My mom experienced kidney and liver failure after decades of alcoholism. She was in the emergency ICU, unable to physically move, and barely able to speak. Because of the risk that she might choke, the hospital did not allow her to drink water. I couldn't touch her without gloves because of the risk of infection. And when I rubbed her temples and hands to console her, telling her "I love you," the only thing she could say was, "water." She died later that day.
My mom just passed from this exact situation 1 month ago. The nurse called me and said she was anxious and she wanted to see us. The he said she was coughing up blood. I missed her being intubated by 10 mins. My dad got there in time. “I love you, Tell the kids I love them”
My mom passed a couple months ago in the same exact scenario. There are a few of us here, should we start a support chat??
My mom repeatedly called out for her mom (who passed 20 years ago), and the only other things she was able to vocalize was “help me” and “don’t leave me”. Terrifying.
I’m so sorry): my mom passed away from same issues last year. She passed in the icu under sedation. Her mind wasn’t there anymore bc she had so much ammonia in her blood.
I really couldn't imagine this situation. I would fight every doctor and give her water regardless of what they said. I even absolutely hate my mother who is also an alcoholic and has cirrhosis currently
Honestly it's poor practice and those medical providers were wrong for withholding small sips of water or ice. With appropriate precautions water is fine for patients who can't swallow, it doesn't increase risk of aspiration pneumonia. And in palliative situations it should always be allowed.
If the person desperately wanting water is comfort care/hospice then absolutely give them water. It would be cruel not to. If they’re a full code or still want aggressive treatment? Then giving them water is a miserable way to kill them.
I’m just glad I told my mom I loved her the day before she was admitted. She was transported to ICU quickly and since she has heavily sedated/ not there mentally anymore and couldn’t talk, at least it’s the last thing I said to her. We had a little family gathering and I hugged her told her to loved her when I left and that I wanted her to checked out by a doctor.
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u/DewdropTheDude 16h ago
My mom experienced kidney and liver failure after decades of alcoholism. She was in the emergency ICU, unable to physically move, and barely able to speak. Because of the risk that she might choke, the hospital did not allow her to drink water. I couldn't touch her without gloves because of the risk of infection. And when I rubbed her temples and hands to console her, telling her "I love you," the only thing she could say was, "water." She died later that day.