Re: feeding tube pros and cons

February 8, 2010

it is looking like it could happen any minute....i feel i must try everything i

can but he won't eat.....i feel like i am drowning in confusion.....everyone

tells me to just let him go but i can't

he hated budwig but I could try it again if I can get him home from the hospital

problem is that he has a horrible infection somewhere.... and they say he must

have antibiotics iv or he will die from that....what do I do??????

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From: carla hartley <cphartley@...>

Sent: Sun, February 7, 2010 7:23:21 PM

Subject: [ ] feeding tube pros and cons

Ray is really really ill with an infection... ..lung abcess and picc line....is

not eating....is a feeding tube a good idea or a bad one

the docs have basically said hospice is our only option....no hope whatsoever..

..but I cannot give up

February 8, 2010

Carla: Not a good position to be in. The infection needs to be addressed and

at the stage involved, that needs to be done now and since it appears he can't

do anything and you can't, either they are allowed to try to, or you do nothing.

As for the feeding tube? By now you must have learned whether or not this is

something desired. My choice, for me, unless they could convince me that it

is a very temporary thing which I doubt they could, I would not want this.

However, you are the one that knows whether or not this is desired and what

anyone else would do is of no importance. You do not seem to have a

professional advocate that leans Alternatively or Holistically so do not expect

much help from people like us. I would venture that if the infection is serious

enough and his condition so weakened, fighting it on your terms, while in a

hospital setting doesn't sound plausible. You are the one with the facts but

you need to examine them closely and honestly.

My plan for myself should I reach that stage is to 'fast' away because it is the

most comfortable way. I would only accept water and perhaps, the body

willing, something would allow the body to dispose of the infection

or.........................! Don't forget easing any pain. That is a must.

Actually I would have fasted long before I reached the 'feeding tube' situation

but again, what I or anyone else would do, is not what you should base your

decision on. Whatever you do, put his 'best' care as the care to give, not

what you want. I wish you the best and wish you strength and wisdom.

Joe C.

From: carla hartley

Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 9:10 AM

Subject: Re: [ ] feeding tube pros and cons