Let me preface this by saying I very much appreciate the discussion on the General Discussion part of the forum. I need some more graphic answers.
My mother and her husband just got a definitive diagnosis from the ALS clinic in San Antonio, but we've (neurologist and our family) suspected it for at least 3 months. While I understand they are still undergoing the "why us" stages, I want them to be completely educated concerning some decisions that are ahead. One that is in need of some serious consideration is a feeding tube. Mom has both Bulbar and lower forms of ALS. She has slurred speech and has trouble swallowing already. They express that they "don't want any holes in mom that God didn't put there." I understand the initial thought process there, but in my research starving to death is awful compared to what has been described as a "gentle process" in letting ALS take it's natural course (slowly decreased breathing).
Have any of you had a relative that initially said "No" to a feeding tube? What made them change their mind? Maybe they didn't change their mind---what happens and how long does it really take to pass away from no feeding tube?
Morbid questions, I know. I would just like to give her some honest feedback about what I believe is a premature decision. My niece is an RN and she's tried to explain, but mom isn't listening.
Many thanks.
My mother and her husband just got a definitive diagnosis from the ALS clinic in San Antonio, but we've (neurologist and our family) suspected it for at least 3 months. While I understand they are still undergoing the "why us" stages, I want them to be completely educated concerning some decisions that are ahead. One that is in need of some serious consideration is a feeding tube. Mom has both Bulbar and lower forms of ALS. She has slurred speech and has trouble swallowing already. They express that they "don't want any holes in mom that God didn't put there." I understand the initial thought process there, but in my research starving to death is awful compared to what has been described as a "gentle process" in letting ALS take it's natural course (slowly decreased breathing).
Have any of you had a relative that initially said "No" to a feeding tube? What made them change their mind? Maybe they didn't change their mind---what happens and how long does it really take to pass away from no feeding tube?
Morbid questions, I know. I would just like to give her some honest feedback about what I believe is a premature decision. My niece is an RN and she's tried to explain, but mom isn't listening.
Many thanks.