Another Feeding Tube Question!

CowTown · Jul 8, 2008

I have read through a bunch of feeding tube threads already but have some more questions.

I don't think I'm in desperate need of this, but my doctor, nurses and nutritionist keep bringing it up and want me to think more about it. I kind of want some of your advice on whether to do it or not. What do you think?

Here are my stats:

I believe my BMI is about 18 and should be around 21 or 22 (not a huge difference). I'm 5'3" and weigh between 105-108lbs. My goal for a long time has been 110, but haven't quite hit it yet. Almost. They want me to weight 112-115lbs. I don't think I look stickly, but I'm sure some people probably would think so. FEV1 is between 38-42%

Today my nurse said that the CFF told her to start encouraging CFers to use feeding tubes earlier then later. They apparently said that people might have more benefit from them if they were to use them with higher fev1s and before it's considered a 'last resort'. Right now a gtube would not be a last resort for me, but a way to pick up my BMI since that's the only thing missing from my schedule of treatment. I'm doing everything I can with medications/treatments, etc and she said my nutrition is the only major thing lacking out them all.

Although they say they can't guarantee my lung function to improve b/c of the existing damage I have, they say if I were to gain more weight it could help maintain what I have that much longer, etc.

My Questions:

1. Why would someone opt to put that tubing down your nose for feedings instead of the gtube/mickey button? I know one is not a surgery, but the whole nose thing sounds awful!

2. Is the surgery for a gtube general anesthesia? Is it considered a major surgery or minor?

3. Once you gain the weight you want with the gtube and then you stop the feedings, how is it that you are able to maintain that weight if you're used to not eating that many calories? I'd like to think that I would stop the feedings after like 6 months or something, but I'm not sure I'll be able to eat the crazy amount of calories that the tube provided. Any thoughts?

4. If you stop the feedings and get it taken out, how many people have been able to keep it out versus having it put back in? What are those odds like?

5. Can you wear bikinis anymore, or do you switch to 1 pieces? Just curious. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

6. Based on my stats above, would you do it or would you feel like you don't need it for whatever the reasonings?

7. As an adult, any of you consider it more dangerous to get now versus as a kid?

That's it for now. Thanks for any input!!!

CowTown · Jul 8, 2008

I have read through a bunch of feeding tube threads already but have some more questions.

I don't think I'm in desperate need of this, but my doctor, nurses and nutritionist keep bringing it up and want me to think more about it. I kind of want some of your advice on whether to do it or not. What do you think?

Here are my stats:

I believe my BMI is about 18 and should be around 21 or 22 (not a huge difference). I'm 5'3" and weigh between 105-108lbs. My goal for a long time has been 110, but haven't quite hit it yet. Almost. They want me to weight 112-115lbs. I don't think I look stickly, but I'm sure some people probably would think so. FEV1 is between 38-42%

Today my nurse said that the CFF told her to start encouraging CFers to use feeding tubes earlier then later. They apparently said that people might have more benefit from them if they were to use them with higher fev1s and before it's considered a 'last resort'. Right now a gtube would not be a last resort for me, but a way to pick up my BMI since that's the only thing missing from my schedule of treatment. I'm doing everything I can with medications/treatments, etc and she said my nutrition is the only major thing lacking out them all.

Although they say they can't guarantee my lung function to improve b/c of the existing damage I have, they say if I were to gain more weight it could help maintain what I have that much longer, etc.

My Questions:

1. Why would someone opt to put that tubing down your nose for feedings instead of the gtube/mickey button? I know one is not a surgery, but the whole nose thing sounds awful!

2. Is the surgery for a gtube general anesthesia? Is it considered a major surgery or minor?

3. Once you gain the weight you want with the gtube and then you stop the feedings, how is it that you are able to maintain that weight if you're used to not eating that many calories? I'd like to think that I would stop the feedings after like 6 months or something, but I'm not sure I'll be able to eat the crazy amount of calories that the tube provided. Any thoughts?

4. If you stop the feedings and get it taken out, how many people have been able to keep it out versus having it put back in? What are those odds like?

5. Can you wear bikinis anymore, or do you switch to 1 pieces? Just curious. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

6. Based on my stats above, would you do it or would you feel like you don't need it for whatever the reasonings?

7. As an adult, any of you consider it more dangerous to get now versus as a kid?

That's it for now. Thanks for any input!!!

CowTown · Jul 8, 2008

I have read through a bunch of feeding tube threads already but have some more questions.

I don't think I'm in desperate need of this, but my doctor, nurses and nutritionist keep bringing it up and want me to think more about it. I kind of want some of your advice on whether to do it or not. What do you think?

Here are my stats:

I believe my BMI is about 18 and should be around 21 or 22 (not a huge difference). I'm 5'3" and weigh between 105-108lbs. My goal for a long time has been 110, but haven't quite hit it yet. Almost. They want me to weight 112-115lbs. I don't think I look stickly, but I'm sure some people probably would think so. FEV1 is between 38-42%

Today my nurse said that the CFF told her to start encouraging CFers to use feeding tubes earlier then later. They apparently said that people might have more benefit from them if they were to use them with higher fev1s and before it's considered a 'last resort'. Right now a gtube would not be a last resort for me, but a way to pick up my BMI since that's the only thing missing from my schedule of treatment. I'm doing everything I can with medications/treatments, etc and she said my nutrition is the only major thing lacking out them all.

Although they say they can't guarantee my lung function to improve b/c of the existing damage I have, they say if I were to gain more weight it could help maintain what I have that much longer, etc.

My Questions:

1. Why would someone opt to put that tubing down your nose for feedings instead of the gtube/mickey button? I know one is not a surgery, but the whole nose thing sounds awful!

2. Is the surgery for a gtube general anesthesia? Is it considered a major surgery or minor?

3. Once you gain the weight you want with the gtube and then you stop the feedings, how is it that you are able to maintain that weight if you're used to not eating that many calories? I'd like to think that I would stop the feedings after like 6 months or something, but I'm not sure I'll be able to eat the crazy amount of calories that the tube provided. Any thoughts?

4. If you stop the feedings and get it taken out, how many people have been able to keep it out versus having it put back in? What are those odds like?

5. Can you wear bikinis anymore, or do you switch to 1 pieces? Just curious. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

6. Based on my stats above, would you do it or would you feel like you don't need it for whatever the reasonings?

7. As an adult, any of you consider it more dangerous to get now versus as a kid?

That's it for now. Thanks for any input!!!

CowTown · Jul 8, 2008

I have read through a bunch of feeding tube threads already but have some more questions.

I don't think I'm in desperate need of this, but my doctor, nurses and nutritionist keep bringing it up and want me to think more about it. I kind of want some of your advice on whether to do it or not. What do you think?

Here are my stats:

I believe my BMI is about 18 and should be around 21 or 22 (not a huge difference). I'm 5'3" and weigh between 105-108lbs. My goal for a long time has been 110, but haven't quite hit it yet. Almost. They want me to weight 112-115lbs. I don't think I look stickly, but I'm sure some people probably would think so. FEV1 is between 38-42%

Today my nurse said that the CFF told her to start encouraging CFers to use feeding tubes earlier then later. They apparently said that people might have more benefit from them if they were to use them with higher fev1s and before it's considered a 'last resort'. Right now a gtube would not be a last resort for me, but a way to pick up my BMI since that's the only thing missing from my schedule of treatment. I'm doing everything I can with medications/treatments, etc and she said my nutrition is the only major thing lacking out them all.

Although they say they can't guarantee my lung function to improve b/c of the existing damage I have, they say if I were to gain more weight it could help maintain what I have that much longer, etc.

My Questions:

1. Why would someone opt to put that tubing down your nose for feedings instead of the gtube/mickey button? I know one is not a surgery, but the whole nose thing sounds awful!

2. Is the surgery for a gtube general anesthesia? Is it considered a major surgery or minor?

3. Once you gain the weight you want with the gtube and then you stop the feedings, how is it that you are able to maintain that weight if you're used to not eating that many calories? I'd like to think that I would stop the feedings after like 6 months or something, but I'm not sure I'll be able to eat the crazy amount of calories that the tube provided. Any thoughts?

4. If you stop the feedings and get it taken out, how many people have been able to keep it out versus having it put back in? What are those odds like?

5. Can you wear bikinis anymore, or do you switch to 1 pieces? Just curious. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

6. Based on my stats above, would you do it or would you feel like you don't need it for whatever the reasonings?

7. As an adult, any of you consider it more dangerous to get now versus as a kid?

That's it for now. Thanks for any input!!!

CowTown · Jul 8, 2008

I have read through a bunch of feeding tube threads already but have some more questions.
 
 I don't think I'm in desperate need of this, but my doctor, nurses and nutritionist keep bringing it up and want me to think more about it. I kind of want some of your advice on whether to do it or not. What do you think?
 
 
 Here are my stats:
 
 I believe my BMI is about 18 and should be around 21 or 22 (not a huge difference). I'm 5'3" and weigh between 105-108lbs. My goal for a long time has been 110, but haven't quite hit it yet. Almost. They want me to weight 112-115lbs. I don't think I look stickly, but I'm sure some people probably would think so. FEV1 is between 38-42%
 
 Today my nurse said that the CFF told her to start encouraging CFers to use feeding tubes earlier then later. They apparently said that people might have more benefit from them if they were to use them with higher fev1s and before it's considered a 'last resort'. Right now a gtube would not be a last resort for me, but a way to pick up my BMI since that's the only thing missing from my schedule of treatment. I'm doing everything I can with medications/treatments, etc and she said my nutrition is the only major thing lacking out them all.
 
 Although they say they can't guarantee my lung function to improve b/c of the existing damage I have, they say if I were to gain more weight it could help maintain what I have that much longer, etc.
 
 
 My Questions:
 
 1. Why would someone opt to put that tubing down your nose for feedings instead of the gtube/mickey button? I know one is not a surgery, but the whole nose thing sounds awful!
 
 2. Is the surgery for a gtube general anesthesia? Is it considered a major surgery or minor?
 
 3. Once you gain the weight you want with the gtube and then you stop the feedings, how is it that you are able to maintain that weight if you're used to not eating that many calories? I'd like to think that I would stop the feedings after like 6 months or something, but I'm not sure I'll be able to eat the crazy amount of calories that the tube provided. Any thoughts?
 
 4. If you stop the feedings and get it taken out, how many people have been able to keep it out versus having it put back in? What are those odds like?
 
 5. Can you wear bikinis anymore, or do you switch to 1 pieces? Just curious. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
 6. Based on my stats above, would you do it or would you feel like you don't need it for whatever the reasonings?
 
 7. As an adult, any of you consider it more dangerous to get now versus as a kid?
 
 
 
 That's it for now. Thanks for any input!!!

Skye · Jul 8, 2008

cowtown.....i can only possibly answer one of your questions....sorry. As a speech therapist, most of my patients got NG tubes because it was a very temporary thing or sometimes I had patients get them on the weekends because of feeding problems and no docs around to perform surgery. Yes....the whole nose thing is not great. i have not really read of too many cfers with an ng tube. maybe i am wrong. I am not sure how difficult the procedure is.

just some thoughts.......and i know every cfer is very different. a feedding tube was suggested to me a couple of years ago. i was not ready for that. i started nexium shortly after that and started a stronger enzyme and i have gained a lot of weight as a result. i think you know where i am at on the FEV1 scale<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> just some "food" for thought. i hope someone else can better answer your questions.

Karen

Skye · Jul 8, 2008

cowtown.....i can only possibly answer one of your questions....sorry. As a speech therapist, most of my patients got NG tubes because it was a very temporary thing or sometimes I had patients get them on the weekends because of feeding problems and no docs around to perform surgery. Yes....the whole nose thing is not great. i have not really read of too many cfers with an ng tube. maybe i am wrong. I am not sure how difficult the procedure is.

just some thoughts.......and i know every cfer is very different. a feedding tube was suggested to me a couple of years ago. i was not ready for that. i started nexium shortly after that and started a stronger enzyme and i have gained a lot of weight as a result. i think you know where i am at on the FEV1 scale<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> just some "food" for thought. i hope someone else can better answer your questions.

Karen

Skye · Jul 8, 2008

cowtown.....i can only possibly answer one of your questions....sorry. As a speech therapist, most of my patients got NG tubes because it was a very temporary thing or sometimes I had patients get them on the weekends because of feeding problems and no docs around to perform surgery. Yes....the whole nose thing is not great. i have not really read of too many cfers with an ng tube. maybe i am wrong. I am not sure how difficult the procedure is.

just some thoughts.......and i know every cfer is very different. a feedding tube was suggested to me a couple of years ago. i was not ready for that. i started nexium shortly after that and started a stronger enzyme and i have gained a lot of weight as a result. i think you know where i am at on the FEV1 scale<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> just some "food" for thought. i hope someone else can better answer your questions.

Karen

Skye · Jul 8, 2008

cowtown.....i can only possibly answer one of your questions....sorry. As a speech therapist, most of my patients got NG tubes because it was a very temporary thing or sometimes I had patients get them on the weekends because of feeding problems and no docs around to perform surgery. Yes....the whole nose thing is not great. i have not really read of too many cfers with an ng tube. maybe i am wrong. I am not sure how difficult the procedure is.

just some thoughts.......and i know every cfer is very different. a feedding tube was suggested to me a couple of years ago. i was not ready for that. i started nexium shortly after that and started a stronger enzyme and i have gained a lot of weight as a result. i think you know where i am at on the FEV1 scale<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> just some "food" for thought. i hope someone else can better answer your questions.

Karen

Skye · Jul 8, 2008

cowtown.....i can only possibly answer one of your questions....sorry. As a speech therapist, most of my patients got NG tubes because it was a very temporary thing or sometimes I had patients get them on the weekends because of feeding problems and no docs around to perform surgery. Yes....the whole nose thing is not great. i have not really read of too many cfers with an ng tube. maybe i am wrong. I am not sure how difficult the procedure is.
 
 just some thoughts.......and i know every cfer is very different. a feedding tube was suggested to me a couple of years ago. i was not ready for that. i started nexium shortly after that and started a stronger enzyme and i have gained a lot of weight as a result. i think you know where i am at on the FEV1 scale<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> just some "food" for thought. i hope someone else can better answer your questions.
 
 Karen

Wheezie · Jul 8, 2008

As someone who is 5'3 and normally weighs between 105 and 110, AND has had (and removed a G-tube) I am shocked that your team thinks you need one. I understand the rationale about it being better now than as a last resort, but seriously, there are other ways to gain weight and your BMI is not anywhere near 'crisis' low, IMO. Have you tried appetite stimulants? My opinion is that you should try every other option first (though I really don't think you have all that far to go to get to your goal weight).

As far as danger, I'm not sure. I was an adult when I had mine placed (unnecessarily, IMO) and there is a scar now that looks like a second belly button - I do not wear bikinis anymore.

About the surgery: I had a port placed at the same time and I was put under - I think it was general anthesisa (I know I wasn't vented or anything). I woke up feeling more pain from the port than from the G-tube. However, (and keep in mind things may be different now), about a week after the surgery, they had to pull some piece of the tube off and it hurt like you wouldn't believe - I knew they would have to do this ahead of time and only agreed to have the thing placed if they medicated me before pulling that bit off - if they still do it that way (and be sure to ask) make sure they will give you meds if you need them.

I have not had the G-tube in for several years now and was able to get my weight up to 120 at one point, all on my own (so it can be done). I'm about 113 now and that is comfortable for me (of course the docs want me to shoot for 115 - give them an inch and they take a mile!!).

Sorry for the rambling post. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk about my experience in more detail <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Wheezie · Jul 8, 2008

As someone who is 5'3 and normally weighs between 105 and 110, AND has had (and removed a G-tube) I am shocked that your team thinks you need one. I understand the rationale about it being better now than as a last resort, but seriously, there are other ways to gain weight and your BMI is not anywhere near 'crisis' low, IMO. Have you tried appetite stimulants? My opinion is that you should try every other option first (though I really don't think you have all that far to go to get to your goal weight).

As far as danger, I'm not sure. I was an adult when I had mine placed (unnecessarily, IMO) and there is a scar now that looks like a second belly button - I do not wear bikinis anymore.

About the surgery: I had a port placed at the same time and I was put under - I think it was general anthesisa (I know I wasn't vented or anything). I woke up feeling more pain from the port than from the G-tube. However, (and keep in mind things may be different now), about a week after the surgery, they had to pull some piece of the tube off and it hurt like you wouldn't believe - I knew they would have to do this ahead of time and only agreed to have the thing placed if they medicated me before pulling that bit off - if they still do it that way (and be sure to ask) make sure they will give you meds if you need them.

I have not had the G-tube in for several years now and was able to get my weight up to 120 at one point, all on my own (so it can be done). I'm about 113 now and that is comfortable for me (of course the docs want me to shoot for 115 - give them an inch and they take a mile!!).

Sorry for the rambling post. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk about my experience in more detail <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Wheezie · Jul 8, 2008

As someone who is 5'3 and normally weighs between 105 and 110, AND has had (and removed a G-tube) I am shocked that your team thinks you need one. I understand the rationale about it being better now than as a last resort, but seriously, there are other ways to gain weight and your BMI is not anywhere near 'crisis' low, IMO. Have you tried appetite stimulants? My opinion is that you should try every other option first (though I really don't think you have all that far to go to get to your goal weight).

As far as danger, I'm not sure. I was an adult when I had mine placed (unnecessarily, IMO) and there is a scar now that looks like a second belly button - I do not wear bikinis anymore.

About the surgery: I had a port placed at the same time and I was put under - I think it was general anthesisa (I know I wasn't vented or anything). I woke up feeling more pain from the port than from the G-tube. However, (and keep in mind things may be different now), about a week after the surgery, they had to pull some piece of the tube off and it hurt like you wouldn't believe - I knew they would have to do this ahead of time and only agreed to have the thing placed if they medicated me before pulling that bit off - if they still do it that way (and be sure to ask) make sure they will give you meds if you need them.

I have not had the G-tube in for several years now and was able to get my weight up to 120 at one point, all on my own (so it can be done). I'm about 113 now and that is comfortable for me (of course the docs want me to shoot for 115 - give them an inch and they take a mile!!).

Sorry for the rambling post. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk about my experience in more detail <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Wheezie · Jul 8, 2008

As someone who is 5'3 and normally weighs between 105 and 110, AND has had (and removed a G-tube) I am shocked that your team thinks you need one. I understand the rationale about it being better now than as a last resort, but seriously, there are other ways to gain weight and your BMI is not anywhere near 'crisis' low, IMO. Have you tried appetite stimulants? My opinion is that you should try every other option first (though I really don't think you have all that far to go to get to your goal weight).

As far as danger, I'm not sure. I was an adult when I had mine placed (unnecessarily, IMO) and there is a scar now that looks like a second belly button - I do not wear bikinis anymore.

About the surgery: I had a port placed at the same time and I was put under - I think it was general anthesisa (I know I wasn't vented or anything). I woke up feeling more pain from the port than from the G-tube. However, (and keep in mind things may be different now), about a week after the surgery, they had to pull some piece of the tube off and it hurt like you wouldn't believe - I knew they would have to do this ahead of time and only agreed to have the thing placed if they medicated me before pulling that bit off - if they still do it that way (and be sure to ask) make sure they will give you meds if you need them.

I have not had the G-tube in for several years now and was able to get my weight up to 120 at one point, all on my own (so it can be done). I'm about 113 now and that is comfortable for me (of course the docs want me to shoot for 115 - give them an inch and they take a mile!!).

Sorry for the rambling post. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk about my experience in more detail <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Wheezie · Jul 8, 2008

As someone who is 5'3 and normally weighs between 105 and 110, AND has had (and removed a G-tube) I am shocked that your team thinks you need one. I understand the rationale about it being better now than as a last resort, but seriously, there are other ways to gain weight and your BMI is not anywhere near 'crisis' low, IMO. Have you tried appetite stimulants? My opinion is that you should try every other option first (though I really don't think you have all that far to go to get to your goal weight).
 
 As far as danger, I'm not sure. I was an adult when I had mine placed (unnecessarily, IMO) and there is a scar now that looks like a second belly button - I do not wear bikinis anymore.
 
 About the surgery: I had a port placed at the same time and I was put under - I think it was general anthesisa (I know I wasn't vented or anything). I woke up feeling more pain from the port than from the G-tube. However, (and keep in mind things may be different now), about a week after the surgery, they had to pull some piece of the tube off and it hurt like you wouldn't believe - I knew they would have to do this ahead of time and only agreed to have the thing placed if they medicated me before pulling that bit off - if they still do it that way (and be sure to ask) make sure they will give you meds if you need them.
 
 I have not had the G-tube in for several years now and was able to get my weight up to 120 at one point, all on my own (so it can be done). I'm about 113 now and that is comfortable for me (of course the docs want me to shoot for 115 - give them an inch and they take a mile!!).
 
 Sorry for the rambling post. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk about my experience in more detail <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Sevenstars · Jul 8, 2008

I've never had a feeding tube but I am about your size and can answer at least a few things I think.

1 - The rationale behind getting an NG tube over a g-tube is usually, as you said, because of the surgery. Also for some people, they like to be completely "free" when they are not hooked up to it. I know some people that used an NG tube and got used to inserting it themselves every night. Think of it like PICC vs port, some people just don't want to have any... "hardware" when they aren't using it, if you know what I mean. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It's really as simple as that. Personally I had an NG tube after some surgeries and I could not imagine inserting it myself (though, I did rip it out myself!)

5 - Due to other abdominal surgeries I have never worn a bikini, ever. One piece suits are generally not flattering at all, I'd suggest a tankini (for anyone, really, gtube or no). Mel has a thread somewhere asking about suits for her vacation, check that out.

6 - I am 5'2" and weigh (approx)125lb, so I can see where your team is coming from. Like Wheezie said, your weight certainly does not sound critical, but as with anything in CF, preventative treatments are almost always easier to do than reactive ones. I feel my best at 115-120 actually, so I'm a little pudgier than I'd like. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> Skinner than that though and I think I'd feel weak.

But, again, I've never had a need for a feeding tube, so I'd wait to see what others with more experience have to say. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Perhaps, as Wheezie said, you can look into other options first and then consider the feeding tube if that hasn't worked by a certain date?

Sevenstars · Jul 8, 2008

I've never had a feeding tube but I am about your size and can answer at least a few things I think.

1 - The rationale behind getting an NG tube over a g-tube is usually, as you said, because of the surgery. Also for some people, they like to be completely "free" when they are not hooked up to it. I know some people that used an NG tube and got used to inserting it themselves every night. Think of it like PICC vs port, some people just don't want to have any... "hardware" when they aren't using it, if you know what I mean. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It's really as simple as that. Personally I had an NG tube after some surgeries and I could not imagine inserting it myself (though, I did rip it out myself!)

5 - Due to other abdominal surgeries I have never worn a bikini, ever. One piece suits are generally not flattering at all, I'd suggest a tankini (for anyone, really, gtube or no). Mel has a thread somewhere asking about suits for her vacation, check that out.

6 - I am 5'2" and weigh (approx)125lb, so I can see where your team is coming from. Like Wheezie said, your weight certainly does not sound critical, but as with anything in CF, preventative treatments are almost always easier to do than reactive ones. I feel my best at 115-120 actually, so I'm a little pudgier than I'd like. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> Skinner than that though and I think I'd feel weak.

But, again, I've never had a need for a feeding tube, so I'd wait to see what others with more experience have to say. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Perhaps, as Wheezie said, you can look into other options first and then consider the feeding tube if that hasn't worked by a certain date?

Sevenstars · Jul 8, 2008

I've never had a feeding tube but I am about your size and can answer at least a few things I think.

1 - The rationale behind getting an NG tube over a g-tube is usually, as you said, because of the surgery. Also for some people, they like to be completely "free" when they are not hooked up to it. I know some people that used an NG tube and got used to inserting it themselves every night. Think of it like PICC vs port, some people just don't want to have any... "hardware" when they aren't using it, if you know what I mean. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It's really as simple as that. Personally I had an NG tube after some surgeries and I could not imagine inserting it myself (though, I did rip it out myself!)

5 - Due to other abdominal surgeries I have never worn a bikini, ever. One piece suits are generally not flattering at all, I'd suggest a tankini (for anyone, really, gtube or no). Mel has a thread somewhere asking about suits for her vacation, check that out.

6 - I am 5'2" and weigh (approx)125lb, so I can see where your team is coming from. Like Wheezie said, your weight certainly does not sound critical, but as with anything in CF, preventative treatments are almost always easier to do than reactive ones. I feel my best at 115-120 actually, so I'm a little pudgier than I'd like. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> Skinner than that though and I think I'd feel weak.

But, again, I've never had a need for a feeding tube, so I'd wait to see what others with more experience have to say. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Perhaps, as Wheezie said, you can look into other options first and then consider the feeding tube if that hasn't worked by a certain date?

Sevenstars · Jul 8, 2008

I've never had a feeding tube but I am about your size and can answer at least a few things I think.

1 - The rationale behind getting an NG tube over a g-tube is usually, as you said, because of the surgery. Also for some people, they like to be completely "free" when they are not hooked up to it. I know some people that used an NG tube and got used to inserting it themselves every night. Think of it like PICC vs port, some people just don't want to have any... "hardware" when they aren't using it, if you know what I mean. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It's really as simple as that. Personally I had an NG tube after some surgeries and I could not imagine inserting it myself (though, I did rip it out myself!)

5 - Due to other abdominal surgeries I have never worn a bikini, ever. One piece suits are generally not flattering at all, I'd suggest a tankini (for anyone, really, gtube or no). Mel has a thread somewhere asking about suits for her vacation, check that out.

6 - I am 5'2" and weigh (approx)125lb, so I can see where your team is coming from. Like Wheezie said, your weight certainly does not sound critical, but as with anything in CF, preventative treatments are almost always easier to do than reactive ones. I feel my best at 115-120 actually, so I'm a little pudgier than I'd like. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> Skinner than that though and I think I'd feel weak.

But, again, I've never had a need for a feeding tube, so I'd wait to see what others with more experience have to say. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Perhaps, as Wheezie said, you can look into other options first and then consider the feeding tube if that hasn't worked by a certain date?

Sevenstars · Jul 8, 2008

I've never had a feeding tube but I am about your size and can answer at least a few things I think.
 
 1 - The rationale behind getting an NG tube over a g-tube is usually, as you said, because of the surgery. Also for some people, they like to be completely "free" when they are not hooked up to it. I know some people that used an NG tube and got used to inserting it themselves every night. Think of it like PICC vs port, some people just don't want to have any... "hardware" when they aren't using it, if you know what I mean. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> It's really as simple as that. Personally I had an NG tube after some surgeries and I could not imagine inserting it myself (though, I did rip it out myself!)
 
 5 - Due to other abdominal surgeries I have never worn a bikini, ever. One piece suits are generally not flattering at all, I'd suggest a tankini (for anyone, really, gtube or no). Mel has a thread somewhere asking about suits for her vacation, check that out.
 
 6 - I am 5'2" and weigh (approx)125lb, so I can see where your team is coming from. Like Wheezie said, your weight certainly does not sound critical, but as with anything in CF, preventative treatments are almost always easier to do than reactive ones. I feel my best at 115-120 actually, so I'm a little pudgier than I'd like. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0"> Skinner than that though and I think I'd feel weak.
 
 But, again, I've never had a need for a feeding tube, so I'd wait to see what others with more experience have to say. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Perhaps, as Wheezie said, you can look into other options first and then consider the feeding tube if that hasn't worked by a certain date?

Another Feeding Tube Question!

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member