Guest guest Posted November 17, 1998 Report Share Posted November 17, 1998 First of all I would like to tell you how sorry I feel for you and your family. My husband died of CJD almost 3 years ago - we live in RI. My husband had CJD for 5 years, he specifically said that he did not want a feeding tube. His eating habits went from regular to just Ensure until he could not swallow anything an that was only in the last week of his life. As for the fever, in my experience with my husband, it is completely normal and part of the process. I spent many hours with my husband putting cool towels all over his body to bring down his temperature, always thinking that each bout with high temps (pneumonia) was going to be the cause of his demise. But he always came out of them and in the end it was not the ultimate cause of his death. But that said, I also know that there are not two cases that seem to be alike. I think that what ever you and your family decide to do is the best way. Do not feel as if there is a manual to follow just follow your heart. God Bless. Jackie Laplante ext.309 duration From: STrai6098@... My mother was recently diagnosed with CJD after a rapid deterioration taking place over the last 3 -4 weeks. She is presently in a wonderful nursing home south of Boston, MA. My father authorized a feeding tube before she left the hospital for the home, and at present, this is the only way that she can receive nourishment since she is no longer able to swallow. She is 67 years old, and before the onset of CJD was a healthy woman. As of today she is bedridden, incontinent, and unable to eat or drink, or communicate. Her eyes, when open, have a dead look to them. She twitches and jerks and has been running a temperature of 100 - 102 since last Thursday. I was wondering if anyone knows if the fever is a symptom of CJD, since one of the nurses suggested that what's left of her brain may no longer be able to control body temperature. A month ago that would have sounded bizarre to me, but now nothing seems too bizarre or horrific. Also, could anyone out there tell us how much time they think my mother has to live based on their experience? Has anyone else done the feeding tube route? Thank you in advance for any help you can give. Sheryl ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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