It snuck up on us - virtually no symptoms until 2AM Monday morning, shaking, fever, high blood pressure. Today, he had a swallow study. They recommended a peg tube for feeding and informed us that he was aspirating when he ate. We hate to remove the feature of food in his life. He is 90, weak, and mentally unable to understand the change in body that feeding would bring. Any suggestions, warnings, words of wisdom are much needed and appreciated. We want Dad home with Mom, more time please!
But at age 90? With dementia? Nope. I wouldn't do it. It doesn't eliminate the risk of aspirating -- we can aspirate on our own saliva. And very often with dementia the person keeps trying to take it out (not understanding what it is) and winds up being restrained. Bad situation.
BUT that is MY attitude. Do you know what your father's feelings are, or were before the dementia?
This is hard, hard stuff, and my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope that dad pulls though and gets to have some more good times.
Let us know how you're doing. We care. Don't You forget to eat!
I hope they find a way to help you and your father. Tomorrow will mark 1 year since he passed, and I still struggle with it.
Tggator
Do you know your dad's wishes on these types of measures?
Who's that coming from, mainly? I mean, naturally the family would like Dad to recover and go home, of course. But I'm wondering if the main reason for prolonging your father's life is that your mother can't bear to let him go? How is she coping, overall?
Your father is in ICU and has been since Monday. I hate to be doing the warnings part, but I think I might be concentrating on helping mother prepare herself, just in case; and hold off on the PEG feeding decision until there was a little more clarity about how your father is likely to get on. Has there been improvement in his condition otherwise?
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