Re: Putting a plug in PEG tubes

[Guest guest]

Has anyone had this done? It is possible Bob may have his PEG tube removed - is improving from heart attack, but so compromised because of MSA - balance, speech, eyes tracking. I'm leary of having the tube removed as he may need it in the future. (he graduated, after a swallow test today, from no liquids by mouth to nectar-thick liquids) The radiologist thought she had heard of a "plug" - any information, and QUICKLY, would be so much appreciated. He comes home from Rehab in one week, and we have so much to do (more grab bars, remodeling room, etc., etc).

Another question - will insurance pay for an adjustable bed (or part of it), as I thought I'd read that they will pay for a hospital bed. He needs to be elevated because of aspiration problems. I need to be able to sleep next to him, and the dual adjustable beds are so expensive. Think we may go for two singles which fit together - one adjustable, one not, about $1200. Suggestions?

Thank you,

Elaine Grimmesey

[Guest guest]

Elaine:

Medicare paid for a hospital bed for Ken which I had put next to my regular

bed so I could sleep close to him. This worked very well for us, and I was

right there beside him the night he died. I had room by the big bed, but if I

had not, I would have gotten a regular twin for me. It was very comforting

for both of us to be together, and if ken became restless, I could usually

calm him without having to get up.

Love, Barbara

[Guest guest]

Elaine: My Bob has a hospital bed and I have a regular bed at the same

height. My bed is just the width of the commode from his and it works out as

I can hear him and he is unable to walk so I just get him up for the commode

- he holds on to the transport wheelchair arms and I pivot him on to the

commode which has let down sides. I was considering a Hoyer Lift (which I

think I will have to have in the future) but for now I sort of pivot him

around. We are now on the 1st floor and using the den for a bedroom so for

now it works out - Medicare pays for the Hospital Bed - they rent it and I

did not take possession of it as I was advised to keep it as a rental in case

of repairs. I hear the motor can wear out. I have one of those eggcrate

mattresses on top of the mattress that came with it and I tried it and it

seems comfy and he says it is OK. Bob has had his for more than 2 years and

I don't know what I would do without it. I keep his head raised at all

times. He chokes otherwise. He was eligible for one of those blow up air

mattresses that keeps pumping air when he had a sore but he hated it. He

refused it - he couldn't stand it. A few years ago when he was in the

hospital with complications from a broken arm after a fall - the hospital

ordered one (air type) but he couldn't stand it - he was adamant about it.

Hope you have good luck with getting the bed - I'm sure it will make things

easier.

Pat from Framingham MA