lisaann1170
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Messages
- 106
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Country
- US
- State
- WI
- City
- Milwaukee
The neuro and speech therapist finally convinced Dad to get a consult with a GI specialist to talk about getting a feeding tube. The PEG procedure was scheduled for next week Wednesday...notice that I said WAS scheduled.
The consult was a disaster.
The GI doc had never met my dad before.
He talked about how feeding tubes are common end-of-life options for cancer patients. Of course, this led Dad to think that we're either (1) saying he's at the end of the road, or (2) jumping the gun.
The GI doc asked if the neuro recommended the PEG because he anticipated some sort of rapid decline in Dad's health. How can I answer that?! And, should we wait for a rapid decline?!
He also said that if we chose to have the feeding tube placed in the future, Dad could get scheduled in 4-6 weeks. Has he NEVER had an ALS patient?!
He said that 1 in 100,000 patient have complications including a punctured esophagus. And I quote, "We've done more than 100,000 so you could be the one."
The GI doc turned to me and said, "If he were my dad, I wouldn't do it." Great.
Dad cancelled the procedure.
We got in the car and he choked on his water. He's fine, but I wanted to scream.
The consult was a disaster.
The GI doc had never met my dad before.
He talked about how feeding tubes are common end-of-life options for cancer patients. Of course, this led Dad to think that we're either (1) saying he's at the end of the road, or (2) jumping the gun.
The GI doc asked if the neuro recommended the PEG because he anticipated some sort of rapid decline in Dad's health. How can I answer that?! And, should we wait for a rapid decline?!
He also said that if we chose to have the feeding tube placed in the future, Dad could get scheduled in 4-6 weeks. Has he NEVER had an ALS patient?!
He said that 1 in 100,000 patient have complications including a punctured esophagus. And I quote, "We've done more than 100,000 so you could be the one."
The GI doc turned to me and said, "If he were my dad, I wouldn't do it." Great.
Dad cancelled the procedure.
We got in the car and he choked on his water. He's fine, but I wanted to scream.