[malakhi]

Lifesaving and life sustaining are not the same thing

Does that mean that you believe feeding tubes should be inserted, even if expressly against the written instructions of the patient?

[Cboldt]

Does that mean that you believe feeding tubes should be inserted, even if expressly against the written instructions of the patient?

That's a canard, IMO. Most folks anticipate a life ending event other than starvation, e.g. disease or trauma. Living Wills can cause trouble. A person says "no respirator," but what if 24 hours on a respirator is a life/death difference where the patient comes out whole? Do you still want "no respirator?"

[bvw]

Yes. Unless triage-type circumstances prevent it. That would include a patient that clearly would not survive three days even if fed. If the patient survives three days -- put the tube in.

Don't write a death contract on yourself in the hubris and comfort of a day when you are strong and healthy -- because on the day whan that changes your mindset and outlook about what you can and will live with is likely to change too.