AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have a master's degree in bioethics which inlcudes medical and research ethics. In addition to a law degree, I have a doctorate of philosophy in comparative ethics involving medicine, law and business. I also am an Adjunct Professor at a medical school.
I can answer questions related to the ethics of withholding, instituting or withdrawal of life support.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 plus I have a master's degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics. I am also an Adjunct Professor at a medical school where I teach current providers and students medical ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Association for Justice
Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosphy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question My father is 86, and was diagnosed with copd 6 years ago, when we were told he had 4 months to live. We have watched him decline over the years, but he has held on. He is still on oxygen. My mom has been caring for him at home, and she has a homemaker, and support from friends and family. He has stopped eating though, and hasn't eaten fro 11 days. He says,'maybe later.' He drinks about a cup of oj #low acid# but he does vomit most days, so I don't know how much fluid he is taking in. I think he is shutting down, but I feel so desperate that I don't know how imminent it is. I do want to be there, but I work during the day, and have 2 little ones at home, and I live about 1 hour 15 min away, so I feel so torn. If I could have a sense of how much time he has left I could make a decision to take time off work, and stay there 24/7 with my mom and dad. The last 2 nights he coughs, and he had liquidy sounding breathing tonight. He is always frozen, and is covered with blankets, and uses hot water bottles. I know you can't say for sure, but do you think he has days? Weeks? Months?
He is lucid usually but today he could hardly talk- he would sort of try to communicate his needs without talking much. His memory has rapidly declined- he forgets from one minute to the next but he always remembers us. He still can walk to the bathroom with assistance. He is in some pain #Chest? Stomach?# but he will take a Tylenol in a spoon of ice cream. I know you probably can't really answer my question..
Answer Karen,
I really cannot answer your question. Once your father stops eating and drinking, his time is limited. The body is starting to shut down and the body cannot exist without hydration and nutrition.
I do not know if hospice is involved but this is a good time to bring them in if they are not. They will tell you that everybody is different but he has limited time.
It is nice that he has your mother and you to help him transition. I suggest you spend as much time as you can with him as it will mean a great deal to him as well as your mother.
I hope your father has a peaceful transition and you and your mother have peace in his eventual passing.
