Re: Re: to Jerrie and concerning feeding tube andpnuemonia

[Guest guest]

Jerrie,

Even though Bob's swallowing (gag) reflex is gone, a speech therapist may be

able to get it back. Charlotte lost her swallowing reflex back in 1998 due

to infection and after the infection was cured and the PEG was installed,

they began a rehab program.

The ST got the reflex back by taking a small dental mirror, cooling it in ice

and massaging the back of the throat. They have a name for it (some sort of

stimulation). Since it did cause a gag reflex, she showed me how to do it

and I did it several times a day. Charlotte was speaking somewhat within 30

days. They did a second swallow study and decided all liquids should go

through the PEG, but she could eventually eat a soft mechanical diet.

Charlotte loved to eat, and we added things like very finely cut up filet

mignon. She did have to give up shrimp as they were too rubbery.

Take care, Bill Werre

------------------------------------------

deenzer@... wrote:

> Hi Annette: Thanks for your reply - " the other side of the coin " . You

> are lucky your decision was the right one because we don't know the

> answers in advance. As for Bob, right now, he is deciding whether or not

> he wants the feeding tube. At this point,he cannot even get crushed meds

> down in thickened liquid. The swallowing mechanism is gone, therefore he

> hasn't eaten in about 5 days. Today should be " decision " day. Continued

> good luck! Regards, jerrie

>

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[Guest guest]

Hi Bill: Thanks for all your info about the feeding tube. I need to find

out from the hospital if he has a uti (since the culture must be

finished by now). Maybe some of the symptoms will be lessened if he has

an infection & gets antibiotcs. The fact that it doesn't have to be

permanent might persuade him to have one inserted. Thanks again.

Regards, Jerrie

[Guest guest]

Hi Bill: Thanks for all your info about the feeding tube. I need to find

out from the hospital if he has a uti (since the culture must be

finished by now). Maybe some of the symptoms will be lessened if he has

an infection & gets antibiotcs. The fact that it doesn't have to be

permanent might persuade him to have one inserted. Thanks again.

Regards, Jerrie