She is/was very aggressive, but with the meds she has calmed down a lot, but alas her brain is failing her. She is in the last stage of Alzheimer's/Dementia, and she is in a NH. She failed her gastric test on how to swallow and eat, and the next step is this PEG Tube. She is a fidgety person, and I believe she WILL PULL OUT this tube. Realistically how long do these patients live with this tube? I need to get myself ready for the worst.
I've always felt that when someone with dementia gets to the stage where the eating mechanism is broken (and not temporarily, but permanently) it's time to start palliative care or hospice, not prolong the person's agony.
Can she not have thickened liquids and ice cream? Who has medical POA?
I read a lot about this some time ago, in anticipation for my LO and I was surprised at what I read. It wasn't what I expected, in that the survival rate was not improved and the negatives were considerable. I'm a little surprised a nursing home would suggest it. If you move forward with it, I'd ask about risk of infection, pneumonia, distress on patient, restraints, survival rates, etc. I hope someone will be forthcoming with that info.
Still the hospital wanted to put a feeding tube in him.
At the end of life, as the major body organs start to shut down, there is no need for food and in fact it can make things worse for the patient. My Dad was also fidgety and trying to pull everything out.
Pardon me for the rant, but I often think that in this country we don't talk about the process of death. Hospitals are geared towards keeping patients alive even when there's no good outcome possible and they prolong the process unnecessarily. I kept thinking "If this was me what would I want?" Fortunately for my Dad I was able to stop the feeding tube.
One thing I would inquire about is getting her into hospice. With hospice the emphasis is about keeping the loved-one comfortable, often times using drugs to make the process easier. It is more peaceful for the patient and for the family.
You have to use you own discretion here, because we didn't get enough information on your post to know the exact situation with your mother, but I would emphasis that you should go with your gut/instinct here. Don't let anyone tell you they have to do procedures on you Mom.
Was your consent needed for this procedure? Were you happy with the explanations given?
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/the-risks-and-benefits-of-feeding-tubes-for-seniors-445699.htm
https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/feeding-tubes-for-people-with-alzheimers/
I think it will explain a lot of your questions.
It can cause bleeding, infection, skin irritation, or leaking around the tube.
It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The tube can get blocked or fall out, and must be replaced in a hospital.
Many people with Alzheimer’s disease are bothered by the tube and try to pull it out. To prevent that, they are often tied down or given drugs.
People who are tube-fed are more likely to get pressure sores.
People who are tube-fed are more likely to spit up food, which may lead to pneumonia.
At the end of life, fluids can fill the patient’s lungs and cause breathing problems.
It’s best to have all the facts before you make your decision.