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It Is Advisable Stopping Food Intake After A Major Stroke?
Question: My sister is 76 yo and in nursing home. She had a stroke a few months ago that left her paralyzed on her right side but she was still able to talk. This wk all meds, liquids, and food were stopped because she wasn't ingesting hardly any. Her children agreed to this. I'm wanting an Iv for fluids. Will the dying process be very long if she doesn't get fluids?
Brief Answer:
Details follows
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
Getting paralyzed doesn't mean that a person can't live. In case she is conscious there is no point in stopping her food, medicines and IV fluids. If she can't eat, nutrition can be maintained through Ryle's tube and IV nutrition.
I want to know why you all are waiting for her to die?
What are the complications that are creating such situation?
A good doctor always fight till end and if she is able to talk as you are saying , I won't suggest stopping her medicines, food, fluids.
As far as your query is concerned, IV fluids can also provide nutrition and can maintain a life.
I would suggest you to reconsider your decision.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Details follows
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
Getting paralyzed doesn't mean that a person can't live. In case she is conscious there is no point in stopping her food, medicines and IV fluids. If she can't eat, nutrition can be maintained through Ryle's tube and IV nutrition.
I want to know why you all are waiting for her to die?
What are the complications that are creating such situation?
A good doctor always fight till end and if she is able to talk as you are saying , I won't suggest stopping her medicines, food, fluids.
As far as your query is concerned, IV fluids can also provide nutrition and can maintain a life.
I would suggest you to reconsider your decision.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
As previously stated, I am her sister. My wish IS FOR nutrition and fluids via Iv. Her daughters who have Power Of Attorney for her have chosen to have no Iv or feeding tube and nursing home is abiding by their wishes. She does have dementia but it isn't continuous. Monday XXXXXXX 2nd 2014 she was praying for the Lord to help her and trying to sing Amazing Grace, although her voice was weak. She also smiled for photo. My heart breaks that she will soon be gone, but also for the agony of watching her body shut down. The only reason ( that I know about) for her daughters' decision for no Iv's, they didn't think she would ever get better. Myself and other family have no control for their decision. It's tough to visit her knowing she could be helped. The nursing home continues to bring food and drink tray to her but she has become so weak she has only been able to ingest a few tsp for a week. We love her and want what is best for her, but can't do any thing about this situation. Will she be in pain as her body is shutting down and is it a long process? Thank you Dr. Varshney, for your reply.
Brief Answer:
Detail follows
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
I understand your emotions. You love her a lot. But you have no control over the things.
Again I would say that she can be taken care of further by giving her food through Ryle's tube and Iv fluids.
Still Euthanasia and mercy killing are not accepted by medical science and law in most of the countries. So as a doctor I won't support what her daughter is doing.
Regarding pain, a person in deep coma also feels pain a slight bit, so she would have pain. Not giving her nutrition would dehydrate her, would develop ketosis and later cardiac arrest.
I wish for her a long and happy life.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Detail follows
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
I understand your emotions. You love her a lot. But you have no control over the things.
Again I would say that she can be taken care of further by giving her food through Ryle's tube and Iv fluids.
Still Euthanasia and mercy killing are not accepted by medical science and law in most of the countries. So as a doctor I won't support what her daughter is doing.
Regarding pain, a person in deep coma also feels pain a slight bit, so she would have pain. Not giving her nutrition would dehydrate her, would develop ketosis and later cardiac arrest.
I wish for her a long and happy life.
If you have any further query please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. Varshney for your reply. You helped me to know what to expect. I held her hand and talked to her and prayed as she went through the dying transition. She was still comprehending and speaking on Sat. but expired Sun. night. I'm trying to accept this and not be bitter. Thank You for your time and input.
Brief Answer:
God Bless.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
I am so sorry for your loss.
On the other hand, i would say as a human being and not as a doctor that she would now rest in peace. Living such pitiful life is not worth.
May God Bless her Soul.
God Bless You.
God Bless.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
I am so sorry for your loss.
On the other hand, i would say as a human being and not as a doctor that she would now rest in peace. Living such pitiful life is not worth.
May God Bless her Soul.
God Bless You.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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