A few years back, when my dad was dying, his body language told those of us who’d cared for him that he was in great pain. He couldn’t articulate the pain, but it was obvious to us. The nurses and assistants at the nursing home where he lived could see it. The family could see it. It was the doctor who had to be convinced, as he only saw Dad once a month, and that visit was brief.
The nurse practitioner was helpful in that she saw him weekly, but his chart showed he slept a lot. True enough. But it was fitful sleep and when he was awake he spent his time lying rigid on his bed propped by one elbow, while he repeatedly slammed his first into the open palm of the other hand. It was obvious to us that he was trying to knock out his frustration and pain.
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