Feeding tube removal

Hi again @adriennef! That's exciting! Congrats! I truly wish the best for you and was grateful to see that you have found good care in the hands of Dr. Moore and his team at Mayo.

Members @kimf, @geezer, @undiagnosedsickgirl, @mroreo126, @franknick, @ej9718, @rsinger22, @kathyzendner, @mswanda, @dbennett, @kirsty281, @maggee, @dicknlou, @lee28 and @lisab are all members that have discussed feeding tubes. I hope they will be willing to disclose how the healing process went and if they have any tips for you.

Jamie

@kimf, @geezer, @undiagnosedsickgirl, @mroreo126, @franknick, @ej9718, @rsinger22, @kathyzendner, @mswanda, @dbennett, @kirsty281, @maggee, @dicknlou, @lee28 and @lisab

Wondering if any of you have tried blenderized foods in tube feeding? My husband is on dialysis and has cancer. The doctor prescribed Nepro for dialysis patients - 4x per day. Husband is against using anything other than the canned formula. He fears clogging the tube. I say he needs SOME real food.

That's a great question. I was curious about that myself when I first started using a feeding tube.

I did quite a bit of research about the food that I put into my tube. Because it didn't have to taste good, I wanted it to be as nutritious as possible. I ended up bringing my own formula to the hospital prior to major oral surgery. Initially the nutritionist was not on board. She only knew the standard formulas out there, and mine was unfamiliar. I had to advocate for myself in this situation, working with her to come to an agreement. This is a decision you have to make with the doctor/nutritionist. I am not familiar with the needs of dialysis patients. Are there any restrictions to what your husband can or cannot eat?

Regarding the real food, I began juicing because I was worried about clogging my tube too. Juicing made me feel like I was getting some needed nutrients without the worry of the tube getting plugged. As I grew braver, I moved onto baby food. This worked really well for me! It was especially great for traveling or getting hungry while out in public. I would open a squeezable packet and water it down a bit. It went into my tube really well, and I never had an issue. Once I got more comfortable, I did end up blending raw fruits and vegetables in putting them in my tube. Cooking them would make the puree smoother, but I was pretty adept at managing my tube by then. Again, watering down is a must, but it can work!

I think its great that you are encouraging him to get some real food in his body! Again, I would just run things by his doctor to make sure that there are no interactions. Good luck to you! I hope you let us know if you decide to try it!

Hello @adriennef

I have been following your posts. How are you feeling now?

Teresa

Thank you so much, Teresa! I am actually feeling really great. I went in yesterday morning and the procedure was pretty simple. The doctor deflated the balloon on the mic-key button and removed the device. He then used silver nitrate on the granulated tissue. I've had that done before and requested lidocaine! It was pretty painful last time. This time seemed much better. They didn't put a stitch in, just put a dressing over the area. I was told to eat small meals as to not distend my stomach or cause any excessive leakage. The doctor told me it should heal up within 48 hours. I changed the dressing last night (about 11 hours after my appointment), and it seemed almost completely closed! I'm amazed! I'm actually in so much LESS pain now than I was when the button was in place. I'm feeling pretty excited to have it out!

@adriennef

Congratulations! I'm so pleased to hear that everything went well. You must be thrilled. I wish you well as you begin to eat.

If I may ask, how long had your feeding tube been in place?

Teresa

Thank you! I had it placed in January 2015, so it's been over 2.5 years. I'm feeling like a new woman 🙂

Congratulations! I know what a difference it's made in our life. You can eat, take a bath and swim again if you want.

@adriennef I'm sure you are a new woman! Your perseverance certainly paid big dividends for you.

Teresa