Life with a feeding tube

Wow, this is something different to get used to. I was told when I had my revision nearly 2 weeks ago, that I had a feeding tube put in to help me fill the gap-kickstart my weight gain after surgery. It's certainly something to get used to and learn about. I have been in touch with home health nurses and dieticians who will help me to calculate my caloric needs, etc. to gain weight. One of the problems I'm having currently is my flow rate is not that high, so I'm not getting the maximum calories in yet that my dr. wants. So I've not gained any weight yet. I'm working each day on trying to get my volume increased. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. I get really bloated feeling and it hurts. So, anyway, tomorrow I have a follow up with my surgeon to get my stitches out. My home health nurse said it looks like the tube they put in is just temporary, so I need to find out more what he has in mind for using this feeding tube for. The discharge papers say to have it until I gain to 115 lbs. That's at least 23 lbs. away. I can't see that happening in a couple weeks. Maybe I'll have to get a new tube. The tube goes into my jejunum where things get absorbed immediately. So, hopefully I can get my volume increased enough to start to see a gain of about 2 lbs. per week pretty soon. It's strange to haul this poll around with me everywhere. I have to live either upstairs or down, because I can't carry the poll up or down. I'm too weak. I have the pump on for nearly 24 hours a day, to give me the most intake possible. I just have it off for showers and moving about the house. Also, all my meds and extra water go directly into the tube. I still have not had a BM. I've been using some laxatives the last couple of days to help it along, but nothing yet. Please cross your fingers that things kick in and start working properly soon! So, that's my new thing to deal with. Let me know if you have any questions. It's been a real learning experience for me.

Kim, Sounds like it might take a little tweaking to get it right. Take it one pound at a time and know that YOU WILL get there! hang in there prayers your way! Hugs, Britt

Poor Kim... it sounds just awful... I sure do hope that all this works out for you, you start increasing your volume and calories and start to see a gain soon..... You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers... What a time you have had sweetie.... HUGS to You, Shawn M.

Kim, I hope you got the feeding tube adjusted or a new one that is faster! I know at my surgery center the open RNY patients went home with one of those tubes but I didn't realize it's normally attached to a pole! I just thought it hung in a bag around your waist like my little pain "ball" thing from PS. When you are taking a shower, is there a valve to squeeze it shut? So, when you are ready to go out shopping and dress normally, will you just take it off like you do when you are showering now? Hope you are feeling stronger and recovering! Take it very slow and try not to worry about anything because I'm sure stress will slow your recovery!!! I know that Henry and your children are taking good care of you! CeCe