Feeding with BiPAP and RT

[chai]

Hi,

Do you have any recommendations on how to feed the person while that person is on BiPAP ? Diet is fed via Ryles Tube in puree form.


Thank You

 

[lgelb]

That is a nasogastric tube, much more uncomfortable than a feeding tube placed in the stomach, and as you note, does not work well with BiPAP. I would ask that they be switched to a radiologically inserted gastrostomy tube (RIG) as soon as possible. They should use their BiPAP during the tube placement procedure, which should take only a few minutes.

 

[chai]

Thank you for your feedback.

We are considering RIG . Are ALS patients able to recover well from the surgery considering their loss of muscle mass / fat and overall physical strength ? PEG is not an option since it requires general anesthesia.

Regards

 

[lgelb]

That is why RIGs are now usually recommended -- to avoid general anesthesia, reduce procedure time, and make it easier to use BiPAP throughout the procedure, among other things.

Once someone's swallowing is significantly impaired, which I presume your mom's is if she is using an NG tube, the sooner a feeding tube is placed, the greater capacity for recovery from the procedure there can be because as you say, she will continue to lose muscle and mobility.

Most PALS if it is placed in a timely fashion recover well and can tolerate tube feeding, preferably with blended real food or a real food formula such as Whole Story.

 

[chai]

Laurie , Thank you for your feedback . This helps