We have attempted a draw last week and it did not work with only getting 1/4 in of blood from wrist in the vial and i said stop... No second attempts ever made. . I just need one test for Tumor Necrosis factor. To determine off label use of one shot of perispinal enbrel to treat Aphasia and dementia.
swallowing takes long but sometimes coconut water or sweet drinks are quicker and work better to swallow. I am using high water content foods.
I always give steamed zucchini for breakfast. Prior on alternate days, filling a cup with diced cucumbers, melons, cucumber and celery as a liquid base so there is lots of liquid. There are approx 5 - 7 wet pull ups daily. another 2 at night into the morning.
85 yrs.4 ft 6in weight 75 lbs dementia symptoms, can bear weight but not balance anymore. Very good appetite, mouth stays open most times, non verbal, tries to speak a little, understands things somewhat as we can see slight nodding to affirm comprehension and sometimes reaches for her drink or spoon when put in front of her even though arms are mostly bent. I understand end of life, have the book "Being Mortal" but we placing some principles of the Bredesen protocol and see improvements with her strength and more able to stand and hold her weight so toileting and sitting up are possible. I need to get one test... Dad will lose his mind if she passes. She laughs at the three stooges, we take her out everywhere even the beach. Today she smiled at a toddler.
I admit I only know what I've just looked up about the off-label Enbrel theory, but mucking about with her immune system sounds like a terrible idea to me. But if you're dead-set on getting this test done, I should look to the skill of the blood-drawer: phlebotomists can get blood out of the proverbial stone, if you can track one down. Paediatricians are pretty good, too - it's all that practice on teensy invisible veins.
The problem with swallowing happens with Dementia. Because of this, the person can aspirate the liquid and then get pneumonia. My opinion, if not on Hospice this person needs to see a doctor for a swallow test.