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My 98 year old WWII vet uncle cannot swallow due to car accident. Otherwise he is fine.  He uses his tablet, sings, recites poetry, and tells stories from his life. He still gets out of bed (with assistance because he is weak from no food) to use the restroom. He cannot swallow. The doctor has not mentioned any physical damage to his throat, but tests indicate that he partially aspirated the test fluid when he attempted to swallow. Before the accident he was driving (though he should not have been), self sufficient, and pretty much doing whatever he wanted. He has not been able to swallow and has not had anything to eat for over two weeks. Why won't his doctor give him a feeding tube? He has gotten IV fluids and glucose. They say that they would have to sedate him to place the feeding tube and feel that he might not survive this. My uncle has stated that he had rather die trying to do something that will help him live than starve to death. The doctor recommends hospice with no IV fluids. I just do not get it!

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Get his doctor and your uncle together in the same room and ask the doctor to explain in front of you, as your uncle's advocate, why he is withholding treatment that his competent patient has requested.

One way or the other, that should explain a lot. Either the doctor will accede to your uncle's request; or it will become clear to you why it is impossible (or strongly inadvisable) for this to be done.
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Gbmcmaha, I believe you should go along with your 98 year old Uncle's wishes.   He doesn't want a feeding tube.   He probably feels he had lived a good long life.   He  doesn't want to spend the rest of his life without ever tasting food again.

My own Dad passed away from aspiration pneumonia, which means any food or water would go into his lungs.   Poor Dad was coughing all the time and he would become very exhausted from that.

My Dad was also in his 90's and Dad said it was time for him to go.   So I respected his decision, as tough as it was.   Dad had a Living Will that spelled out his last wishes.  Plus Dad just couldn't picture himself never eating his favorite mashed potatoes and gravy. 
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Unfortunately some doctors see a 98 year old with swallowing difficulties as someone who has entered end of life without bothering to take into consideration who they are and what their overall health had been like before. As already stated, either get this doctor to explain himself or get a different doctor. If the doc refuses to meet with you in a timely manner then get the second opinion immediately.
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The doctor states that he may not survive the feeding tube procedure. That is the only reason that he will give. My uncle told the doctor that he did not care and would rather die durring a procedure, that can save his life, rather than starve to death. They are testing his heart function today. I am hoping his doctor will change his mind if the results are good.
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"...may not survive..." doesn't quite cover it. "I'm not doing this because for other medical reasons it would be futile and it would risk causing my patient further needless injuries," on the other hand, would cover it; but he can at least do your uncle the courtesy of explaining himself in full.

I'd ask (assertively, if need be) for a second opinion.
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Yes, his personal desire for feeding tube is the key here. Most people say they don't want that--is this to be a nasal feeding tube, which is usually temporary until patient recovers enough to swallow, or a gastric feeding tube which is there for the duration? The latter requires surgery, and perhaps the MD is concerned about anesthesia with this patient. My husband had requested no gastric feeding tube after a stroke left him unable to swallow, so he did not live but two weeks after the stroke....but he was not hungry, and his mouth was cleaned and moisturized for comfort.
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This has been a hot topic on another recent thread, the procedure to install a feeding tube is apparently quite simple and should not come with the dangers associated with major surgery. If your uncle's functioning was truly as high you are telling us then ditch this doctor ASAP.
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My mother survived a physically devastating stroke, was mentally intact, but couldn't swallow. She was quickly given a feeding tube for her water and nutrition. This was a quick and easy procedure. (Done when the docs believed she would recover from the stroke) Sounds like you need another doc, and soon.
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But FF, the uncle has told the OP that he *does* want the procedure - better to die trying, he thinks, than to lie down and wait.

Let's hope tomorrow's test results are helpful.
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I really think it would be unethical for a doctor who believes that a procedure will be futile at best and harmful at worse to perform that procedure. Some might for the fees involved, I suppose, but I consider that unethical.

Another doctor may have a different outlook and be able to perform the procedure with a clear conscience, especially as it is your father's strong wish.

I think consulting another doctor is the next step.
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