My Dad has Parkinson & dimentia and has fluid in his lungs from pneumonia.

My Dad has Parkinson & dimentia and has fluid in his lungs from pneumonia.

My Dad has Parkinson & dimentia and has fluid in his lungs from pneumonia. He has aspirated & on a ventilator. He wasn't able to breath on his own when an attempt to wein him off the vent. The docs say this may be a final stage of his condition & a potential option is a trachiotomy but that likely leads to ongoing care and quality of life issues. What advice would you recommend?

2 Answers

Dr. Jonathan Puchalski

Critical Care Surgeon

Guilford, CT

I would recommend following his wishes regarding life. Quality of life is more important than Quantity. Perhaps a focus on comfort is most important at this time.

Dr. Clark Thorpe Bishop

Pulmonologist

PROVO, UT

I would see if the hospital has a palliative care team to discuss goals of care.