Anyone do longterm tube feeding

Just a brief summary here. My mom is 10 weeks out from open DS, still packing 1 wound at this point, couple of infections getting reopened twice, and low potassium. Has lost a little over 60 pounds now in this time and for an women in late sixties this is kind of quick.

So Bariatric Dr. ordered overnight tube feedings, 5 cans of (Jevity 1cal) in a 12 hour period to try and slow down the weight loss and get some nutrition in her. She had been getting iron, calcium, liquid vitamin, and 60-80 grams protein a day to this point before the tube feedings but virtually no food by mouth. The Jevity supplies a full days RDI 24 vitamins, minerals  etc about 50 grams of protein and 1400 calories. Only been doing this for a couple days now. 

We are still supplimenting with prescription potassium through feeding tube once a day at this point. Blood work last week was 4.2 so more normal but not low anymore. Gave her this today and it really upset her stomach bigtime threw up, had to go to bathroom. The thinking on our part is maybe it's too much at this point, just thought of this today can you get too much potassium. We think we should back off the potassium some till we get a hold of dr on monday. All other blood work is good to this point so no worries there.

Anybody else been down this road or something similar, any input is appreciated.

Thanks

You could try it but don't be afraid to call the doc if it doesn't help and she continues to be sick. Definitely call on Monday and get guidance. I hope she feels better.

--gina 

Thank you

You can have too much potassium. I looked it up and found this general link. http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/nutrition/potassium-in-diet/overview.html

I'll be praying for your mom. She is blessed to have you taking care of her and supporting her.

Thank you for your concern she is feeling good today, could have been a one time deal. Tummy aches are nothing new with this surgery.

Hi,

I just wanted to say that due to complication of March 2012 DS surgery I was on a feeding tube until August. I could have nothing by mouth for this time and everything (meds and Glucena) came through the tube. They were not checking me for vitamin levels though so I don't have any direct comment on your Mom's condition. I would call the on call doctor to make you feel better or at least if it happens again before Monday.

She will get through it though...  I did and I thought I would never eat again.

Much luck and support with what you are going through! Terri

I have followed your story for a while now sounds like you have been through the ringer a couple times. She is eating a little bit now and we gave her potassium today with no issues so we wil call tomorrow and go from there.

Thank you

 Hi
I am sorry your mom is having to go thorough all of this.  
Def call the doctor, please dont stop any med before speaking to the doctor.   Her level is normal now but you don't want her to bottom out by by not taking it 


Let us know how she is doing
Kathy

We just skipped the potassium for a day, then got her back on it. She felt good today and will call doctor tomorrow and go from there.

Thank you

 And I would call and speak to the doctor today.