The Flu?

[LauraW]

Ok, I'm not finding anything on this anywhere. The Flu is going around our house. Yes, we had our shots...so much for that. I am afraid Mom is now sick with it. She keeps saying her stomach hurts. She is on a vent and has a feeding tube. I am afraid of what will happen if she vomits. I am not even sure that her muscles will let her. Will she aspirate? Does anyone have any experience with this happening? Oh, God. I don't know what to do.

 

[dldred]

My mom had some kind of the flu last week and her stomach was very uspet. She also has a peg and when she vomited it just went back through her tube. She didn't have any issues of choking. I hope this helps you and your mom soon gets over the flu. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask me.

Dana

 

[LauraW]

Thanks, Dana. So far she is just feeling like she is going to vomit. I'm afraid to feed her.

 

[joelc]

I am having the same problems in our house. Not sure what to expect. We can compare notes after it is all over, if I am still around! LOL
I have been wondering the same questions. Sorry you are going through this as well.

 

[LauraW]

Thanks, Joel, sorry you are going through it too. At least I'm not alone!

 

[joelc]

My main concern is sleeping. Since I sleep on my back, and can't move at all, I am a bit concerned about what will happen if I vomit. I can't even turn my head so it will be an interesting experience.

Hope you guys make it through this without any problems!

 

[AKjo]

My husband doesn't have a PEG so I don't have experience, but is there a reason you couldn't empty the stomach with a syringe. If there is nothing in your stomach to throw up, the risk of aspiration would be less likely? I realize you want to maintain nutrition and hydration, but for the short haul which would be better? Please educate me if this is a really bad idea - somewhere down the road I will need to know how to deal with this.

 

[joelc]

Not a bad idea at all. Never tried it, no reason to yet, but can't see why it would not work as long as you had some advanced notice there might be a possibility of vomiting. Will let you know if I have to try it.

 

[BarryG]

My dietitian told me that I could just open the tube over the sink or a bucket if I was nauseated to the point of vomiting. Never tried it but I've sure thought about it to relief the pain of air pumped into me by my bipap.