I am having a lot of problems getting accpeted in Hospice even though 3 Doctors have reffered me. Can you help me with some info? My numbers are CD4 168 and VL 250,009 I no longer can keep soild food in me from both ends it is all black and tarry when I get sick I am completely weak also I am strating to go blind on occasion in my left eye as well as numerous other bad things. SO I am totally confused as why I dont meet there criteria which btw they wont tell me what it is! I just need some direction DR and thought you guys may know something I dont know. It is difficult enough facing death but to have to go at it ALONE and miserable does not help andthing you can do to elp would be awsome Doctor Daar I reallt need help.

Christopher

Hi Christopher,

I am very sorry to hear how difficult a time you are going through. The general criteria for hospice is that it is thought by a physician that one has less than six months to live. That said, each hospice has different limitations, including availability of space. The best thing one can do in a situation like you are in is to work with your primary provider and/or a social worker or case manager that they have referred you to. One of these individuals should be able to communicate directly with the hospice to find out what is accounting for the lack of acceptance.

Another concern I have about your posting is that I don't completely understand what your medical situation is. Most people with 168 T cells are not near death unless they have an associated medical condition such as a malignancy or sometimes a serious untreatable infection, although it certainly can occur, the latter is unusual at your stage of disease. I would encourage you to make sure that your medical condition has been thoroughly evaluated and that there is no chance for help in alleviating your symptoms or improving your condition.

I wish you the very best, Eric