Where ever did you hear all that? I have watched two people taken off life support under the care of Hospice and they were peaceful at the end. I didn't even see the 'swollen tongue' they talk about.
I will try to find the reference. But remember, they are trying to kill Terri, not give her normal or natural care.
By judges order, she cannot even have her mouth swabbed out with a wet q-tip. Most patients undergoing this have at least peroxide and water washes for her mouth, and ice chips for the lips. This is forbidden for Terri, because of the acrimonious nature of the case and judges order she have absolutely nothing.
Terri's qtips have to be dry.
Can you imagine what must be the tearing on the dry skin by a dry qtip?
Here is one of them:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1371180/posts