My late husband didn't drink for about 25 days before his death, but was on fentanyl pain pump that went into his PICC line, so while he wasn't drinking anything he was still "technically" getting some fluids in his system.
Miniscule amounts of fluid can sustain longer than you may think. If absolutely NO sustenance of any kind is given either by mouth or by IV then 7 days would be quite a good amount of time to make it. HowEVER, dependent on age, condition at the time fluids are withdrawn, disease process, activity, it is not unheard of for people to live as long as 21 days. This however, is very unusual. 10-14 days is the average time for one to survive in VSED (Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking) according to the VSED Handbook by Kate Christie.
You do not mention your reasons for asking but if someone you know is in hospice care now, and unable to take any nourishment or fluid, it is best to discuss this with hospice personnel or MD. They will be able to tell you signs of organ shutdown, and a nearing of the end.
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
ADVERTISEMENT
If absolutely NO sustenance of any kind is given either by mouth or by IV then 7 days would be quite a good amount of time to make it. HowEVER, dependent on age, condition at the time fluids are withdrawn, disease process, activity, it is not unheard of for people to live as long as 21 days. This however, is very unusual. 10-14 days is the average time for one to survive in VSED (Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking) according to the VSED Handbook by Kate Christie.
You do not mention your reasons for asking but if someone you know is in hospice care now, and unable to take any nourishment or fluid, it is best to discuss this with hospice personnel or MD. They will be able to tell you signs of organ shutdown, and a nearing of the end.