Decision Not To Use A Feeding Tube

[MichelleinMaine]

Remember that when a person in at a natural end of life stage, the body shuts down and they are no longer able to metabolize food as they once did and they simply do not get hungry as they once did. It is not a cruel, let them lie there hungry type of decision. There is never one wrong or right answer, but talk to your doctor and a palliative care person and ask all those questions.

Agree with the above.
While it was not my choice to make, I wish that DH and BIL had not chosen to have MIL get a feeding tube. She was definately near death, but still somewhat alert. She kept trying to pull it out, so most of her final days were spent in restraints.

DH recently had to have NG tube post op and I think he finally "got" it was no gift to have one.

 

[WEDWDW]

I can feel your hurt from here and I am so sorry.

Thank you for the kind words.

 

[WEDWDW]

You let them pass in the way they wished , peacefully and lovingly

Thank you for the encouraging words.

 

[WEDWDW]

I have no words just lots of hugs and prayers

Thank you so much for your concern.

 

[WEDWDW]

Sending lots of hugs your way during this difficult time.

Thank you so much.

 

[WEDWDW]

Never been in the situation but I'm incredibly sorry that you have to go through it.

Thank you so much for your post.

 

[WEDWDW]

I am very sorry if you are going through this personally, I know it must be hard.

Thank you so much-I've never experienced such sadness.

 

[WEDWDW]

Good Luck and be don't beat yourself up.

Thank you.

 

[WEDWDW]

My heart goes out to you, and yes I still struggle with guilt today.

Thank you for sharing your story.

 

[WEDWDW]

No. I've lived with a terrible form of guilt for ALLOWING a feeding tube for someone I loved who was dying.

Thank you for your post-I know it must have been hard for you to share that.

 

[WEDWDW]

It's a hard decision, even when you know it's the right thing to do. I had to make the decision to take my son off a ventilator. At the time it was agonizing, even though I knew in my head it was right, in my heart I just couldn't do it - i was incapable to sign the form. He died 2 days later anyway (and I suspect that the hospital staff did for me what I should have done for him). I sometimes feel guilty over not signing the form, and his having to wait a few more days. I worry that he suffered longer because I was being selfish.

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

 

[WEDWDW]

Thank you.

 

[WEDWDW]

I would have a whole lot more guilt from putting in the feeding tube.

Thank you so much for your post.

I don't feel GUILT for not using a feeding tube-that's why I used the term "'form" of "guilt"".

I don't have a word to describe the feeling and "form" of "guilt" is the best I can come up with for a description.

 

[WEDWDW]

I wish you peace.

Thank you so much-that is a beautiful sentiment.

 

[WEDWDW]

I'm sorry you're going through this.

Thank you very much.

 

[WEDWDW]

I'm so sorry for your situation, I know how hard it is.

Thank you.

 

[WEDWDW]

I haven't but just wanted to offer up support and hugs.

Thank you for your post so much.

 

[WEDWDW]

OP, my heart goes out to you.

Thank you.

 

[WEDWDW]

dehydration results in decreased pain and that patients are no longer feeling hunger.

That gives me some comfort.

Also,at the end.they were given morphine and I was assured they were in no pain at that time.

 

[WEDWDW]

Hugs OP - it's so hard

Thank you.