Dad pulled his trach out (again) and they left it. He is breathing on his own

[LaydeeBug]

But he is battling depression from this, and the speech people said he was uncooperative for a swallow test.

They want me to sign off on starting to feed him food, puddings, etc. Then the g-tube could come out without the swallow test.

I am nervous, but hopeful.

He was evaluated for physical therapy while bed ridden for 2 weeks and sickened with infection. They discharged him for that. I'm fighting it, but these folks know how to write the report, yanno?

Because he is breathing on his own, the trach unit people want me to transfer him to skilled nursing. I am trying to have him transferred somewhere where the focus is on rehab.

I am venting, mostly. It will take him 6 months to live, or six months to die, but I don't think he stands a chance here at Hopkins Bayview.

[Warpy]

1. It sounds like he's ready to get busy living or get busy dying

In any case, he's started to take control of what's being done to and for him. If he doesn't do well with soft foods like puddings, he'll self limit.

Just make sure the SNF he ends up in does rehab. It's not the intensive rehab that dedicated rehab facilities offer, but it does improve quality of life considerably.

Under the circumstances, I'd say depression is absolutely normal.

[Sunlei]

2. It is good your Dad has your help. a swallow 'test'? can he swallow now (saliva, water?)

Agree with you, your Dad needs rehab. to help him recover as 'normal' a life, as possible. I hope he feels better soon!

[shenmue]

3. Mercy

[merrily]

4. I don't know what's best, but I wish you and him all the best.

I will say I am surprised that they want to start him on puddings rather than "clears" (Jello, broth, lemon ice, black tea, etc.)

I have had a nutrition tube and I did find that, if I had any appetite at all, eating was best, even if I vomited. (I should add that I had passed the swallow test. For me the issue was purely a combination of inability to keep food down, at first and no appetite whatever.)

He can eat and have the tube, so that they can make sure he is not losing weight.

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. i hope he gets better

[LaydeeBug]

6. Thank you everyone. I am a frantic mess. nt