makes me feel that I'd probably agree to forgo food and hydration in the last few days simply because I'd rather avoid catheters, bedpans, etc., as much as possible. I would want some ice chips if I were really thirsty. But, I think in most cases, by the time you get to that point, you probably aren't affected like we might be.

Again, that's just me, based upon a little reading this morning and sitting with my father-in-law for weeks while he passed away. The last days were surprisingly peaceful as he was pretty much "asleep" the whole time.

I think it should be a choice and withholding should not be forced on anyone, or considered a "convenience" for the hospice.

I'm sorry you are going through that, please keep us updated. It might help some of us when the time comes.

Hope to come back to this thread when I have more time. Take care.

At miniminimumumumium (I'm sure that can be shortened) if they were asking for water / ice/ water dabs they should have had access unless there was seme bizarre medical reason why it could it not be. I've been hospitalized for other things, and withholding ice chips or water swabs just seems cruel.

and none were in much of a condition to be asking for anything.

This is a very different situation than an ordinary hospitalization.