Should a feeding tube be used on a 86 year old stroke victim?

[bpc2010]

My mother had a stroke a couple weeks ago.  She is paralized on her left side.  She is 86 years old.  At first she seemed to talk well enough and her spirits were pretty good.  She is now in rehab and has been eating mushed up foods.  
She now is not eating and talking is almost at a whisper.  She is asking that god take her.  The rehab called today to get me to sign for a feeding tube.  Is this a good idea?

[crackerjack4u2]

Hello.  I'm sorry to hear your mother isn't feeling well.  As far as the feeding tube goes they are relatively safe and provide in some cases the only nutrition people are able to get.  

Did you and your mother discuss this prior to her stroke about what she wants should she be unable to speak for herself?  Is she alert enough now to know what she is saying?  

Feeding tubes, as well as TPN,and IV's can prolong them to some degree and some can live indefinitely with a tube.  I have had families decide to place a tube and those who chose not to, the decision is never easy.  

Your mom's stroke is new and she is probably experiencing some depression right now, so maybe  if you can get them to treat her depression too she will decide to eat again on her own and a little nutrition to boost her along may be beneficial in stimulating her appetite. A person can pass if God says it is their time with a feeding tube as well as with out.    

If the feeding tube is placed watch closely for constipation, when first placed the richness and ingredients in the feeding tube can cause them to lock up quick. Some get diarrhea but if there is going to be a problem, most get constipation.   If she has not had a bowel movement in 3 days after placing the tube, she needs to start getting laxatives etc. until she goes,  because I have seen many end up at the hospital with fecal impactions within a week of placement.  So as long as you are aware and watch for it, and ensure treatment in time there shouldn't be any problem with impaction.  

    Good Luck and God Bless

[caregiver222]

Incidentally, she had a stroke in her late nineties and it took a full year (until she was 101) to get her to say a single word and another year to regain use of her hands.

[caregiver222]

It depends on the individual.

My little one was 103 when I had a peg installed. Before the procedure she was asked and said "I want to live", so that factored into the decision. Surprisingly she tolerated it very well with no discomfort. I took her out to the park after the peg was installed and she had bolus feeding and some of her ability to eat returned.

She is now almost 106 years age and still a happy camper.

But everyone is different. Some people don't tolerate the peg well at all.