Question:
anyone had to wear a j tube for a month after surgery due to breathing problems

the Dr. said it was because I had sleep apnea (which I new nothing about) and the tube has to stay in my new stomach for a month I was wondering if this is normal because it is painful and inconfortable. Thanks    — Billie G. (posted on December 14, 2002)

December 14, 2002
I stand corrected if I am wrong, but being an RN, I have never seen or heard of a j-tube in the stomach being used for sleep apnea.My doc puts one in your old stomach to help all the waste and gas and etc after surgery. I am asking myself if maybe you have misunderstood your doc.I would be interested if anyone else has ever heard of this for sleep apnea. You know they say you learn something new every day andd this is a new one on me. Good luck with your surgery and I hope the pain is over soon.
   — Delores S.

December 14, 2002
I wonder if you mean being intubated for a month. That is when you are breathing on a respirator. I was intubated for two days because of severe sleep apnea and not being able to get enough oxygen through my body. After I was extubated I was kept on oxygen even when I was out of the hospital. I don't know how the doctor would be able to say definitely how long u would have to be intubated and I think after a certain amount of time they do a trach.
   — Lisa N M.