Feeding tube falls out.

Posted by walisky @walisky, Aug 19, 2019

Does anyone else have a problem with their feeding tube balloon deflating and the tube falling out? It has to be replaced at the emergency room about every 3 months. We can't leave town because we worry that this will happen while we are on the road. Thanks.

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Hi @walisky, I can imagine that this is worrisome. I'm tagging a few other members, like @gaybinator @karly @patriciagsr @alpaca and @jeffk, who have experience with feeding tubes and may have suggestions for you. You may also be interested in the tips suggested in this discussion:
- Anyone Caring For Someone who Uses A Feeding Tube? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-caring-for-a-feeding-tube-patient/

When you have gone to the emergency room, did they give you any suggestions about the balloon and how to keep the feeding tube from falling out? Have you contacted the manufacturer?

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We never had that problem, but I would certainly tell the doctor who placed it.

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I’m so sorry it keep happening g to you, it’s gotta suck. My husband has his feeding tube for 6 months and his never came out. You might what to ask your doctor wants up with that. I wish you well.

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My husband had the kind with a bumper on the inside. Thankfully he has no need for feeding tube anymore. He had it because of radiation + the radition destroyed his salivary glands. He got down to 116 lbs. He has learned to take tiny sips of water with each bite, is back to 140 lbs and doing well.

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@gaybinator

My husband had the kind with a bumper on the inside. Thankfully he has no need for feeding tube anymore. He had it because of radiation + the radition destroyed his salivary glands. He got down to 116 lbs. He has learned to take tiny sips of water with each bite, is back to 140 lbs and doing well.

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Thank you for your comments. We will try asking about this.

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@margieinia

I’m so sorry it keep happening g to you, it’s gotta suck. My husband has his feeding tube for 6 months and his never came out. You might what to ask your doctor wants up with that. I wish you well.

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Thank you for your comments. We will try asking more questions.

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@colleenyoung

Hi @walisky, I can imagine that this is worrisome. I'm tagging a few other members, like @gaybinator @karly @patriciagsr @alpaca and @jeffk, who have experience with feeding tubes and may have suggestions for you. You may also be interested in the tips suggested in this discussion:
- Anyone Caring For Someone who Uses A Feeding Tube? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-caring-for-a-feeding-tube-patient/

When you have gone to the emergency room, did they give you any suggestions about the balloon and how to keep the feeding tube from falling out? Have you contacted the manufacturer?

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Thank you for your assistance. We will try asking more questions the next time this happens. I don't know if the emergency room could give us the name of the manufacturer. I assume that we are "stuck" with whatever brand the hospital purchases. Another type might require surgery if it is available. We were curious to know if this was a problem other people faced but so far no one has replied to say this has happened to them. This tells us that we need to be asking more questions and we will do that.

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@colleenyoung

Hi @walisky, I can imagine that this is worrisome. I'm tagging a few other members, like @gaybinator @karly @patriciagsr @alpaca and @jeffk, who have experience with feeding tubes and may have suggestions for you. You may also be interested in the tips suggested in this discussion:
- Anyone Caring For Someone who Uses A Feeding Tube? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-caring-for-a-feeding-tube-patient/

When you have gone to the emergency room, did they give you any suggestions about the balloon and how to keep the feeding tube from falling out? Have you contacted the manufacturer?

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Hi can you feed jtube on blendirized food?

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@jhieb129

Hi can you feed jtube on blendirized food?

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I would be afraid that it would plug up the tube. Why do you want to do this?

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@jhieb129

Hi can you feed jtube on blendirized food?

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Hi @jhieb129, welcome to Connect. You ask a great question about home enteral nutrition (HEN). You might find these related videos from Mayo Clinic to be helpful https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/home-enteral-nutrition/care-at-mayo-clinic/pcc-20384957

I also found this detailed article specifically about
- Home Tube Feeding with Blenderized Foods https://oley.org/page/HomeTF_BlenderFoods/Home-Tube-Feeding-with-Blenderized-Foods-

The conclusion states "The practice of home tube feeding with blenderized foods is not common, but interest is growing and more consumers are choosing this method of nutrition support. It is up to each consumer, along with his or her medical care team, to decide what is best. Consumers and caregivers should discuss options with the HEN user’s health care professionals before changing an HEN regimen. Registered dietitians who specialize in HEN can be helpful in choosing appropriate foods, however not all RDs/RDNs are familiar with blenderized tube feeding diets. For HEN consumers whose health condition allows, and who desire a variety of fresh healthy foods instead of or as a supplement to their current tube feeding regimen, blenderized foods are an option to consider."

Have you discussed blenderized food option with your care team? What might the benefit of blenderized foods be for you?

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