There is no question that feeding tubes help thousands of people recover
from or live with what otherwise might be a terminal condition. Sometimes
people who suffer a stroke cannot swallow at first and a tube is inserted
to provide hydration and nutrition. Often these patients can learn
to eat again, and the tube is eventually removed. Sometimes a patient
with throat cancer might not be able to swallow after successful treatment
of the disease. He or she may have a feeding tube and still carry
on otherwise normal activities. Few would question whether feeding
tubes are appropriate in cases like these. But there are many cases
where feeding tubes and IVs are more of a burden to the patient than
a benefit.
Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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