Re: Does anyone know how long it takes when dying

September 11, 2004

no words of advice just hugs and prayers to you and your mom , take care and

i pray the end is near so she can be painfree and at peace once again,

sharon m

a smile a day keeps the meanies away!!!

laughter is a breath of fresh air!

September 11, 2004

Hello MJ,

This doesn't sound morbid at all to me. As a hospice nurse it was one

that was frequently asked. A general guide is that after a person

quits eating and drinking entirely it takes a week to ten days

befoore death. Of course this is all dependent on the person and

their health. Please don't feel that the dying patient is suffering

because they haven't eaten or drank in awhile as it is natures way

for there desire and want to diminish to nothing. Offer them things,

but don't be afraid they are uncomfortable because of it. Do keep

their mouth and tongue moist as a dry mouth can be uncomfortable and

evn cause soreness. They have swabs for lubrication, but a glass of

water with sponge swabs can do wonders. A good cleansing agent is to

mix 1/3 parts Water, mouthwash and peroxide and is safe for cleansing.

I hope this helps some. My heart goesout to9 you and may god sned

many Guardian Anges to be with you...Hugs...Patti

> This may sound so morbid, but does anyone know how long it takes to

> starve? My mom had some kind of stroke/seizure back on July 26 and

> quit eating or drinking. She had a seizure every day for the next

3

> days and continued to not eat or drink. On the fifth day, no more

> seizures, few tiny sips of water. Since then, some seizures, some

> water on days, only tiny bites of food if any (maybe two tbsp soup

> on a good day). Hospice came in first of Aug and said she would be

> gone by end of month if continued to not eat. Now they say my mom

> most of the time stills look amazingly good for someone dying

> (despite she probably is less than 70 lbs). Well this is day 45

and

> she is still here, mostly suffering despite all our efforts to make

> things easier on her. Though I have learned much about lewy body

> over the past two years while being her 24/7 caregiver, I didn't

> have a clue dying could be so hard. My mom has other serious

> problems (heart,bladder, mass, etc), and yet she hangs on but this

> can in no way be considered living. Though trying neurotin, then

> seroquel, she hallucinates mostly the whole night and is

constantly

> crying out for me and yelling. Morphine probably contributes to

this

> but we had no choice in trying to deal with my mom's pain. My mom's

> main concern has been that she die here with us in our home and I

so

> want to make that true for her. It would help to have any kind of

> timeframe so I can aim to make it that long. Any knowledge or own

> experiences would be appreciated.

September 11, 2004

MJ-

Hi, in answer to your question we were told by Hospice that a

person could live for days on a sip of water. This seemed to hold

true with my dad. My dad lasted about 17 days (give or take a day

or 2) on less than a half cup of a nutrition drink. My dad completely

refused all food, then 2 different days he had some of a nutrition

drink. Again, these 2 drinks totaled less than a half a cup. My dad

was also taking Morphine for the pain. My dad had lost so much

weight, starting in June until he passed away September 20. My dad

had lost all functions until the night before he passed away. He got

up to use the bathroom and went to bed. He was awake and alert

on the Friday he passed and had indicated he didn't want to get

up out of bed. Finally he shut his eyes and won his battle with

LBD.

This is my story, my experience with LBD and my dad. He was

65 when he passed and I am fast approaching the 2 year anniversary

of his passing.

If I can answer any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

I will give you more details of how he looked, what physically

was happening, or anything else you want to know.

I do know that as long as there is life, there is hope. Continue

to love your mom with all your heart, show her your love, and

tell her every moment you have how much you care.

Sending hugs your way, with prayers-

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

-- Does anyone know how long it takes when dying

This may sound so morbid, but does anyone know how long it takes to

starve? My mom had some kind of stroke/seizure back on July 26 and

quit eating or drinking. She had a seizure every day for the next 3

days and continued to not eat or drink. On the fifth day, no more

seizures, few tiny sips of water. Since then, some seizures, some

water on days, only tiny bites of food if any (maybe two tbsp soup

on a good day). Hospice came in first of Aug and said she would be

gone by end of month if continued to not eat. Now they say my mom

most of the time stills look amazingly good for someone dying

(despite she probably is less than 70 lbs). Well this is day 45 and

she is still here, mostly suffering despite all our efforts to make

things easier on her. Though I have learned much about lewy body

over the past two years while being her 24/7 caregiver, I didn't

have a clue dying could be so hard. My mom has other serious

problems (heart,bladder, mass, etc), and yet she hangs on but this

can in no way be considered living. Though trying neurotin, then

seroquel, she hallucinates mostly the whole night and is constantly

crying out for me and yelling. Morphine probably contributes to this

but we had no choice in trying to deal with my mom's pain. My mom's

main concern has been that she die here with us in our home and I so

want to make that true for her. It would help to have any kind of

timeframe so I can aim to make it that long. Any knowledge or own

experiences would be appreciated.

September 12, 2004

Hi,

I have read in many books/journals that those who have a terminal illness

feel reassured that all will be taken care of once they are gone. You can

try telling your mom that its OK if she lets go and that you will all miss

her but you'll be ok.

I don't know how long one can last in this condition but I am sending you

and your family strength.

Courage

Does anyone know how long it takes when dying

>This may sound so morbid, but does anyone know how long it takes to

>starve? My mom had some kind of stroke/seizure back on July 26 and

>quit eating or drinking. She had a seizure every day for the next 3

>days and continued to not eat or drink. On the fifth day, no more

>seizures, few tiny sips of water. Since then, some seizures, some

>water on days, only tiny bites of food if any (maybe two tbsp soup

>on a good day). Hospice came in first of Aug and said she would be

>gone by end of month if continued to not eat. Now they say my mom

>most of the time stills look amazingly good for someone dying

>(despite she probably is less than 70 lbs). Well this is day 45 and

>she is still here, mostly suffering despite all our efforts to make

>things easier on her. Though I have learned much about lewy body

>over the past two years while being her 24/7 caregiver, I didn't

>have a clue dying could be so hard. My mom has other serious

>problems (heart,bladder, mass, etc), and yet she hangs on but this

>can in no way be considered living. Though trying neurotin, then

>seroquel, she hallucinates mostly the whole night and is constantly

>crying out for me and yelling. Morphine probably contributes to this

>but we had no choice in trying to deal with my mom's pain. My mom's

>main concern has been that she die here with us in our home and I so

>want to make that true for her. It would help to have any kind of

>timeframe so I can aim to make it that long. Any knowledge or own

>experiences would be appreciated.

>

>Welcome to LBDcaregivers.

>

September 12, 2004

I haven't experienced the death of a loved one with LBD, but I did lose my dad

to cancer 2 years ago. The tumor that he had blocked off his stomach so he

actually 'starved' himself to death due to the fact that nothing could get into

his stomach. It was probably about 3 months from the time he was no longer able

to eat until he passed away. The doctor's couldn't believe how long he held on,

but he fought it till the end. It is a terrible thing to watch and my heart

goes out to you because I've been there.

I will be praying for you and for your mother's comfort.