Welcome Carol B

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol-

Welcome and thank you for writing. My dad had

to have a PEG tube in January 2000. He was

so very sick, with aspiration pneumonia. He

was unable to swallow. I had a rush decision

and opted for the tube. Dad seemed to hate it.

He didn't talk so he couldn't tell me he hated it

but he would unhook the tube with the nutrition

and spin it around. He had the tube until April

and it was removed. He prevailed. He gained

weight, was up and walking around and went on

to live 2 1/2 years. Toward the end of dad's

life we were faced with the decision of another

PEG tube...I was POA and declined the tube

then. Dad had progressed so far in the disease

that there was nothing to gain. My dad was

refusing food.

Please take care and come here again if you

have time.

With hugs-

Sandie

Des Moines, IA

-- Re: Decision

I have been reading posts for quite awhile, about 3 years. I have gotten so

many ideas and sense of calm from so many LBD caregivers. My mother, dx

with LBD/Parkinson's has been in hospital last two days not able to swallow

anymore (or just a little, doctors not sure yet, still will do video X-ray.

)

Since Mom's heart, lungs and vital organs are all doing well, she might need

the feeding tube for nutrition. Doctor has told me not feeding her will

cause malnutrition and her organs will break down. Well, I do not want to

do that to my Mom, but I think Parkinson's is causing the poor nutrition

not being able to swallow. I have experience with the feeding tube and

trache with my father passing away in 5/05 and being 18 months on the

feeding tube and 5 months on the trache. (He also had a total stroke and

skin cancer which he died from).

I am very confused and hate to see my Mom on the feeding tube just like my

Dad, but she is aware of what is going on and talks to me and the nurses in

her whispering voice. She has said she wants to try the tube a little while

I am so hesitant but I think I must follow her wishes and give the tube a

go and see what happens, since she has no other current problems but the

LBD/Parkinsons.

I saw my Dad how when everyone eats in the nursing home he was left in his

room because he was on the tube. I saw him get pnuemonia so many times from

not being mobile. I am so sad to see my mother do this also.

Thank you so much for letting me air my concerns and feelings. I do

appreciate this on line support very much. Thank You! Carol B. Elk Grove

Vlg IL