Hello, I am hoping someone out there can help me. My grandmother 84 years old - lifelong smoker yadayadayada - went to the hospital on valentines day for what we were sure was pneumonia. Our theory was proven correct but she was also at this time diagnosed with copd - emphesyma and bronchitis. They did a swallow test to her and discovered that 70% of the food ingested ended up in her lungs. AFter antibiotics, a horrible looking machine called a bypap - i called it the hurricane - and a peg insertion to feed her she is now at a "rehabilitation center". The doctors tell us that if she eats anything it will end up in her lungs causing a multitude of other problems. This wonderful woman is laying there fully aware of everything around her asking for water. We are a mess -how can we deny someone we love water?? Sure she is constantly asking for food and we tell her that she cant eat and show her the peg but age and lack of oxygen make her forget for a little while and she will ask again. I am hoping someone out there has had this or has had someone with this and can tell me if there is anyway for her to ever eat through her mouth again?? Doctors say no but i can imagine everyone is covering their butts since they dont want to be the ones to okay food and then have her choke - i understand that but the quality of life that she is living right now is horrible. If she can never eat again - i cant imagine her living that way. ANy suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this and respond. we are at our witts end!! rlene