Feeding Tube after In-toxin Brain injury with a patient with Gastric-bypass

[ddodropinn]

Would like to know if a Feeding tube is possible with a person that has had a gastric bypass with a in-toxin brain injury .VA Doctors. say that it is not medically beneficial to operate because of the complications on how much to feed my Husband and has a very little stomach and no way to place the tube. He right now is in a vegetation state and can not speak for himself but I am willing to keep him alive for what ever it`s worth to give him more time to recover even if it is a little .To me little is much , and my God is able . Could you help me in this matter please .Thank you for your quick response ,

Sincerely, Ddodropinn.

[ddodropinn]

Thank you for answering me with your thoughts on this . I appreciate your prayers .

[caregiver222]

You have a difficult decision ahead. Probably one of the most difficult ones of your life.

I have no answers for you, but whatever decision you make don't blame yourself afterwards.

If you have a family priest or rabbi that will listen it might be a good idea to talk to them.

I have you in my prayers.

[medicmommy]

Hello. I'd get a second opinion on that one. A J-tube (feeding tube that goes through the abdominal wall into the jejunum) can be an option, but it requires surgery (minor, but still an infection risk) and can offer a temporary or permanent solution to giving him nutrients. This feeding tube is below the stomach, so it is not affected by the bypass surgery (at least not to my knowledge.) I'm wondering about your husband's prognosis? If he has brain swelling that has caused such severe brain damage that he is not breathing on his own and shows no activity on an EEG (indicates brain death with no chance of recovery), and his organs are failing, placing a surgical feeding tube (or any feeding tube) would not change the path to dying his body is following.

I'm so sorry this isn't very optimistic news. There is something else you should know...If, by some miracle, he does survive with only his brain stem functions intact, and remains in a vegetative state for the rest of his life, he will need someone to take care of him 24/7 and he will eventually succumb to a severe infection, organ failure, or pulmonary failure (lungs fill full of fluid and he slowly drowns) after possibly fighting urinary tract infections, bowel blockages, and possibly deep sores on his body from laying stationary too long. I know, where there is life, there's hope, but sometimes we are faced with the possibility of letting go of someone we love instead of having them suffer because we can't...I have been in a similar position with someone I loved, and he passed peacefully of his own accord in the hospital. I hope this information helps. Take care and be strong...(((((((HUGZ))))))))) ~MM