How long can someone live without food or fluid?

Asked by yellowfeever  |  Dec 24, 2011

Mom is skin and bone, weighs between 60-70lbs. She is showing signs of fluid on lungs. Her respirations are very limited. Has been having seizures off and on for days. She has been in a comatosed state since Thursday wee hour of morning. She is un-responsive when awake. I swab her mouth periodically. When she is awake I have tried some "thickened" water but she no longer will allow fluids in, just runs out of corner of mouth. I am sure dehydration has set in by now especially of moms low intake levels prior to this.I know in my heart there is no coming back. So now, I have to leave it in Gods hands. I am still searching for answers in order to allow myself to let go. It sucks, when you no longer have that control of a situation. My world has evolved around her for so long. I am lost. Just pray that she remains at peace and passes without too much suffering. I tell her off and on its okay to go. Last evening, I sponged her off and put on a nice set of PJ's, I put her hair up in rollers. I told her I was making her pretty for her journey with Jesus. My mom was alway very neat with herself so I thought that would be of some comfort. Maybe this is or not her time, I wish I knew the answer.

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Dec 26, 2011

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."

 

Hi Yellowfeever,
I'm so sorry for you. By now your mom has likely passed, or she soon will. People can go a long time without food, but lack of hydration will take her first. If she's still alive, please call you local hospice. They can tell you that she is in a state where she is not suffering from lack of food or hydration. She is beyond that. You are the one suffering. Please call hospice or another organization like your church, once she's gone, for some grief counseling. You've handled this alone for so long. My deepest sympathy.
Carol

 
 

yellowfeever

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Dec 24, 2011

Forgot to add that mom hasn't had any food/fluid since Tuesday at breakfast time. The little I did get in her between Tueday afternoon thru wednesday evening she vomited it back up instantly.

 
 

michfla317

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Dec 26, 2011

Dear Yellowfeever.....
I pray that your Mom is at peace and I ask that God put his healing arms around you for strength and comfort. God bless you for taking such wonderful care of your Mom.

 
 

kbhadra

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Jan 12, 2012

I am an asian indian 77 years, had a stroke in april of 2010 and then a spinal fusion surgery. Can barely walk with a stick for 200 feet. I think I will live for next two years. I have Medicare A & B plus UHC POS from employer. I Need indepepended care living. How can you help me. Thanks.
Krish Bhadra

 
 

slowlygrieving

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Jan 28, 2012

My husband was in a Convelescent home. He had Frontotemporal Dementia. When he walked in, he went from walking to Wheel Chair and then Bedridden, and died in 19 days. I believe it was because he made the decision not to eat or drink. I don't think it was a conscious decision but more on a soul level. We tried to feed him but he would not swallow, it would come right back out of his mouth. While he was in his right mind he had told me he would not want to live debilitated. I believe he made the choice not to eat or drink.

 
 

AmberCNA

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Jan 31, 2012

I'm so sorry for the grief your dealing with daily. I hope by this time your mom has peacefully passed. I work at a nursing home and have seen residents linger for 10 days with no food or water. We don't know what keeps some of our dear residents going. Sometimes they seem to be waiting for a child to come visit. Your in my prayers.

 
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