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My friend had been on a ventilator over a month he's 71. He had a stroke a few months ago he then caught pneumonia 1 and a half months ago has been on ventilator ever since. They released him from hospital to a long term they have have asked his son about hospice but he said he's not there yet can he turn around. The doctors held a meeting and the son says they don't think they can wean him from ventilator.

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We had a family friend who was placed on a ventilator following a stroke. He remained on it for some time, much like you describe. His doctors also said he couldn’t be weaned from the ventilator, meaning he would not regain the ability to breathe on his own. The doctors and family agreed to slowly turn down the ventilator settings over a few days and our friend passed away peacefully as this was done. Sadly, long term life on a ventilator when there’s lots of other damage from a stroke is often little life at all. I’m sorry you’re going through this with your friend
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Platinumuneek Jul 2018
Thank you so much i think he is suffering.. He's not responding. I don't think the son will agree to turn it down.
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Is there other health problems like COPD? Asbestosis? Not being able to wean means he can't do without oxygen. Normally Pause ox s/b 95. My daughter considers 90 low but I read 80 u need to call a doctor.

If the doctors recommend hospice then there is a reason. Is ur friend able to make his own decisions? If so, he needs to find out what is going on. His son needs to understand that Hospice will keep Dad comfortable.
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Platinumuneek Jul 2018
My friend is not responding he can't talk our anything his son says his kidney is failing he won't let me see him unless he's there I saw him a month ago and he was responding to me following me with his eyes i put my hands in his and he squeezed it several times. His son has not let me go back already a excuse
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Sounds like the son is in complete denial.
It is a shame.
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There are 3 main reasons you can't be weaned from the vent. One is keeping your oxygen saturation up. The second is you are too weak to take a good breath on your own for the long term, The 3rd, and a pretty big one,, is you would be unable to protect your airway.. as in cough, keep your secretions from going into your lungs and giving yourself pneumonia. Pneumonia used to be called "the old persons friend" as it killed many an elder who was too weak to go on. I feel so sorry for you, this is a tough one Some people on a vent can go home on a home care vent,,but it requires 24 hr care, home suction equipment to keep the airway clear, and frequent daily trach care. It's not easy
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