SHE COULDN'T SWALLOW! Geez Louise, give it a f&*^ing break already.
She FAILED the swallow tests given to her in 1991, 1992, and 1993. She was diagnosed with dysphagia -- an inability to swallow.
Fluids or food given orally could end up in the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.
Face the facts already. I'm getting tired of your repetitive nonsense.
I'm a family physician, who has worked with hospice. My advanced directive says no tubes or IV's - but last month I noted that I would like oral "sips and chips" - ice chips and sips of liquids - maybe a little chocolate on my lips (that's really what I wrote). It had never occured to me that anyone would forbid oral hydration at the end of life, any more than that they would forbid air to an extubated patient.
The "failure" on swallowing tests is relative. (Especially in light of normal swallowing of saliva.) Aspiration pneumonia compared to dehydration - I know which I'd rather die of.
Why so much emotion? This is a website noted for debate, often noted for disagreement. I don't understand why disagreement in a civil tone is so disagreeable to you.