Dr. Appointment

cwb49 · October 22

Doctors most point of concern: weight loss= 13% over 6 months equaling 10 pounds.

Feeding tube mentioned, I ask Dr. if she is in any real danger at this moment, or do I have time to try something else. She said give it a try and be back in 3 months unless needed before that time.

CWB

Quilting brings calm · October 22

just because a feeding tube is mentioned doesn’t mean one is needed… or for that fact, wanted. Nor are you required to agree to it.

For now -try offering shakes such as Boost or Ensure or actual milkshakes. Ice cream or other high calories foods that she likes. Her taste buds could be declining - the last ones to shut off are the one for sweet tastes.

notequipped · October 22

My Mom is also on an every 3 month visit schedule for weight loss. We always have ice cream and just about any other type of high calorie snack available. She uses a vanilla protein shake instead of milk in her cereal each morning. I would think long and hard and get all of the opinions that you can before moving forward with a feeding tube. It’s not going to change the outcome for someone with dementia.

cdgbdr · October 22

A feeding tube should be if you want it and it is in keeping with your goals of care. My mom wanted my dad to have one because in her belief system, it was the right thing to do. My DH has dementia and I would never do that in his situation for what I would consider expected progression of his condition.

Ed's mom · October 23

I drink protein drinks and they aren't great tasting. My nutritionist suggested adding a tablespoon of nut butter to boost it and the taste. They come in many flavors and it's like drinking candy. You can find something she'll eat, anything can be made healthy.

ronda b · October 23

Get her high protein bars to eat. They taste like brownies or cookies. I eat them all the time.. pj sandwiches usually get eaten well.

cwb49 · October 23

First, let me thank everyone for their replies.

I am not considering the feeding tube. She has refused every brand of protein drink, and I have tried them all.

I will try to implement some of all of your suggestions, and hope for the best.

CWB

cwb49 · October 23

Snipe · October 23

DW will eat pb&j sandwiches usually. I also give her a glass of ensure, chocolate is her favorite, when she’s sitting around and I have recently been giving her just regular chocolate milk as an in between meal drink. I also buy higher calorie protein bars like Cliff bars. She never really wants one but I cut it into six pieces or smaller and just leave it on a plate on the counter. She’ll grab a piece on her way by and it’s usually mostly gone in a few hours. Ice cream is always good also and she very rarely turns it down. Good luck.

SDianeL · October 23

if she is losing weight perhaps it’s time for hospice? A feeding tube would only prolong the inevitable. I wouldn’t want that. Neither would have my husband. Have you ever discussed a feeding tube with her before her diagnosis?

harshedbuzz · October 23

I'm curious— who brought up the feeding tube? If it was the doctor, I would be concerned that perhaps it might be time to seek care from a palliate care specialist if you're not ready to consider hospice.

https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgs.12924

In the last year of dad's life, he lost quite a bit of weight despite us plying him with calorie dense foods. Most protein and nutrition products don't taste all that great. At a certain point, calories in becomes the goal. She might be willing to eat ice cream, pudding made with whole milk, cookies or cakes. Hand feeding is sometimes needed to keep weight loss to a minimum.

HB

terei · October 24

Most recent studies are showing that feeding tubes do not extend life anyway. I am surprised if any doctor suggests one in the case of dementia.

Carl46 · October 25

I'm very sorry, CWB.

BPS · October 25

My wife lost a lot of weight and got down to 86 pounds. they said it was "failure to thrive". We got her on hospice and was preparing for the end. She for some reason started eating better. That was a year ago and she is holding her own weight and still on hospice. I had decided to always make sure she had food that she liked available for her but if she was able to eat and just didn't want to to let it go. The way the hospice nurse put it is to listen to her body. I think if she is as comfortable and happy as can be then trying to force her to eat is only going to upset her and not change the outcome.

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