Re: Shirley - Re: need some advice

[Guest guest]

Dear Shirley,

I'm so sorry to hear about the g-peg. Maybe a bit more

information to you and from you would be helpful in

sorting this out. I am not a clinician, but did ask

the geriatric physician where I work about g-tubes. He

said the success of removing the tube and continuing

without it depends in large part on how affected your

husband's swallowing mechanism is and the functioning

of his respiratory system. He said people can

successfully be weaned off the tube after asp pneu. Of

course in LBD all bodily functions can be compromised,

and sometimes g-tubes are permanent. Without a

complete exam the MD here couldn't guess, but

recommends getting a prompt second opinion from the

best specialist you can locate in your area. This is a

serious decision, so of course you want as much info

as possible.

The doc here did ask if your husband was swallowing

without problem prior to the pneumonia. Regarding

losing weight: not uncommon, but the doc should have

ordered an intake/output record and keep track of

calories consumed. Apparently more than the MDR of

nourishing calories is desirable when on tube and

getting rehab.

This may not have told you much more than you already

knew, but I think myself the recommendation of a

second opinion is wise. Many times we caregivers don't

take that step, but it can sometimes resolve a

question and minimally gives us the opportunity to do

all that's possible to find answers.

It's not the same as talking directly with another MD

at your end, but if you have more questions, the doc

here is willing to " take a crack " at them - just can't

promise how helpful he can be on an individual basis.

Keeping you and your husband in my prayers,

Lin

--- wrote:

> Shirley - I don't have experience w/ this but wanted

> to boost the

> message since your message only received a couple of

> replies... and

> then changed topic... Hoping you will get a few more

> answers to your

> question...

>

>

> >

> > my husband charlie has lbd he had aspiration

> pneumonia about a month

> > ago and had to have a peg put in his stomach. Now

> he's in rehab and

> > the dr. at the hospital told me that with this

> disease that

> > aspiration is irreversible and that he will

> probably have to have

> > the tube from now on. Does anyone know about

> this? Also he's losing

> > weight while on the tube feeding is this normal?

> > thanks Shirley

> >

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> Welcome to LBDcaregivers.

>

>