Guest guest Posted November 9, 2010 Report Share Posted November 9, 2010 Diane, Thanks for the information, including the reminder about the chin tuck to promote correct swallowing. In the last three weeks my mom had two bad choking episodes. She's been drinking w/a straw for years now, but both times she sucked on the straw and inhaled that water right into her lungs. Thankfully, she has the strength to cough, and she recovered from both episodes. Still, we weren't sure whether the crackles heard in her lungs were due to the aspiration or accumulated fluid from ? heart failure? So we have made two changes: 1. Because she also, has some dependent edema showing up in the last two weeks,the nurse said to add Monday and Thursday bedtime doses of Lasix to her daily dose. 2. Now I'm adding ThickenUp to liquids. An 8oz container (approx. 50 servings/container) costs $5.44 @ CVS. The only ingredient is modified corn starch. Please note that another product ThickIt contains maltodextrin - tiny amounts, but diabetics probably want to avoid it. However, that company also now produces ThickIt 2 with NO maltodextrin. Yesterday when the nurse came for her weekly assessment, she reported that mom's lungs were clear, both sides, even the bases. Mom doesn't talk much anymore, but we're thankful that she appears comfortable and denies pain. What more can we ask? Hope everybody is having a peaceful fall day, Sheila in IN Daughter of Louise, age 88, dx LBD 7/2007 Seroquel 9AM- 37.5 mg, 3PM- 62.5 mg, 9PM -100 mg. > > Dorothy, > > There comes a time when quality of life needs to be considered over quantity. At 93 years old you may want to consider just what are your long and short term goals for her? > If your goal is to keep her at home until the end, then you may want to introduce hospice now. It sounds as if she is a candidate. > > I think that you are right, that she may have swallowing and feeding issues. There is a product called THICK IT that you can purchase. That would be available for you over the counter. > > Before you go out and purchase that, there is a simple little trick that can prevent aspiration. It really defies logic to most people when they hear it. > > When you are feeding her or she is eating, it is important that you instruct her to tuck her chin down after putting food in her mouth. Chew and swallow. This closes off the airway so food and liquid will not go down the wrong pipe. > > You may try giving her liquids through a straw and see how that goes before trying thickened first, as well. > > There is a time, when our bodies no longer function as they should. They wear out like and old car. Hospice is an alternative that can help you transition to that next step. The final one. It is up to you. > > Diane Carbo > http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com > dianecarbo@... > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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