Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted the details of your father-in-law. I am pleased with the treatment approach taken by you and your family. He, at this old age, needs loving and compassionate care, and not high-end care in hospital. I applaud your efforts towards that.
Feeding can be continued via naso-gastric tube for a few months. However, we do not expect recovery in his swallowing function. So, a permanent method for feeding would be PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy). This procedure involves making a small opening in stomach directly, to help in feeding. This procedure is done by gastro-enterologist.
He should be nursed in an alpha bed, to prevent bed sores. Also, his position on the bed should be changed frequently.
DVT stockings should be used in legs to prevent clotting of blood in leg veins.
For pain relief, medications such as amitriptyline or pregabalin may be used.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Patient replied :
Dear Doctor,
Thank you very much for your advise.I have a few more questions.
The pain and palliative care doctor has prescribed following patches/drugs for relieving the pain of the patient.
1.FEATANYL PATCH 25 Mg - Every 72 Hrs - 3 nos.
2.P.DIELOFENAE PATCH 100 Mg- Every Day
3.WHALYSLINE - 20 Mg -3 days; 10 Mg 3 days; 5 Mg 5 days
Our doctor says the patient may go into coma if we use patches/steroids mentioned above.
Please offer your comments.
Regards,
M.Nagaraju
Thank you for getting back.
These medicines may cause drowsiness, however, coma is unlikely. In case of excessive drowsiness, the medicines may be stopped, and he would come back to normal in 1-2 days.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist