Feeding tubes- is it worth it?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by marie on August 28, 2008 at 8:22pm

I was in ICU and unconcious when they inserted my tube. They ran it through my nose and down my throat. It was as small as the line on a butterfly line and even when I was awake and had a raw throat from the intubation tubes that were inserted and removed for two weeks I couldn't feel the feeding line at all in my throat. It drove me nuts dangling out of my nose but otherwise I couldn't feel it at all.

I've had terrible mucositus of the throat and mouth several times during my treatments so I know the agony of trying to swallow anything. I hope my info helps but talk to the docs to see if it would be that small of a line and if there is any numbing agents given to make the insertion more comfortable. Like I said I don't know anything about how it felt going in but once it was there I couldn't feel anything in my throat besides the all over tenderness and the raw sores. Swallowing hurt the worst and I didn't have to swallow anything but saliva when I had the tube in.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by REO on August 28, 2008 at 8:54pm

Molly,

I think that the feeding tube would be a great idea to help your boyfriend maintain his energy while waiting to be able to swallow without so much pain again.

The feeding tube will allow him to nurish his entire body during this process.

I feel that it would be worth it.

I will keep you and your boyfriend in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Ron

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Linda Ann on August 28, 2008 at 10:41pm

Molly,

Is the tube going to be down the throat and then thru the stomache? I had a friend that had a feeding tube that was thru the stomache and he did very well. He was able to get the nourishment, while his throat and esaphogus healed (ulcers). He did very well, I don't remember how long he had it, it didn't seem long. Once he healed and was able to eat food on his own, the tube was removed. He had difficulty swallowing due to ulcers so he would not eat.

▶ Reply to This