[Dysphagia] Practice approaches (Irene Campbell-Taylor)

[sydhoward at cox.net (Sydney Howard)]

For those of you who feel that there is a place [for "'clysis" or 
subcutaneous procedures rather than "by mouth" drinks]  let me ask-- 
why not "Peg" all the people who are dehydrated, have had a stroke and 
have diminished swallowing or have lost taste buds due to the aging 
process and are not eating as well.  Jeez, why fool with the Water Free 
Protocol, dealing with dietary and the family to find "taste" 
solutions, or use thickening agents and spend one's time educating 
nursing assistants to help with preferred drinks offered on a regular 
basis---that may not work.  To read about the procedure and it's 
disadvantages: www.aafp.org/afp/20011101/1575.html

Is that what we mean when we talk about quality of life?

Dr. Syd