Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE)’s Post

How End-of-Life Dreams and Visions Are Bringing Comfort to Dying Patients A Conversation With Christopher W. Kerr, MD, PhD “The patients’ dreams typically featured deceased or living loved ones, travel or preparing to go somewhere, pets, religious figures (although visions involving religious themes were rare), and past meaningful experiences. In addition to providing solace and a reduced sense of fear at the end of life, the results of the study suggest these deathbed visions also helped patients gain a new insight into mortality. “In these experiences, patients aren’t denying the reality of dying,” said Dr. Kerr. “Rather, they are affirming the life that was led and have a way of putting people back together, particularly with those they loved during their life. The end result is that although there is physical deterioration, patients are growing and continuing to find meaning in their life. They are actually soothed in a way that lessens the fear of dying.” In this interview with The ASCO Post, Dr. Kerr discussed how end-of-life dreams and visions bring comfort to dying patients, the difference between these experiences and hallucinations, and the importance of ensuring that patients understand the reality of their prognosis when cure is no longer attainable.” https://lnkd.in/gw9HRtXz #endoflife #endoflifecare #endoflifedreams #endoflifevisions #dyingpatients #deathbed #mortality #mortalityawareness

When talking about Breast Cancer there are so many questions that may cross your mind. How many people are diagnosed? Who is most at risk? When do I need to start getting screened? Family Nurse Practicioner, Rebecca Conaway discusses those questions and more. As well as steps you can take to be proactive in your personal health journey. #ValleyHealth #BreastCancerAwareness

New Insight from Yahoo Life https://lnkd.in/gBcX9wZa After 2 successful stroke survivors summits. I'm hosting a new KNSCT Connects events. These events **(regional or global) will allow Med Device companies to showcase their products to the stroke community(survivors; healthcare facilities; organizations; insurance and government.) Let's work together to bring back quality of life to the families of stroke. As the article notes, stroke will increase in the years to come. Register to participate: https://lnkd.in/gVfC4g6u ** this is not a trade show, but a networking platform for anyone touched by stroke.

🌙What a day it has been! I didn't plan to spend my entire day at the hospital, but there I was, supporting an adult SCD (sickle cell disease) patient facing challenges with her care. Amid this, I had the opportunity to visit some young warriors and catch up with one of my favorite teen warriors. Despite recent hospitalizations, she's maintaining straight As – truly inspiring! 🌙Today was a reminder of the profound disparities in care between adult and pediatric SCD patients. Witnessing the dismissive attitudes and the "I'm right, you're wrong" approach some healthcare providers take was disheartening. As an advocate, a nonprofit leader, and a mother of a child with SCD, I implore healthcare professionals to understand that our engagement is not about undermining your expertise. We respect and appreciate the challenging work you do. 🌙Our goal is to foster a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients. When we reference guidelines or literature, it's not to challenge your competence but to engage in informed dialogue. We aim to bridge the gap, ensuring patients receive compassionate and effective care. 🌙Today, I was reminded of the critical role advocates and organizations play in navigating these challenges. Our involvement isn't about overstepping but about supporting and enhancing the care process. We strive for a world where patients, especially our young warriors, don't face the daunting experiences we witness among adults today. 🌙To all healthcare professionals, I encourage you to see advocates and organizations as allies. Engage with us, learn from the insights we can offer about patient experiences, and let's collaboratively work towards improved care and understanding. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those battling SCD. #SCDAdvocacy #HealthcareCollaboration #PatientCare #SickleCellAwareness

A new study shows that palliative care can improve the quality of life for stroke survivors and their families. Palliative care is not end-of-life care—it's about managing symptoms, reducing stress, and giving both patients and caregivers the support they need. By introducing palliative care early in recovery, survivors get better comfort and families get much-needed help. It's all about living well! 💙 https://lnkd.in/gMd-anxG

Here is a great article explaining why integrating palliative care with stroke care is important. As the article points out, primary palliative care should be provided to all stroke patients at a minimum. “…..less than one in 15 stroke patients receive PC, whereas more than half of stroke patients die within 12 months or remain severely impaired with unknown SB ( symptoms burden)” 👇 #palliative #palliativecare #palliativemedicine #strokecare #hospitalists #healthcare

Every day, we try to do what’s best for ourselves and our loved ones. But why do we sometimes put aside our self-advocacy at the doctor’s office?      It’s time to be direct with our doctors to get the answers we deserve and become the CEO of our own health. During #WomensHealthMonth, learn firsthand from L. Marie, who is living with a rare liver disease, in Flow Space: https://bit.ly/3wBoVmP

Every day as a Physician Assistant brings challenges and rewards, but some moments leave an indelible mark on one's soul. Today, I encountered one moment I feel compelled to share with you. A young female, barely 20 years old, who has sickle cell disease, was rushed into the emergency area, and I went to see her. On examination, she had no cardiopulmonary activity, peripheral pulses, fixed and dilated pupils, and no response to sternal rub. The diagnosis was precise: she was brought in dead. What struck me most about this case was not just the tragedy of a young life lost but the preventable nature of her condition. The young woman had been vomiting and experiencing joint pains since 2 am, yet her family waited until she fainted before seeking medical attention. Even then, they resorted to pouring water on her and rubbing garlic on her body before bringing her to the hospital. Sickle cell disease is a complex condition that requires proactive management. With early intervention and proper care, many complications could be avoided. It is heartbreaking to think that this young woman's life could have been saved if her family had acted sooner. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of education and awareness about sickle cell disease. Knowing about the condition is not enough; actions must be taken to ensure that those living with it receive the care they need. Furthermore, this case highlights the need for genetic considerations when starting a family. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that children inherit from their parents. Before committing to a relationship, it is crucial to understand the genetic risks involved and make informed decisions. As healthcare professionals, we are responsible for advocating for our patients and educating the community about the importance of proactive care. By working together, we can help prevent tragedies like the one I witnessed today and ensure everyone receives the care they deserve. Let us not forget the young woman whose life was cut short by this devastating disease. May her story serve as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and proactive care in sickle cell disease. #sicklecelldisease #genetic #healthcare

How much truth would you want to know? When dealing with a life threatening illness, the amount of information one is willing to know about the illness is very crucial. The goal of care is the patient's comfort, and when this is compromised, treatment goals may change. Either the patient or palliative care team may decide its time to transition. Kindly read the blog for more information and let me know your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/dtJRgHcF #palliativecare #curativecare #transition #Healthcareeducate #healthawareness #patientcenteredcare