Feeding tube patients: What's your experience?

You might try prochlorperazine—it's available as a suppository. Good luck.

I have had a g tube for 2 weeks but since starting chemo I get nausea before I get enough nourishment into myself, even with a pump unless I keep the pump running constantly or set the ml per hour high then the nausea is a problem.
Since my esophagus is blocked nausea isn’t able to be relieved - I cannot vomit. I take an anti nausea but there’s nothing for immediate relief. Should I ask my doctor for something like phenergin? I’ve had that in suppository years ago but it burned bad as I recall. Any ideas? Still losing weight as well 115 now ( 67 yr old male 5’6”) 135 my precancer weight

We switched brands one last time to Vital One peptides, which is supposed to be more digestible, but even that wasn't tolerated. Hubby subsequently had his j-tube removed and is now on TPN (IV nutrition)....it is easier on him because it goes right into his bloodstream but it, too, has caused problems. With not using his digestive system, his gallbladder filled with sludge (more likely when someone who is on IV nutrition). On the upside, vomiting is almost totally gone but he continues to have issues with nausea—emanating from the abdomen. The j-tube was removed more than one month ago and he still leaks bile from time to time—I was under the impression that it closes within hours. His "recovery" is and has been horrible.

I was on ISOSOURCE for several months and had some diarrhea but it got better.
Don

My husband had a ton of green fluid come out when his became dislodged. The people in interventional radiology stated it was the fluid surrounding the intestines and it stopped when he got his j-tube replaced.

My husband was switched from IsoSource to Nutren due to diarrhea. It has less fiber. But they also found that he had an infection after they did a stool culture. Once treated with an antibiotic he was better.

Just started 50 micrograms fentanyl patch as I’m about to be done with 4 mg dilaudid every 4 hours ( plus 25 micrograms patch) which has only kept pain from being 8/9 but never less than 5/7. If the 50/ hr patch isn’t working I’ll have to see what will be offered for the constant breakthrough pain. Now that I’m able to get enough nourishment, pain really is the main problem- and a debilitating one at that. I’m skeptical that I won’t be worse off in a couple days. Also every swallow of a trickle of liquid hurts , then triggers a bunch of hiccup spasms, which is annoying. 2 more treatments of palliative radiation and 2nd round of 1st series of chemo begins Wednesday. I’m watching for any signs of improvement of either pain or swallowing because it’s all I can do ( other than prayer which is my priority)

Admitted to hospital via ER for starvation, dehydration and severe pain from EC w/ Mets to spine 10 days ago and had surgery for g-tube on 2nd day. Due to inactivity of digestive system and opiates, it’s been difficult getting used to bolus feeds which caused intense discomfort and only a week later getting tolerable, though I feel stronger ( nourished) but still in great pain. I’m getting jevity 1.5 cal. Bought a metered feed pump and IV pole for night time feeds we hope to begin soon- Have appt with nutritionist in couple days. Meanwhile, radiation and chemotherapy began Mon. And Wed respectively. Glad to be home and that therapy to defeat this cancer has finally begun. Been a very difficult month.

We use Nutrin 1.5. It has no taste or smell and right now Medicare covers it but I had to buy the first cartons via Rx at Publix and it was not that expensive if I recall.

I had a j tube put in before treatment (chemo, radiation plus chemo, then surgery) because I could not swallow.

I could swallow after first chemo but kept tube because my taste buds got whacko and food tasted terrible.

The j tube stayed until several weeks after surgery. I didn’t eat normally for 7 plus months.

Having the j tube so long was best for me. I lost weight with it, but would have been worse if my only nutrition was eating. I couldn’t stand eating. The j tube took eating pressure away.

So, the j tube helped save me.

Having said that, the j tube is annoying. I had significant issues with friction, irritation, and infection with the tube. Three rounds of antibiotics. We finally figured out how to direct the tube so it didn’t drag - pull down - the tube causing skin issues.

We cleaned it closely every day. Eventually, we did not follow advice on keeping the disc tight against my abdomen - that just caused trouble. We experimented until we found best way for me, and my skin.

I’d do the j tube the same way again. I’d learn sooner how best to direct the tube (via tape) to keep it from causing problems.

I’m happy to discuss if you want to call.