Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Are The Chances Of Survival With Feeding Tube And IV?
Hi My mother lives in England. She is 89 and was on a feeding tube and IV after having another stroke. On Tuesday the Doctors told my sister that my mother was dying and they wanted to remove the feeding tube and the IV. We all agreed to make her as comfortable as possible. She is non responsive and her breathing is poor. Are we being cruel and making her suffer by not giving her IV fluids and a feeding tube?
Thu, 3 Jul 2014
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
No, you are not being cruel. At her stage, she is not feeling thirsty or hungry. As a person approaches death, they lose these sensations. If she was hungry and you were depriving her of food then it would be cruel but this is not the case.
She is not yearning for food or drink just peace and comfort.
I hope this helps
No, you are not being cruel. At her stage, she is not feeling thirsty or hungry. As a person approaches death, they lose these sensations. If she was hungry and you were depriving her of food then it would be cruel but this is not the case.
She is not yearning for food or drink just peace and comfort.
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Stroke
Loading Online Doctors....