Meaning of aseptic/swallowing assessment

[sasmock]

Me again!! Just got back from hospital. Nurse looked at dad's notes and said "he's aseptic" and that he's been aspirating for a long time, there is infection and he needs an urgent swallowing assessment, which is being done this afternoon. He's nil by mouth until then (this was 3.30, poor chap)! I'm a bit confused by her using the term aseptic, but saying there was infection....can anyone shed any light on this please? Getting info from these people is so hard, they're so distracted, and other staff are always interrupting, there isn't chance to ask anything and no one stands still long enough to have a conversation!

[Marie_14]

Sarah it sounds very odd. Aseptic means taking precautions when someone has an infection...I think! Could she have said he has sepsis? That can happen with pneumonia for example.

The swallow test has hopefully been done now and you might have more information. It sounds as though you need to talk to a doctor though. Ask to speak to one.

Lots of love to you.

Marie x

[sasmock in reply to Marie_14]

Thank you!

[Dadshelper]

Aseptic means basically the item/area is medically clean. Sepsis is a response by the immune system to an infection. There are varying degrees of sepsis mild, severe and shock. Shock is when your body starts shut down due the amount of toxins, the body can't handle it.

Swallow tests are normal in PSP/CBD due to the degree swallowing is affected. My dad has had 3, each one a little worse then the previous. He is eating still but food is light pureed/diced consistency.

Ron

[abirke]

Hmm septic is when someone has too much bacteria and is in dire need of care....."a" means not aseptic means not septic.....? actually it is a technique to control continued sepsis....the medical teams sees your dad as one who will very easily get an infection, esp. aspiration pneumonia. Therefore all must use preventative measures to control and or prevent infection.....

I'm sorry for you and your dad...but at least the team is on board to help your dad....

Are you up for a PEG tube...I hate to say this but I will. Please consider whether a PEG would help his quality of life....or would it just prolong death....I'm sorry you have to even think that way but it may be a reality.....

AVB

[sasmock]

We have some clarity this evening - he HAS got sepsis. The sepsis has caused his bladder and bowel to stop working. As of 8.30 this evening, he still hadn't had his swallow assessment and hadn't been fed anything all day, he just has a glucose drip. His tongue is black. My mum couldn't face having the PEG tube conversation with him when he could still make his own decision - something she regrets now. She wants him to have one. I'm not so sure - Dad's last pleasure was real food, and now that's gone, he's got nothing left. Will see what the SALT says tomorrow. Thank you for all your kind words and help...again! x

[aliciamq]

Hoping for the best for your dad

[sasmock in reply to aliciamq]

Thank you

[vidvv]

PEG or no PEG is a difficult decision point. wish peace to you and your mom/dad.