I had a feeding tube (Mic-Key) for about two years. I had it put in the same time as my port, around 1996. It was a difficult decision, one that left me with poor body image (temporarily) and feeling bad about how far I'd let this disease take me down. However, the fact that I was 20 years old, 5'4" and 98 Lbs,meant that without these "accessories" I probably wouldn't be here right now. My FEV1 at the time was in the 30's (I think). Your lungs need energy to fight infection, calories = energy, and at the time I wasn't getting enough. What really turned things around was exercise. I started going to the gym at this same time and because of weight training and the extra calories from the tube feeding I put on 29 Lbs in about a year. I stopped the feeding after a year and a half and maintained the weight on my own, then my Doctor allowed me to get it removed with the promise that if I needed it again I wouldn't argue with him
So far 10 years later I still weigh 127 or so and am able to maintain it without much difficulty. BTW, my FEV1 increased to the mid 40's with the tube feedings.
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<br />I definitely encourage you to do what you have to to get the calories your body needs to give your lungs a fighting chance. Also exercise, this not only will increase your appetite it will help you gain muscle, a plus when it comes to gaining weight. Weight training also helps fight off diabetes, by teaching your body to be more efficient with insulin. You'll feel better about yourself, and have more energy. Don't forget cardio training, this will increase you endurance. Someday you will not need the tube, but you'll be glad you got it when you needed it.
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<br />As far as sex and feeling sexy, I agree it is hard to feel sexy when you look like a beach ball valve is sticking out of your tummy, but how sexy can a person feel when they look like a walking skeleton? I filled out nicely according to my hubby, I grew curves....LOL. He says I look better now, than when we got married. My hubby always thinks I am sexy, even when I am lying in a hospital bed with no make-up on, smoking a neb, and coughing my brains out....maybe he is twisted? After 14 yrs I don't argue with him, let him think what he wants
If someone loves you, they will accept what ever you have to do to fight this disease.
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<br />Yes, you should try to eat enough, but sometimes it is immpossible for a human to consume the calories that CF requires. Don't think of a feeding tube as admitting defeat, you are actually fighting back when you get one. Okay...I'll get off my soap box now
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<br />Andrea 32 w/CF /F507 & F508 / DX 8 mos. old.