Hi all
I'm wondering if others have experience of managing dehydration at EOL? My hubbie has been nil by mouth for 7 weeks (his throat cancer has caused a hole in the throat, so any food/ drink would flood his lungs). So all feed and water has to go through his gastric rig.
He has a lot of difficulty with nausea and I am struggling to get much food or water into him, even via the rig. We were recently told by the palliative consultant that this is normal at EOL and is just the body shutting down, which was very difficult to hear.
I really don't want to see him dying of thirst. His mouth is so dry sometimes his tongue seems to stick/ form a weird shape and he can barely speak, even though we do have mouth swabs which he uses constantly to wet his lips etc.
Has anyone had experience of something similar? I think I am going to push the palliative care team to see if I can get a drip for him. When we were in the palliative care until last week they said it was important than care was 'sustainable in the community' but really, does that mean he has to die of dehydration?? It just seems cruel.
Thanks in advance for any kind words and advice.
Wishing you all strength and little glimmers of joy on this terrible journey we find ourselves on.
Creina
Hi Creina and a warm welcome to the online community
I'm not a member of this group but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list where it'll be easier to see.
I'm hoping that since you posted this you have had the opportunity to discuss things with your husband's palliative care team. If not, you could phone the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 and have a chat with one of the nurses. It's free to call and the nurses are available every day of the week between 8am and 8pm.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
