Elderly parent on feeding tube

[Anonymous]

If the patient is still in the ICU from a stroke then this is a rapid change and not a long-term decline from a disease like Parkinson's. I can understand why OP decided on the feeding tube since at that point she did not have a long-term prognosis and it seems things are still in flux.

[Anonymous]

I remember my boyfriend's Dad who had very very late stage alzheimers disease was put on a feeding tube.

I learned that it is not like eating lunch. You are hooked up to a pump and the feeding is about a 12 hour overnight process in bed.

When he went on the feeding tube he could not talk, could not stand, could not sit in a wheel chair without being strapped in etc.

He lived for many months after this but it was shocking. His wife could not let him go.

[Anonymous]

Shame on the posters who are making the OP feel guilty for having a feeding tube for her mother. You have no idea of the situation. For all you know, the mother may have dysphagia and can relearn how to swallow with physical therapy.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry you're going through this OP. This is why it's so important for all of us to have detailed end of life instructions (and not just a DNR).

[Anonymous]

In response to this:
"There are four doctors in my immediate family and they are all adamant that should feeding tubes be suggested for the old people, we should say no. Apparently they are painful, uncomfortable, you have a poor quality of life, etc."
This is way too broad a statement. I am guessing they are referring to someone who cannot function otherwise?
My stepfather just had a feeding tube (PEG tube) put in. He is fully aware cognitively but also fully dependent on nursing care physically (he can sit in and use a wheelchair but cannot get himself around on his own). The feeding tube has made a huge improvement in his physical and mental well-being though, because he is finally getting the nourishment he needs both for his mental acuity and his body. Unfortunately it also means he can't go back to Assisted Living and will need to go to a nursing facility due to regulations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are four doctors in my immediate family and they are all adamant that should feeding tubes be suggested for the old people, we should say no. Apparently they are painful, uncomfortable, you have a poor quality of life, etc.

My father refused a feeding tube. He couldn't see having any quality of life with one. I'm glad doctors are giving those recommendations because families often have no idea of the negatives and are focused on keeping their parents alive