ZCare
New member
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2015
- Messages
- 1
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Country
- Uni
- State
- Illinois
- City
- Chicago
Hello, this is a long time coming in joining a forum-been dealing with ALS for 5+ years. First as caregiver once a week and now a visitor to the nursing home.
My aunt was diagnosed in late 2009 and is in her final stages of the disease. We have noticed a sharp decline in her breathing lately and hospice (who have been working with her for awhile) have indicated that the end is near.
I just found out that my aunt has opted to stop using the feeding tube, which we fully support as it is her decision to make. She will just be eating things orally, which is limited to pudding or yogurt. Needless to say, she will not be getting a lot of calories this way. She will also be ingesting water.
So my question-has anyone else experienced this stage? How long did your loved one last without (barely) any nutrients? I know this is not an exact science-she has already lived beyond the 5 year mark so it's not like she really adheres to standard timelines, but I'm just curious.
As you can imagine I have many emotions attached to this, but my biggest concern is her comfort. She is suffering and yet so loving with us all-I want her to be at peace...
My aunt was diagnosed in late 2009 and is in her final stages of the disease. We have noticed a sharp decline in her breathing lately and hospice (who have been working with her for awhile) have indicated that the end is near.
I just found out that my aunt has opted to stop using the feeding tube, which we fully support as it is her decision to make. She will just be eating things orally, which is limited to pudding or yogurt. Needless to say, she will not be getting a lot of calories this way. She will also be ingesting water.
So my question-has anyone else experienced this stage? How long did your loved one last without (barely) any nutrients? I know this is not an exact science-she has already lived beyond the 5 year mark so it's not like she really adheres to standard timelines, but I'm just curious.
As you can imagine I have many emotions attached to this, but my biggest concern is her comfort. She is suffering and yet so loving with us all-I want her to be at peace...