Re: Feeding Tube and Muscle Loss

[Guest guest]

Elinor,

First of all, about B6 from CMT Dr. G. Parry: " I tell my patients under

no circumstances should they take more than 20 mg daily and I prefer

them to take no more than 10 mg daily. 8 mg daily is

certainly safe " . You can read more about his advice in our Files section. Do you

have this information? http://abbottnutrition.com/products/products.aspx?pid=8

This is to replenish essential nutrients. I hope part of this includes drinking

water.

Yes, from lying in bed, one can loose weight and muscle, in addition to becoming

weak, from illness, lack of nutrients, etc. Weight and muscle can be gained,

however, if he already had a certain amount of muscle atrophy before he became

sick, that muscle cannot be reversed.

The physical therapists may be starting him very slowly, due to his weakened

body and age. But I suggest you speak to his Dr. and the Director of PT about

the 'plan' for his course of therapy and what the goals are. PT will continue in

rehab and will most likely be more intense, so that he is able to come home. You

may not need in-home health care. A " plan " for PT is essential, your husband

must understand that and make a committment to it.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi Elinor,

 

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband.

 

You may want to speak with his doctor about his depression.  In his situation,

he will need a strong desire to recover.  Depression zaps drive and desire and

can completely drain him of energy, which will make recovery much more

difficult.  Perhaps an anti-depressive medication may be in order.

 

Also, I would recommend discussing the physical therapy treatment plan with the

doctor.  Since he can only tolerate a little bit, perhaps they should increase

the frequency during the week.  Another option is alternating physical therapy

and occupational therapy, i.e. PT on M,W,F and occupational therapy on T, Th.

 

When he gets moved to skilled nursing, they will have meetings (at least once

a week) to discuss progress and revisions to the treatment plan.  You can

request to participate in these meetings, as his advocate.

 

If you can find out approximately what time his therapist will come by, you or

other family members can try to be there at that time to encourage him, helping

him to believe he can recover, telling him the reasons to try, and pointing out

each little bit of progress.

 

He still has muscles that work, but it takes a lot of inner motivation to move. 

 

I feel very bad for his situation and yours.  This must be incredibly difficult

for you.  I hope you are doing ok and have lots of support.