TPN anyone????

Has anyone had to go and get the IV nutrition called Parenteral Nutrition????? Im thinking of asking my doc about this..... Just wanted to know what you all knew about it... Ive been reading on line about it..... Shelia 240/110

That's usually done as a drastic measure for those that are really really sick and can't get any nutrition down them. The use a pic line and feed you. Darlene

Thank you for the info, like I was telling Darlene, Im just scared because I have gotton down so small. Im down to 110 lbs and only have 2 more lbs before Im considered underweight. I just feel so drained and have no energy Im just looking for an answer. Thanks again Shelia

Why in the world would you want to do that. As Darlene said, it is a drastic measure. When I had the reversal of the old Jib in 2002. I ended up back in the hospital several times. The last time, I was put on TPN. It went thru a PICC line in my arm. That in itself is dangerous. It is not a regular IV line. I was on it in the hospital for three days and gained ten pounds. I was discharged with it and had to be on it at home for three weeks. Because of the seriousness of the PICC line, the home health nurse had to come every day. I am a nurse, but it took a "Special" nurse to care for the PICC line. I kept gaining weight and by the time I got the TPN line out, I had gained over thirty pounds in that short length of time. From there, I kept gaining and had gastric bypass surgery in 2003. I gained over 85 pounds. I am a little upset that you seem to be taking TPN so lightly. But, you go ahead and ask your doc. He will set you straight real quick. Honey, it is very serious. Not for the person that just wants to gain a few pounds. Not flamming you at all but I can see from your post that you don't know all the facts about the TPN. I wanted to share my experience with you.

Darlene Thanks for the info... I was just talking to a friend that metioned that her doc wanted to do that to her, and she said I might need it. I do not know anything about it, so was just really asking what it was and all. Im down to 110 lbs and still losing. I just feel like crap, drained and no energy. I have 2 lbs to go before Im underweight and I guess Im just getting scared. Im so thin you can see my rib cage and all. And again, I dont feel good at all. I go to the doc on oct 6th. Im not going to metion all this to him, I will see what he says. Im just scared of the fact that I keep losing and Im already so thin. I can wear size 10/12 in kids clothes now, could wear an 8/10 but the sleeves are too short. I wear like a size 3 in Levis and you know how small Levis are made. And Im in XS in my tops and some of them are lose. Thanks again for the info... And your right, I had no ideal how serious this was. Im just scared and was looking for an answer Thanks again Shelia 240/110 5'4 4-9-04

Shelia, I also lost too much weight. I am short and the charts say I can go to 103 but when I hit 115, I looked and felt very sick. When I reached 109 I was really thin and sick. My surgeon had me start eating to gain and for several months i would gain three and lose five. Finally, I started gaining and went straight up. I now weigh 129 and he wants me to gain five more pounds but I don't want to. I would like to stay at 125 but I know my body needs the weight. It is very scarey to gain and think we will keep going up like we used to. I have had many complications since about six months post op and recently thought I had it made. Everything was fine. Now I have a severe case of Reactive hypoglycema. I saw my PCP today and he has referred me to an Endocrinologist for further testing. I can't seem to win for losing LOL. I am glad to know you are not going to pursue the TPN thing unless your doc recommends it. He will have you try other things to gain before he even thinks about that. I hope you didn't take offense at my post. I was kind osf shocked that you asked the question so casually but figured you just didn't know.

Hi Sheila... This is not something you want to do unless...it is your last resort. I was very,very sick...near death. I had a Picc line and let me tell you it was hell! It almost cost me my life (Picc line became infected) and I was in the hospital for almost 3 mos. You did not say why...you were thinking of this? are you lsoing too much weight now? Hugs, Valori

Thanks for the info Valori.... Yes Im down to 110 lbs and still losing like 2 lbs a month. I have 2 lbs to go before Im considered underweight. I just feel sooooo drained and soooo tired that Im just looking for an answer. To be honest, I have lost so much that I can now wear kids clothes. I could wear a size 8/10 in kids clothes but the sleeves are too short lol... To be honest again, Im just scared of the weight and it keeps going down. Thanks Shelia

Shelia, My dad was just put on TPN in the hospital last week. He was going on the 2nd week without any food. (intestinal cancer, colon-resection[s]) I had a pick line for over 2 months at the start of "My Journey," (profile) and it was a life saver. I was only on TPN for about 2 weeks. I've had pic-lines 3 times in various hospital stays. After moving my IV's several times, the pic line Was great for me. Yes it's serious medical intervention, But when needed, thank heavens it's available. Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks for the Info... I just wanted to send best wishes, hugs, love and prayers to your dad in his time of need. God Bless Shelia 240/110