Per the dr. and nurses, Rita may be nearing the end.

[John Schmidt]

December, 2016 she fell and broke her shoulder in two places, followed by two mo. in rehab in nursing home. She never fully recovered from that mostly due to her advanced Parkinsons. A year ago this month she fell again and broke the right hip, followed by replacement surgery and two mo. in rehab again. Even less recovery this time around, my duties were extensive already and last year became even greater 24/7. Recently while in bed she was reaching for something on the nightstand and felt a loud pop in the lower portion of her back, followed by some pretty intense pain. The pain grew over the next couple weeks to the point of literal screaming agony at times. I finally quit asking and just called 911 to have her transported to Fla. Hospital. Xrays show nine compression fractures of the spine....no more walking at all, was already very limited. Usually just 2-3 steps from the wheelchair to the commode and back..

She has been in hospice care for some time and after I notified them of her situation, they put her on their Crisis Care program that runs at least five days with 24hr. attendance. This is done in an attempt to stabilize a patient with pain meds and establishes a daily routine. The meds have appeared to accerated the inevitable, after just 2-3 days on meds for pain she's totally incapable of talking, eating, drinking is sips with a straw. When awake, it's constant tossing and turning, making sounds but nothing understandable. I've been advised to have her kids come soon as possible....she may rally a few days to a couple weeks. Judging by my observations, that's a bit optimistic at best. These are difficult times for all. 

[Valker]

So very sorry for your pain and hers. 

[Jess from VA]

I am so sorry to hear this John.

[Grumpy]

Very sorry to hear that John, we will keep her in our prayers.  Any thing you need, call us.

[Pete]

Prayers and best wishes for all.

[bassman]

So very sorry John.  Wishing you and your family strength and love as you travel this road together.

[Flrider]

John.
Really sorry to hear about Rita, please let me know if there is anything I can do.

[John Schmidt]

Thanks guys. She may rally some, has done so in the past but this time it's different. A 77 lb. body doesn't have any reserve to draw from and she's been doing that for over 2 year now following each accident.  She's the love of my life and it's hard to let go, can't imagine my life without her in it....ill or not.

[_Sheffjs_]

John you have been an excellent help to Rita and I am gutted hearing this. 

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Well John, I don't know you like many of the members here, but I have followed your journey for the last year or so that I've been here. You've had a lot to deal with, being the primary caregiver for Rita. I've also noticed a few posts where you two have had a good laugh back and forth, too. Know this: you are the love of her life, just as she is yours. She may not be capable of coherent speech, and her earthly body may not even understand what's happening, but her soul is forever yours. The worst thing about being in love with someone is the pain when they are not well. I've mentioned in the past that if I weren't states away, I'd loved to have been able to lend you a hand. Honestly, I wish I could just give you a hug right now and a shoulder to cry on. Maybe not the manliest notion, some may think, but compassion doesn't make those distinctions. I'm with you in spirit, sir. May you find peace.

[98valk]

John, so very sad and hurt to hear this. will keep u both in my prayers. God Bless you both and may the peace and comfort of Jesus be with you. Amen

[larue]

So sorry to hear this, no words can explain what you've gone through in recent years, my heart goes out to you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[Pappy!]

John, we are so sorry to hear this. All of us no doubt were hoping that Rita would rally.
Enjoy your time with her while you can. Go over all the fun times and memories and smile and laugh with her.
One way or another she will be there for you always.
Prayers for both of you from Lesa and I.

[TJ]

So sorry to hear this..    Prayers coming your way.. If I can help let me know....

[Steel cowboy]

John, Sorry to hear about your wife, I, too, have traveled this same road with both my parents. My mother 2 years ago, then my dad and my sister less than a year later. Prayers for the both of you.

[DD]

Sending you love and hugs.  Sending Rita peace.

[Bronxboy]

Sorry To hear of this John  No doubt u have been her rock for many years, wish u both well.

[sixlow]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both John.

[John Schmidt]

I had them take her off the high dose of morphine she was getting and switched to dilaudin. The morphine was good at two things: killing the pain and killing the patient. She couldn't do more than grunt and mumble something, would look at you but with unseeing eyes. After a couple days on the dilaudin there was a slight change in her verbalizing, enough that she could say something understandable, but the pain returned. It was obvious the drug wasn't working so switched back to morphine but I insisted it be at a much reduced amount. Now the pain is handled fairly well but her ability to talk at all is gone again. She's on oxygen and is situated on an air mattress that helps prevent sores. I can lean over and whisper "I love you sweetie(pet name)" in her ear, the only reaction will be a slight sqeeze of my hand and a grunt....nothing more. One time she lifted my hand and put her lips on it as though trying to kiss it. I then leaned over and kissed her on the lips and she actually responded with a slight pucker. That was Tuesday afternoon....nothing since. Will she rally for a while....I have no idea. This is no life for her, but I know there are many cases where someone rallies for months under similar conditions. Frankly, I hope that's not the case here....it's not fair to her.

[Pappy!]

Know this has to be brutally hard on you, John.
We are all here for you through this.

[Thunderbolt]

Thinking about you both John.  I lost my Mother last year at 97 1/2, thankfully she was coherent until her last bout with pneumonia.  She kept asking why she was still here, she was ready to go to meet her maker.

[Squirrel]

I understand what you are going through John, and I'm very sorry to hear that Rita is not doing so well.  We all can tell that she is very special to you and you care about her tremendously.  I've been down that road with my Mom and Dad and both of my wife's (Pam) parents.  You must be congratulated that she is with you at the house and not somewhere else.  I am not a preacher and normally don't talk about religion, but we are all God's Children and one day when your time comes, God will reward you for your beliefs and for what you have done for her.  Only God knows when our time will end on this earth.  All we can do is live each day, one at a time.  I too, wish I was there to give you a hug, my friend.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

I' Sorry To Hear This John ! In Will Keep You And Rita In My Prayers !