"Terry is dying of thirst" etc.... some facts from Florida hospice

To those concerned that Mrs. Schiavo is in pain, or to counter people using misconceptions to further their agendas:

http://www.thehospice.org/foodandfluidsEOL.htm

What may happen if artificial fluids and nutrition are given near the end of life?
* Artificial food and fluids may make some symptoms worse because the body systems are slowing and cannot process the food and fluids it does not need.
* Feeding tubes may put a person at increased risk for pneumonia, and may also cause pain, nausea and vomiting.
* Tubes for food and fluids are potential sites for infection.
* In a person who is dying, artificial food and fluids may increase fluid in the lungs, create difficulty in breathing, cause nausea, vomiting and urinary incontinence.

What happens if artificial food and fluids are not given near the end of life?

* Dehydration from being unable to take in food or fluids does not affect the dying patient in the same way as a healthy person who feels thirsty on a hot day. (EPEC Project, 1999)
* The lack of fluids seems to produce a natural anesthetic effect, often allowing for a reduction of pain medication. (Printz 1988)
* Dehydration will reduce urine output and often provides a decrease in awareness of pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. It may help contribute to a peaceful, comfortable death for many persons. (Printz 1988)
* Near the end of life, if the person is unable to take any food or fluids, they will gradually become weaker and sleep more.

Will the person nearing death who does not receive artificial food and fluids be thirsty?

* Usually, the person does not experience thirst or hunger.
* If a person has thirst, it will only last a day or so and ice chips or small sips of fluid with good oral care should relieve this symptom.

What can be done to provide comfort?

* If the person is awake it may be comforting to offer ice chips if they can be tolerated.
* The person will also benefit from frequent oral care with a soft brush or sponge to relieve any dryness in the mouth. A saline spray to the mouth may also be comforting.
* Moisten the person’s eyes, or use a warm, damp cloth over them a few times each day.
* Moisten the person’s lips, and use lip balm to prevent dryness.
* Use lotion without alcohol added to maintain skin comfort.

services in their final days here on Earth. Hospice workers and volunteers are highly trained and caring people. Their main concern is to keep the patient comfortable and pain free. I am sure Mrs. Schiavo is peaceful, comfortable and pain free. It's a tragedy that they are not able to do their work in peace right now in Florida.

When are artificial food and fluids considered?

* When a person is nearing the end of life, adding artificial food and fluids is not likely to make the person stronger or prolong their life and may cause uncomfortable symptoms.

* When a person with a temporary or chronic illness is expected to recover and can’t swallow or properly digest food and fluids, a feeding tube or intravenous fluids may help.


My question is, was Terri "nearing the end of life" before the feeding tube was removed?

DU rules call for a four paragraph limit and I may have stretched that with all the points but felt the imformation directly from a Florida hospice was informational. Thanks!

that she was AT the end of her life when the tube was inserted. She's been artificially kept alive for 15 years.

in the Houston and are conservative. Even they know that what is happening to Schiavo is wrong. She needs a peaceful death; Death with dignity.