Emotional implications of having a feeding tube

@patriciagsr My heart goes out to you although it sounds to me as if you will be able to eat again. There is hope. I have had head and neck cancer and can eat only wet, mushy food. Yesterday I had a fit of self pity. I was hungry! But most of the time I'm grateful that I can eat anything at all. Many of my friends are tube fed or went through a long period on the peg.
No more social eating is a nightmare at first, you get used to it and for me a big frothy coffee while other people eat is my solution. I can eat some cafe food but it is messy. I had a coffee a couple of days ago with a woman who is tube fed. I had a coffee, we sat outside, we talked, someone came up and joined us with a big container of chips and offered us some. We explained why we couldn't eat them and an interesting conversation ensued. I hope this friend will one day be able to sip a coffee through a straw!
I'm very interested in your account of the formulas. I was on one for about 7 weeks and had no problem but some people hate them and would like to learn how to use an alternative.
Also interesting is what you say about sugar.
Go well. keep persevering, try to do the non-eating things you enjoy . I hope for a good outcome for you.

@colleenyoung it is VERY difficult to feed myself with discipline. I have a nutritionist who makes my diets so I make my blend in the mornings and know that by the end of the day all of it should have been "eaten". I dont suceed everyday (like today that I am struggling) but try to. I have swallowing therapy 2 hours per day so the therapist is working with me so I can eat again. Very difficult but she makes me taste things and try to swallow, some days better than others, but 100% of my nutrition is through the feeding tube.
My personality used to be "lives to eat sweets", now I dont have any and to be honest I feel much better without sugar.

Great topic, Patricia. I'm bringing in fellow members @jeffk @deborahe @alpaca @puprluvr and @beanglow, who know first hand about the emotional implications of having to have a feeding tube and all that comes with that, such as the loss of socialization and food. I hope they'll share their experiences and tips for seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

@patriciagsr, I can imagine it must be hard to maintain the discipline to feed yourself even when you're not hungry. Do you also miss the feel and pleasure of having food? Are you the personality type that "lives to eat" or "eats to live"?

@patriciagsr, I have never experienced what you have. My battles are different. However, I recognize your pain and frustration and want you to know you have my support. I will be watching for updates from you and, hopefully, you will find some answers from this wonderful group of warriors.