My mother was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis 6 years ago and we have now initiated hospice. She is not eating, drinking barely small drops of liquid, and is sleepy all the time. Her legs are starting to shake, what can we do to feed her? How long do we have with her?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your mothers situation and problem. By your history and description, possibility of hypercarbia respiratory failure (high carbon dioxide level) is more. It is common in end stage Pulmonary fibrosis patients. Shaking of limbs, sleepiness, weakness etc. are symptoms of high carbon dioxide level. In such situation, patient is not conscious enough to swallow properly and hence chances of aspiration in the lungs are high. To prevent this and for feeding also, nasogastric tube should be inserted. It is the small tube which is introduced through nose up to stomach. And through this liquid and soft diet is given. So discuss this option of feeding with her nurse and doctor. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.