99 year old dad is very weak, has been in the hospital for three weeks. He has a problem swallowing due to a dysfunctional constricted cricopharyngeal which has caused him to aspirate and get pnuemonia. He had it dilated 2 years ago and everything worked fine. But three weeks ago he had a major aspiration issue and now we have been told he is too weak to repeat the operation. Now the hospital doctor wants to "pull the plug." We are looking at options for care at home or an acute care place. Other than his swallow problem, he is strong, all organs, heart, kidneys, etc. The idea is to get him strong enough again to have the procedure done again. I have to find systems to support him including hydration, nutrition, oxygen and med delivery. Has anyone have experience in IV delivery, how difficult? Problems? For how long? I am told he is also not a candidate for a gut tube.
I am curious. When is his birthday? He may make it to the big 100!