Follow
Share

He tries to eat but is still losing weight. He is losing about 5 lbs a week, now down to 145. How much longer can he continue losing weight?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Because he needs so much oxygen I assume he has a high work of breathing and uses extra chest muscles to take a breath. The best analogy I can give is that he is running marathon, even at rest. His body uses a lot of energy just to stay alive
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I think you will be told by the Hospice Nurse that loss of appetite is normal. He should not be forced to eat more than he wants to. I really don't think an appetite stimulant is needed in this situation. Lack of appetite is part of the transition. Eventually, the body will start shutting down and the body can't even digest food or water. Not being able to swallow is the first indication of the body shutting down. I am so sorry you are going thru this, but it is part of tge dying process. That is why Hospice is involved, to keep your DH comfortable and pain free.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I can’t offer you any advice. Just so sorry for the ordeal you are going through.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I'm sorry that you're losing your husband to this horrible disease. It's hard to watch the man you love wither away this I know.
My late husband at his heaviest probably weighed 180, and at his death(after not eating for 41 days, was just a shell of the man he once was, probably weighing 100lbs. maybe a little more than that. It was heart wrenching to watch.
Just know that eventually your husband will stop eating(and drinking)completely as that is part of the dying process, and it can cause great pain to try and force food and drink on him as his organs are shutting down.
So for now just try and enjoy whatever time you have left with him and leave nothing left unsaid.
May God bless and keep you both.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Hospice is end of life care. At the end of life stages it would be normal to eat less and to continue to lose weight until the end of life. As to how slender you can become, how little you can eat, and how well you adapt to requiring oxygen, that varies widely. Many frail, fragile individuals who are taking in almost no nutrition and who are adapting to lowered 02 live for some months.

You are asking about a loved one currently on Hospice care, and as we don't know this individual, history, diagnosis, prognosis, anything we say would be a guess. You are best to discuss this with Hospice which is there to answer your questions, or with his doctor if you are POA. I am so sorry for your worry and grief.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

When you say he tries to eat, do you mean he has no appetite? If it is lack of appetite, ask if he might try an appetite stimulate. My DH aunt lost a lot of weight last fall and has had a hard time keeping from losing more but she is enjoying her food these days and has gained a few pounds after starting an appetite stimulate. It is not unusual for elders to lose weight as they decline. He might continue to lose weight until he passes. That doesn’t mean he will. I have seen people lose down to skin and bones before passing. Some people actually eat but they have a failure to thrive due to their health condition.
I know it must be hard to see him become so thin. I’m sorry. I would not pressure him to eat as it might make him uncomfortable and in the final days it is not uncommon for people on hospice to stop eating. Rely on your hospice team to guide you.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I don’t think anyone can answer this question. We aren’t medical personnel and each patient is different.

Have you spoken with his nurse? Hospice nurses are excellent at determining what is going on. They are well trained in treating patients who have serious medical issues.

I am so sorry that you are in this situation. Wishing you peace as you proceed in caring for your husband.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter