[ladyleese]

Feeding Tube...

by ladyleese on Mon Oct 17, 2011 8:38 pm

Momma was placed with a feeding tube today. Her appetite has been failing over the past six months. The past two weeks she has not been able to eat or drink at all, nor take any medication by mouth. They were thinking of releasing from the hospital to hospice without any means of nutrition or fluids. Momma reluctantly decided to agree to a feeding tube after being told she would only last days at home with out the feeding tube.

I was curious if anyone has a feeding tube and if it has improved their quality of life or simply served as a means of prolonging death.

[SmileMKS]

Re: Feeding Tube...

by SmileMKS on Tue Oct 18, 2011 9:45 am

Lisa - I am so sorry about your mom - I lost my mom in August to this dread disease. She didn't start losing her appetite till her last 3 weeks, although she was still eating *some.* My dad, however, was on a feeding tube for almost 2 years after 5 strokes, and all it did was prolong his life/death. I think it is a very individual thing. If your mom is alert and wants to live a little longer, it sounds as if she has no choice but to do the feeding tube, and she can always change her mind when she is ready. It will at least keep her nourished and hydrated and may even help her feel better. I don't know what else to tell you, but make sure you cherish every minute with your mom while she's still here. Hang in there. She's lucky to have you. Take care, MK

[ladyleese]

Re: Feeding Tube...

by ladyleese on Wed Oct 19, 2011 5:48 pm

Thank you MK...sorry to hear about your losses. Since my last post momma was admitted to ICU and remains in critical condition. She has spent the past three days sleeping and when she is awake she is talking senseless and doesn't seem to recognize me. They gave her 24 hours to see if she would respond to feeding, medication to bring up her blood pressure. She was too critical to even do dialysis this morning. We are trying to take her home to die....as per her wishes.

I know the end if is very near....I appreciate the support I have received on this site. It has been far more than we have had from the doctor's until she was admitted to the hospital this last time.

Thank you again,

Lisa