I am in a dilemma as to what to do for my 81 year old mother ie, what is best to do for her. Her situation is complex and clearly there is no magic answer but I am being told to make an immediate decision. She has been in extremely poor general health for about 3 years now and is steadily deteriorating. She recently recovered from Pneumonia, is suffering from severe circulation problems caused by blocked arteries to her heart ( the doctors will not perform heart surgery due to her overall poor health and age) and to top it all off, she suffered her worst stroke yet about 4 weeks ago. She is unable to swallow, hold things in her hands, walk or communicate clearly. She does seem to be aware of who is talking to her and tries to talk but usually only manages one word. She has had a central line IV in which is giving her nutrients. The doctor now says that the central line must go and he will have to insert a feeding tube in her stomach. Her living will states that she wants no life support including a feeding tube. But, it says in the case of a terminal or non-curable condition. The doctor says that her condition is not terminal and he does not know if she can or will recover from it so it cannot clearly be deemed in-curable either. I am at a complete loss as to what to do and naturally, the doctor can not advise one way or the other. My main concern is what is the best decision to make for her regarding her comfort. With or without the feeding tube,she will be moved to a full care nursing home. If anyone is willing to give me any information they may have, experience with a similar situation etc., I would greatly appreciate it. I'm being pressed for an immediate decision and feel that I just don't have enough knowledge or insight to go by.
Living will says no feeding tube but feeding tube needed after stroke...is there hope
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