Feeding tube falls out.

I did some research on the bumper vs. balloon feeding tube and I now think that the balloon type is meant for temporary use because it involves less surgery. We have a call in to the doctor to see if my husband can have the 3-4 hour outpatient surgery to put in the bumper type. I'm sure that the original doctors had no idea that my husband would need a permanent feeding tube but my husband cannot open his mouth enough for daily meals and he has failed multiple swallowing tests. Thanks to you and everyone who has commented on this.

@walisky, did you get an response from your doctor regarding a permanent feeding tube solution for your husband?

Not yet. If we don't hear after Christmas, we'll call again. Thanks for asking.

Can someone please remove me from this thread?

Hello, @h2ohead - you will find instructions on how to unsubscribe from a discussion on the Get Started on Connect page https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/.

My sister is having difficulties with the deflation of balloon on her feeding tube resulting in the feeding tube falling out. Any similar problems and/or solutions?

Hello @ice8plus1, welcome to Connect. You may notice I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Feeding tube falls out." I did this so you could meet the members already discussing a similar issue that your sister is experiencing and so you could go back and read some of their previous posts as well. If you are replying by email, click on VIEW & REPLY at the bottom of the notification to see where your discussion is now located and to read previous posts.

@ice8plus1, has your sister brought this issue to the attention of her provider and have they offered any possible reasons or solutions?

My husband's doctor whose field is gastroenterology agrees that the balloon type of feeding tube isn't working out. He has ordered a different type. It will not have a long tube that sticks out so he will not need a pouch to hold it in place. I assume that means there will be a tube that will be attached for every feeding. The best news for me is that my husband will not be "put under" for the procedure. He will place it at the local hospital. We are looking forward to no more 2:30 am trips to the emergency room. This is another example of why it is important to personally research any problem and not wait for the doctors to bring it up. Another example is that I had researched new medications and found a new one that has been an incredible (though very expensive) treatment for his asthma.

The new feeding tube has been installed. It is a "button" type and it took very little time and effort to be put in. It has been great. He no longer needs to wear a pouch to keep the tube from hanging because the tube part is only clicked on while feeding. So much freedom. No worrying about rolling over the tube in bed. After feeding, I wash out the tube with water and let it dry until the next feeding. It should last for a long, long, time and the hospital has a spare just in case as this isn't something that they normally keep in stock.

This is great news, @walisky. I wonder why the button type wasn't used in the first place. Well I'm glad you've got it now. How has it been working this past week?