows he's running out of time and is trying to look for something it thinks it needs to keep going.  He will eventually get to weak to stand.  I understand how hard it is to keep deciding to euthanize and then decide not to.  It's hard to see them in the restless mode, but he does seem to be enjoying the snuggles and belly rubs, and knowing you continued to give him that for as long as he enjoyed it is a very good thing - even though this is an exhausting stage.  You could try using a thin towel or a strip of cloth under his belly like a sling to give him a little support when he decides to get up - that will help ease his exhaustion when he gets restless.    He will gradually urinate less and less - and what he produces will get darker until it's almost tea colored - so don't be alarmed if you see that.  He may also have a huge bowel movement after not going for a while - like a couple days - that's also normal.  It's unusual, but I've seen a couple times where someone was in their last couple days and suddenly decided they wanted a favorite meal or food item.  They may only have eaten a bite or two of any particular thing, but they relished that chance to taste it one last time.  It's not terribly unusual for someone to rally and look and act much better for a few hours or a day - usually 1-3 days before they pass.  No one's sure why that happens with some people, but it does happen occasionally.  I've usually seen it with people who had a visit from people or animals on the other side the night before they rallied.  With them, they've had a chance to see people they know are dead, they're reassured that death is not the end, it's just another milestone on their journey, and they'll get to be with people they've lost soon and will be able to check in on people they leave behind.  I think everyone has visits, but not everyone is strong enough to talk about them.    I have a great deal of respect for what you're doing for Simon.  It's very physically and emotionally exhausting to take care of someone you're close to through the end, and when euthanasia is a legal option, it can be easier to opt for euthanizing when they're at a stage Simon is at.  If he were painful or wanting to be by himself and not be touched, I would encourage you to go on and help him to the bridge, but he seems to still be enjoying the snuggles and belly rubs and he doesn't sound like he's in a lot of pain - or ready to leave you.  Under those circumstances, keep doing what you're doing.   Keeping the air cool in the room he's in will help his shortness of breath a little - oxygen molecules are closer together in cool air than in warm air.    You and Simon will be in my thoughts and prayers.   Kathy "Every time you meet a situation, though you think at the time it is an impossibility and you go through the tortures of the damned, once you have met it and lived through it, you find that forever after you are freer than you were before." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt