Personal stories about artificial hydration and nutrition

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Personal stories about artificial hydration and nutrition

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Ada, age 77: My family is very concerned that I don't drink enough water or eat as much as I once did. We spoke to my doctor about these concerns, and she informed us that it is normal for a person to eat and drink less as their illness progresses. In fact, she told us that receiving IV fluids may be risky for me because I have heart failure. I am comfortable and do not feel hungry or thirsty. I feel IVs or an artificial feeding tube would cause more problems.

Isabel, age 42: I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The cancer causes fluid to build up in my belly, causing me to have a lot of nausea and vomiting. Because I cannot keep fluids down, IV fluids help me stay hydrated. I also receive nutritional supplements and my pain medication through an injection into my IV line. The IV is definitely making me more comfortable.

Franco, age 61: My hospice workers and doctor talked to me about what to expect as my death gets closer. I had heard that not being fed is painful. I was very concerned about starving to death or becoming too thirsty. They informed me that my body will not need as much food or water as time goes on and that there are ways to keep me comfortable without tubes or IVs, like swabbing my mouth to keep it moist. They also told me that going without food is not painful since I won't be hungry as I get weaker. I prefer to be kept comfortable without IVs or an artificial feeding tube.

Al, age 74: I was diagnosed with chronic leukemia several years ago. I notice that if I do not get enough fluids into my system, I become weaker. I go in to my doctor's office every few weeks to receive IV fluids. After the IV, I feel like I have more energy. My doctor has told me that a time will come when I will not feel as energetic after the IVs. He has also told me that a time may come when I develop problems from the IVs, like swelling in my feet or fluid in my lungs. My doctor, family, and I have decided to continue the IVs for as long as I see improvement. When the time comes that there is no benefit, we will stop the treatment.

Credits

Last updated:	July 31, 2006
Author:	Sabra L. Katz-Wise
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, Ira Byock, MD - Palliative Care
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman