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swb32cox Asked June 2015

At what point should someone receive 'tube feeding'? Are there any guidelines?

Can it be done at home, or does it have to be done in SNF. My wife 76 (bed bound at home but not disabled) has lost 40+ pounds in 6 months due to bad taste in mouth. she was 150+ is now 106+. She tries to eat and eats a bit better better but because of IBS, HYPOGLCEMIA, bad taste in mouth due to Biofilm (bacteria) etc has difficulties eating 1200 calories even when using glucerna etc. just wondering at what point should I contact doctor and request 'tube' feeding. Problem is that seeing PCP is difficult as she IS bedbound and needs gurney to get in to see him, We have a Nurse Practitioner that comes once a month.

swb32cox Jun 2015
cwillie... I know that she could benefit from it but not sure at what point I should ask the doctor or in our case (since she is bedridden and we are using a nurse practitioner), when to start thinking about it seriously.

cwillie Jun 2015
Sounds like you already knew the answer and she would be a good candidate for a feeding tube. I don't have personal experience with them, but I know of someone who is still able to eat but supplements her intake via the gastric tube and it has been beneficial in her life. Try searching the site for tube feeding, I know the topic has come up several times. Good luck!

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swb32cox Jun 2015
cwillie.. thanks. actually she is not in bad shape except for eating and needs PT.
multiple health issues as mentioned above as well as issues created by hospital stays and SNF stay has just made her depressed and basically not wanting to do much. With more feeding and PT she could be out of bed and closer to normal in a month or so.

cwillie Jun 2015
Personally, I would only consider tube feeding if there was a reasonable hope the condition causing the need for it can be treated. If there is no hope for improvement, ever, than forced feeding is only keeping the body alive and increasing suffering IMO.

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