Our care manager called the various offices and did some shuttle diplomacy for us. The two main outcomes were to discontinue tube feeds for 48 hours (starting yesterday), and to do hydration every 36 hours instead of every 48. We had already been supplementing the tube feeds with some oral intake, ending the 3-week period of no eating after 10 days.
The timing of the 48-hour suspension of tube feeds seemed fortuitous since today is Penny’s birthday. Yesterday, Penny, daughter-in-law Hannah, and a friend went for afternoon tea, which everyone enjoyed.
But by 3pm, Penny wasn’t feeling well, and except during bouts of pain and nausea she could not sleep through, she’s been sleeping since then (about 32 hours now). This morning her heart rate was elevated as well.
Since noon, however, the nausea and pain have been greatly reduced, and a couple hours later the heart rate had returned to normal as well. Only the extreme fatigue remains.
I have a guess about the 20 hours of pain and nausea. I’m guessing that the G tube was blocked, because there was essentially no output during that time. One of the morning meds is given through the G tube, and I’m guessing that that unplugged the tube. When we reopened the tube for draining after morning meds, over a liter came out in less than 10 minutes, and she has felt much better since then. Likely the elevated heart rate was a response to the pain and nausea. It’s less clear why the fatigue is lingering. If that persists tomorrow, we’ll call and get some more people to weigh in.
Our current plan is to hold off on tube feeds for another day, since today was not a good measure of the effects of discontinuing those. But we have to see how the night goes and how Penny is feeling in the morning.
Comments
Patricia Boer Fischer : HaPpY hApPy BiRtHdAy 🎂 Penny .. Glad 2Hear U got Out abit 2 Celebrate 🥳!! Prayin 🙏 Things start 2 Look Better 4Ya!! Just Know Ur n Our Thoughts and Prayers Always, God Bless 💕🫶⚘️😘🙏 Hugg's & Lots of Love ❤️
Alisa Tigchelaar: So glad to hear you were able to enjoy tea and treats on your special day, Penny! Thanks for the update, Randy. Praying now for good information regarding the tube feedings and that pain and nausea will not interfere with needed rest. Much love. 💗
Glen Boer: Happy Birthday 🎂🥳 Always keeping you in our prayers
Jim and Andrea: I keep hoping for some news that the tube feedings ar knew realized how hard it 8syoe going uneventfully! I never
Jim and Andrea: I meant... I keep hoping to hear the tube feedings are going along more uneventfully - not yet, evidently. I suppose it is an art to space feedings, decide on a rate, decide if/ how to combine with eating. I hope it wasn't too difficult for Penny to be around all the delicious looking items at the tea!
Dawn Mulder: Always glad to get these updates and know what we can specifically be praying for. Pain and nausea is a terrible combination, praying the worst of that has past. Birthday Blessings to you Penny. Tea time looked beautiful!
George Monsma, Jr.: So sorry for the pain and nausea, praying for continued relief.