Severe stroke - getting my Dad to eat.. and general advice..

[claudib]

Hi there,
My Dad had a severe left brain stroke 3 weeks ago and is in hospital and has no speech or mobility on his left side. He has been getting more alert and swallow has been improving but he is mostly refusing food (which is today's challenge).
He has had 5 spoonfuls here and there. He has been pulling out the peg feed so has got inflamation from that. But I am feeling eating food would be a very progressive next step ( i also am a completely clueless about this too, I try to read and research but then some stuff you read is scary and I don't know if the panic that ensues is helpful for me day to day for coping reasons-I have small children to look after too)
He is very strong and had been wearing the mitten but even then he even took the peg out with his teeth.
As many of you know this situation is very hard and we all have to look after ourselves to give us strength to be strong for him, there are many of us and we are doing this so we have good support.
If anyone has any tips or experience that may help it would be amazing to hear..
thanks

3 weeks isn't long in stroke recovery and the patient also has to try. He could well be confused still, hence pulling out the feed.

Eating will be difficult until enough brain function has recovered to swallow properly.

Things will improve but they take time.

Has his swallow been assessed?

He needs to have a swallowing assessment done first, please make sure that this has been carried out.

If he's lost left side use it may affect that side of his swallowing movements as well.

Meds maybe making him more agitated / confused - try and put socks on his hands to stop him pulling out the PEG feeds. Nutritional shakes should be being offered if he's had his swallow assessment.

Or try a favourite drink like Gin and Tonic (ask the medics first if OK).

3 weeks is nothing in post stroke terms.

As others said, his swallow needs to be assessed before anything. If he chokes it could be fatal. So you could contact the SALT who is looking after him. They would have prescribed the Peg feed in the first place.

As everyone said re, swallowing assessment. Also, is there a branch of the Stroke Association in your area? they will help with advice and support on these early stages.