My Nan is 94 and has recently had pneumonia and a stroke that has stripped her of her swallowing reflex. Last week she seemed to be getting better and taking small quantities of food/water but this week she just leaves the food/water in her mouth. She's on DNR so she's not being fed intraveniously. How much longer is she likely to go on without food/water in her system? Sorry I know its a bit heavy!
2006-08-19 12:03:03 · 10 answers · asked by sammydog_uk 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Thank you all for your answers and best wishes, it means a lot.
2006-08-20 10:41:19 · update #1
Firstly, may I express my empathy towards you and the experience you are undergoing. My best wishes go towards you in the hope that you find harmony towards the situation you are in.
From memory, during the 1970's the IRA prisoners in the Maze prison would go on hunger strike quite regularly and I recall that one such hunger strike of both food and water lasted in excess of28 days. So, the human body can sustain itself for a relatively long period of time by eating into its reserves and eventually stripping the organs themselves. However, it's an unsustainable position in the long term. A DNR order however as I understand it does not prohibit intravenous feeding and refers only to the actions which the crash team would not undertake in the event that your relative were to cease breathing of her own accord. You should clarify with the nursing staff the measures of care that they are being instructed to undertake as it may be that your relative has expressed a desire in the form of an advanced directive which stipulates for example the prohibition of any heroic measures, or the insertion of a drip-feed.
2006-08-19 15:39:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a hard time for you and your Nan's loved ones. Sorry.
I hope she is getting an injection/suppository/a patch ----something to lessen her pain. And I hope she is resting comfortably and is not afraid. I pray that she is.
DNR means Do Not Resuscitate. That means if the individual stops breathing...do not do anything to try and start it back up.
This decision may have been legally made when your grandmother was in a state of mind to make that choice.
Your grandmother can die shortly, in a few short days, or a tad longer if not receiving fluids/nutrition. Different organs will start shutting down. She is already weak and if she receives no oxygen to her brain, it will be very quick.
Take care. God bless.
2006-08-19 12:27:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have worked at a nursing home and she can last longer then you think I have seen them last 2-4 weeks. They can still give her sips of water they can make it thicker which makes it easier to drink it. even tho she has a DNR does not mean she can not be hooked up to a intravenious machine unless that was put in. So it can take 3 days to 4 weeks just depends on there will to survive.
2006-08-19 12:11:59 · answer #3 · answered by Autumn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, this is a tough one to answer and it must be a really hard time for you. I am not a doctor so would not like to express an opinion on the time you have left with your Nan, but you still do have time to say what you want to her and how you feel. Make the most of that time; some people dont get that chance.
My prayers are with you
2006-08-19 12:19:07 · answer #4 · answered by Peakey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she getting absolutely no IV fluids or anything? These IV fluids would at least help with the hydration.
Humans cannot survive without liquids more than a few days. How long they last without food may depend on their health and stores of fat.
Sorry about her being in bad shape. Best wishes, I know it's not easy.
2006-08-19 12:10:03 · answer #5 · answered by thinkofasong 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
DNR is Do Not Resuscitate that is if she codes they wont revive her. If she does not want to be given fluids and such that is something seperate. It all depends on her condtion as to how long she will last. It could be days it could be a week. Sorry to hear about that.
2006-08-19 12:19:02 · answer #6 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an average person can live up to a day or two without water as water is the most important thing needed for the body especially the brain. and around 2 weeks or so without food, that depends on the amount of fat stored in the body.
2006-08-19 19:54:45 · answer #7 · answered by cs_czr 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
for an average healthy person die because of dehydration and starvation it takes about 40 days. ur grandma is much older. maybe she could go on for a couple of weeks since she is ill too.
2006-08-19 19:49:19 · answer #8 · answered by prat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2-4 days, depending on their health.
2006-08-19 12:42:55 · answer #9 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sorry to say ... not long ... my wife's Grandfather ( 90 y/o ) is the same ... be strong ... and preppier for the worse.
May her god go with her.
Paul & Jen Essex UK .
2006-08-19 12:15:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋