MIL's mum very ill - nil by mouth and not being nasal fed - how long can this go on?

[Buda]

MIL's mum is 103 and was admitted to hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning. She had a bad cold and a temp and was having breathing difficulties. They have stabilised her and seem to have brought cold/infection under control.

They don't want to feed her as they are afraid she would choke (she has swallowing issues now too) and they feel it would be too traumatic to put in a nasal feed tube. She is having spoonfuls of water and they have said that if she is hungry they will try her on some food (liquid) and see how she goes.

How long is that likely to go on does anyone know? It seems terrible but I think she is sleeping most of the time anyway.

When she is awake she is completely with it though.

[PortAndLemon]

I don't know in general, but under similar circumstances DH's grandfather lasted around a week before dying quite peacefully in his sleep.

[Buda]

Thanks PAL. Dying peacefully in her sleep is what we are hoping for. Have been for a while really.

She has been in her own home with carers in every day until a few months ago when MIL starting staying the night. MIL is 72 though and not in good health herself.

[weegiemum]

DH's granny was like this for about 2 weeks at the age of 90 - an occasional spoonful of yoghurt and some water, and she too died peacefully in her sleep - so peacefully in fact that MIL who was sitting with her didn't even notice at first.

Hoping your MILs Mum will be well looked after and have a peaceful end. How fabulous to have been at home until so recently and have been so independent until recently!

Thinking of you all
x

[PortAndLemon]

Thinking again about the dates, it may have been a little over a week -- maybe ten days?

[PlumBumMum]

dh's granny was like this and went for nearly 4 weeks

Its tough, best wishes to you & your Inlaws

[Buda]

Gosh PlumBumMum - 4 weeks!

weegiemum - it is fab she was at home I agree but she has not really been independent. Carers have been doing everything. They are in 4 times a day. MIL does everything the carers don't.

[PlumBumMum]

Yeap Buda It was actually over Easter and we joked(promise it was funny at the time) that maybe she was trying the whole 40 days and 40 nights, but she actually died on Palm Sunday, we were amazed

[Buda]

LOL PlumBumMum.

I really hope this is not as long. Poor love can't see properly or hear or move. Loves her food but hasn't been able to eat much now for ages. Old age is not fun. Esp that old.