I have posted here before and my husband (75) is now eight weeks out since his second stroke in six months. He currently has a NG tube and hates it, and the doctor at the SNF (that is, the Norwegian equivalent) is considering a PEG. She wants me to think about it and discuss it with my husband (not easy since he has expressive aphasia). I am worried about the risk of infection and also the procedure of getting it fitted, but maybe this could give my husband a better quality of life? I hoped he was heading for further rehabilitation but it seems we may need to prepare ourselves for a permanent place in a nursing home - which I find devastating. I haven’t even mentioned this as a possibility to him yet, as I don’t want to rob him of all hope.
Anna, I know you and your husband are going through a very difficult time. I guess if it were me, I would get opinions from 2 or 3 knowledgable people in the field , and if possible from some people who have had experience dealing with this situation, which I have not. Then try to communicate your findings to your husband. Perhaps communication about this might be easier with the use of each of you making drawings. (I’ve read this often works with aphasia patients). Then ask your husband which road he would like to travel. Sorry to say, as we get older, the final route leads to the same place, but we have a say in which road we want to take, and if the patient is able, I think they feel better having some control. If he is unable to decide, then you’ll have to make the decision on your own from the facts presented and knowing your husband. A nursing home placement, if it happens, is devastating to all of us, but you can choose to be with him and have many good moments as you are able. You and your husband will be in my prayers tonight. Jeanne
Thank you! I will call the stroke association here and speak with a stroke nurse about this, I think. My husband has signalled that he is unsure, he can speak a little most days. Anna<3
Jeanne