Hi Sqad Can I Ask You A Question Please.? As I Know You Will Not Just

[lilacben]

give me information that you think I want to hear.
My mother in law is 90 and is in the final stages of Alzhiemers..Has been in hospital for 13 day...whilst she had been there she hasnt been eating or drinking. Nor was she eating for two weeks before.. except for a sip. She was on a drip but that was stopped on wednesday. We live four hours away so not there every day.. but every day I phone and everyday they say the same thing...not eating. not drinking..will not let anyone touch her or go near her.no treatment. My sister in law went in today as she does every day and said she looks awful..not a very nice colour and her eyes look yellow.
Our question is how long can a person go without fluid? I know with food it isnt too bad but I know you need fluid. When we ask the nurses we just get no response.??
What in your opinion is the time length , roughly, of course as I know that is impossible to really say.
Many thanks as always. Brenda xxx

[237SJ]

I was told about 4 or 5 days (by a pallative nurse - my mum is in a similar situation)

[Cloverjo]

I'm not Sqad, but I hope you dont mind my answering. I've read of a person lasting 16 days without food or water. I don't think this is common, though. 4 to 7 days is more usual.
I'm afraid it might be her body shutting down, preparing for the end. I would think the nurses think it kinder not to push her to drink.
I'm very sorry.

[lilacben]

237su, I am so sorry to hear that about your mum......And thankyou xxx

[Mamyalynne]

I also agree with the above answers, Mum has had enough and her body is failing - so hard to watch, my heart goes out to you.

[Mamyalynne]

And of course to 237SJ, very difficult times.

[Sqad]

I agree with all the posters.....BUT...from what you say, I feel that she will be lucky to survive the weekend.

[lilacben]

Cloverjo. Many thanks to you xxxxxxxxx

[lilacben]

Sqad, Many thanks....I had wondered that .....We was going up on monday but think maybe over the weekend instead.. Brenda xx

[Samuraisan]

How sad lilac. A difficult time for you and your family. Good speed.