GI consult set for Thursday UPDATED with placement date!

izemmom · Jul 31, 2007

So, I can' t seem to bring myself to blog about this, much less discuss it with family and friends, but I thought this might be a good way to start coming to terms with the fact that Emily needs a g-tube.

Our consult with the GI guy is on Thursday. I need to know what I should be asking, looking for, etc.

I am especially concerned about the risk of infection. If Em gets an infection, goes on antibiotics (I know, I know, its going to happen sooner or later for one reason or another)...well, here comes the c.diff again! Has anyone had a problem with g-tubes and infections?

I'm also very worried that the overnight feeds will deaden her appetite for "real" food during the day and she'll lose the urge to eat with her class at daycare and with us at mealtimes. It doesn't seem like a big deal, I suppose, as long as she's getting the nutrition she needs, but, I want her to learn to eat in social settings at appropriate times...so that when the tube is gone (hopefully) she has those skills. Porblems with this, anyone???

What other problems have you experienced? I jsut want to be able to have a heads up so that I can discuss as much as possible with the GI guy and wiht our team.

I'm not as anti- gtube as I was at first, but I am a bundle of nerves, and very sad about this. So, any help is appreciated!

izemmom · Jul 31, 2007

So, I can' t seem to bring myself to blog about this, much less discuss it with family and friends, but I thought this might be a good way to start coming to terms with the fact that Emily needs a g-tube.

Our consult with the GI guy is on Thursday. I need to know what I should be asking, looking for, etc.

I am especially concerned about the risk of infection. If Em gets an infection, goes on antibiotics (I know, I know, its going to happen sooner or later for one reason or another)...well, here comes the c.diff again! Has anyone had a problem with g-tubes and infections?

I'm also very worried that the overnight feeds will deaden her appetite for "real" food during the day and she'll lose the urge to eat with her class at daycare and with us at mealtimes. It doesn't seem like a big deal, I suppose, as long as she's getting the nutrition she needs, but, I want her to learn to eat in social settings at appropriate times...so that when the tube is gone (hopefully) she has those skills. Porblems with this, anyone???

What other problems have you experienced? I jsut want to be able to have a heads up so that I can discuss as much as possible with the GI guy and wiht our team.

I'm not as anti- gtube as I was at first, but I am a bundle of nerves, and very sad about this. So, any help is appreciated!

izemmom · Jul 31, 2007

So, I can' t seem to bring myself to blog about this, much less discuss it with family and friends, but I thought this might be a good way to start coming to terms with the fact that Emily needs a g-tube.

Our consult with the GI guy is on Thursday. I need to know what I should be asking, looking for, etc.

I am especially concerned about the risk of infection. If Em gets an infection, goes on antibiotics (I know, I know, its going to happen sooner or later for one reason or another)...well, here comes the c.diff again! Has anyone had a problem with g-tubes and infections?

I'm also very worried that the overnight feeds will deaden her appetite for "real" food during the day and she'll lose the urge to eat with her class at daycare and with us at mealtimes. It doesn't seem like a big deal, I suppose, as long as she's getting the nutrition she needs, but, I want her to learn to eat in social settings at appropriate times...so that when the tube is gone (hopefully) she has those skills. Porblems with this, anyone???

What other problems have you experienced? I jsut want to be able to have a heads up so that I can discuss as much as possible with the GI guy and wiht our team.

I'm not as anti- gtube as I was at first, but I am a bundle of nerves, and very sad about this. So, any help is appreciated!

izemmom · Jul 31, 2007

So, I can' t seem to bring myself to blog about this, much less discuss it with family and friends, but I thought this might be a good way to start coming to terms with the fact that Emily needs a g-tube.

Our consult with the GI guy is on Thursday. I need to know what I should be asking, looking for, etc.

I am especially concerned about the risk of infection. If Em gets an infection, goes on antibiotics (I know, I know, its going to happen sooner or later for one reason or another)...well, here comes the c.diff again! Has anyone had a problem with g-tubes and infections?

I'm also very worried that the overnight feeds will deaden her appetite for "real" food during the day and she'll lose the urge to eat with her class at daycare and with us at mealtimes. It doesn't seem like a big deal, I suppose, as long as she's getting the nutrition she needs, but, I want her to learn to eat in social settings at appropriate times...so that when the tube is gone (hopefully) she has those skills. Porblems with this, anyone???

What other problems have you experienced? I jsut want to be able to have a heads up so that I can discuss as much as possible with the GI guy and wiht our team.

I'm not as anti- gtube as I was at first, but I am a bundle of nerves, and very sad about this. So, any help is appreciated!

izemmom · Jul 31, 2007

So, I can' t seem to bring myself to blog about this, much less discuss it with family and friends, but I thought this might be a good way to start coming to terms with the fact that Emily needs a g-tube.

Our consult with the GI guy is on Thursday. I need to know what I should be asking, looking for, etc.

I am especially concerned about the risk of infection. If Em gets an infection, goes on antibiotics (I know, I know, its going to happen sooner or later for one reason or another)...well, here comes the c.diff again! Has anyone had a problem with g-tubes and infections?

I'm also very worried that the overnight feeds will deaden her appetite for "real" food during the day and she'll lose the urge to eat with her class at daycare and with us at mealtimes. It doesn't seem like a big deal, I suppose, as long as she's getting the nutrition she needs, but, I want her to learn to eat in social settings at appropriate times...so that when the tube is gone (hopefully) she has those skills. Porblems with this, anyone???

What other problems have you experienced? I jsut want to be able to have a heads up so that I can discuss as much as possible with the GI guy and wiht our team.

I'm not as anti- gtube as I was at first, but I am a bundle of nerves, and very sad about this. So, any help is appreciated!

JazzysMom · Jul 31, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I dont have any personal experience to share, but this is a good group to get feedback from.

Hugs to you and let us know what is said at the consult!

JazzysMom · Jul 31, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I dont have any personal experience to share, but this is a good group to get feedback from.

Hugs to you and let us know what is said at the consult!

JazzysMom · Jul 31, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I dont have any personal experience to share, but this is a good group to get feedback from.

Hugs to you and let us know what is said at the consult!

JazzysMom · Jul 31, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I dont have any personal experience to share, but this is a good group to get feedback from.

Hugs to you and let us know what is said at the consult!

JazzysMom · Jul 31, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I dont have any personal experience to share, but this is a good group to get feedback from.

Hugs to you and let us know what is said at the consult!

arthuryang42 · Aug 1, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I am a 29 year old CF adult who just got a G-tube in March of 2007, this year. I have not had any trouble with infection at all - apparently, our stomachs are amazingly resistant to infection (think of all the germs that end up on our food and drinks). To be honest, the G-tube is painful for up to two weeks (where the pain interfered with my life), and there is another two weeks of just general life adjustment. Get her G-tube changed to a Mic-Key button, as soon as possible. It makes dressing much simpler and the button is hardly visible at all.

To make you feel better, now the good stuff... Going into getting the G-tube I was having significant trouble with nutrition and gaining weight. Now, only 5 months later, I have gone from weighing 109 pounds to weighing a nice average weight of 133 pounds. In fact, I reached this goal weight they set for me in only 2 months, and have maintained it now for 3 months. Also, having this tube has been such a helpful safety net when I am not feeling well. I am not forced to stuff my face and eat when I don't feel like it, I can count on getting many calories at night when I sleep. It has been a big help after surgeries and anesthesia when I am too drained to eat, as well.

I have also found that while, initially, I did feel full in the mornings after tube feeds, I now get hungrier on mornings after tube feeds. It is like my tummy viewed it as an appetizer. I also have more energy on days with tube feeds, I think.

The bottom line, is, yes, I found it to be a tough first month adapting to having this hole in my stomach and some of the pain, but after that, I did not regret the decision to get the G-tube, and I will keep mine forever. I started with tube feedings every night, and am now down to only needing 3 nights a week when I am healthy.

I know how tough of a decision you are facing, I have been there, but I can say that I do not regret my decision to get the G-tube. Best Wishes. I am confident whatever decision you make will be the right decision for your daughter.

arthuryang42 · Aug 1, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I am a 29 year old CF adult who just got a G-tube in March of 2007, this year. I have not had any trouble with infection at all - apparently, our stomachs are amazingly resistant to infection (think of all the germs that end up on our food and drinks). To be honest, the G-tube is painful for up to two weeks (where the pain interfered with my life), and there is another two weeks of just general life adjustment. Get her G-tube changed to a Mic-Key button, as soon as possible. It makes dressing much simpler and the button is hardly visible at all.

To make you feel better, now the good stuff... Going into getting the G-tube I was having significant trouble with nutrition and gaining weight. Now, only 5 months later, I have gone from weighing 109 pounds to weighing a nice average weight of 133 pounds. In fact, I reached this goal weight they set for me in only 2 months, and have maintained it now for 3 months. Also, having this tube has been such a helpful safety net when I am not feeling well. I am not forced to stuff my face and eat when I don't feel like it, I can count on getting many calories at night when I sleep. It has been a big help after surgeries and anesthesia when I am too drained to eat, as well.

I have also found that while, initially, I did feel full in the mornings after tube feeds, I now get hungrier on mornings after tube feeds. It is like my tummy viewed it as an appetizer. I also have more energy on days with tube feeds, I think.

The bottom line, is, yes, I found it to be a tough first month adapting to having this hole in my stomach and some of the pain, but after that, I did not regret the decision to get the G-tube, and I will keep mine forever. I started with tube feedings every night, and am now down to only needing 3 nights a week when I am healthy.

I know how tough of a decision you are facing, I have been there, but I can say that I do not regret my decision to get the G-tube. Best Wishes. I am confident whatever decision you make will be the right decision for your daughter.

arthuryang42 · Aug 1, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I am a 29 year old CF adult who just got a G-tube in March of 2007, this year. I have not had any trouble with infection at all - apparently, our stomachs are amazingly resistant to infection (think of all the germs that end up on our food and drinks). To be honest, the G-tube is painful for up to two weeks (where the pain interfered with my life), and there is another two weeks of just general life adjustment. Get her G-tube changed to a Mic-Key button, as soon as possible. It makes dressing much simpler and the button is hardly visible at all.

To make you feel better, now the good stuff... Going into getting the G-tube I was having significant trouble with nutrition and gaining weight. Now, only 5 months later, I have gone from weighing 109 pounds to weighing a nice average weight of 133 pounds. In fact, I reached this goal weight they set for me in only 2 months, and have maintained it now for 3 months. Also, having this tube has been such a helpful safety net when I am not feeling well. I am not forced to stuff my face and eat when I don't feel like it, I can count on getting many calories at night when I sleep. It has been a big help after surgeries and anesthesia when I am too drained to eat, as well.

I have also found that while, initially, I did feel full in the mornings after tube feeds, I now get hungrier on mornings after tube feeds. It is like my tummy viewed it as an appetizer. I also have more energy on days with tube feeds, I think.

The bottom line, is, yes, I found it to be a tough first month adapting to having this hole in my stomach and some of the pain, but after that, I did not regret the decision to get the G-tube, and I will keep mine forever. I started with tube feedings every night, and am now down to only needing 3 nights a week when I am healthy.

I know how tough of a decision you are facing, I have been there, but I can say that I do not regret my decision to get the G-tube. Best Wishes. I am confident whatever decision you make will be the right decision for your daughter.

arthuryang42 · Aug 1, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I am a 29 year old CF adult who just got a G-tube in March of 2007, this year. I have not had any trouble with infection at all - apparently, our stomachs are amazingly resistant to infection (think of all the germs that end up on our food and drinks). To be honest, the G-tube is painful for up to two weeks (where the pain interfered with my life), and there is another two weeks of just general life adjustment. Get her G-tube changed to a Mic-Key button, as soon as possible. It makes dressing much simpler and the button is hardly visible at all.

To make you feel better, now the good stuff... Going into getting the G-tube I was having significant trouble with nutrition and gaining weight. Now, only 5 months later, I have gone from weighing 109 pounds to weighing a nice average weight of 133 pounds. In fact, I reached this goal weight they set for me in only 2 months, and have maintained it now for 3 months. Also, having this tube has been such a helpful safety net when I am not feeling well. I am not forced to stuff my face and eat when I don't feel like it, I can count on getting many calories at night when I sleep. It has been a big help after surgeries and anesthesia when I am too drained to eat, as well.

I have also found that while, initially, I did feel full in the mornings after tube feeds, I now get hungrier on mornings after tube feeds. It is like my tummy viewed it as an appetizer. I also have more energy on days with tube feeds, I think.

The bottom line, is, yes, I found it to be a tough first month adapting to having this hole in my stomach and some of the pain, but after that, I did not regret the decision to get the G-tube, and I will keep mine forever. I started with tube feedings every night, and am now down to only needing 3 nights a week when I am healthy.

I know how tough of a decision you are facing, I have been there, but I can say that I do not regret my decision to get the G-tube. Best Wishes. I am confident whatever decision you make will be the right decision for your daughter.

arthuryang42 · Aug 1, 2007

GI consult set for Thursday

I am a 29 year old CF adult who just got a G-tube in March of 2007, this year. I have not had any trouble with infection at all - apparently, our stomachs are amazingly resistant to infection (think of all the germs that end up on our food and drinks). To be honest, the G-tube is painful for up to two weeks (where the pain interfered with my life), and there is another two weeks of just general life adjustment. Get her G-tube changed to a Mic-Key button, as soon as possible. It makes dressing much simpler and the button is hardly visible at all.

To make you feel better, now the good stuff... Going into getting the G-tube I was having significant trouble with nutrition and gaining weight. Now, only 5 months later, I have gone from weighing 109 pounds to weighing a nice average weight of 133 pounds. In fact, I reached this goal weight they set for me in only 2 months, and have maintained it now for 3 months. Also, having this tube has been such a helpful safety net when I am not feeling well. I am not forced to stuff my face and eat when I don't feel like it, I can count on getting many calories at night when I sleep. It has been a big help after surgeries and anesthesia when I am too drained to eat, as well.

I have also found that while, initially, I did feel full in the mornings after tube feeds, I now get hungrier on mornings after tube feeds. It is like my tummy viewed it as an appetizer. I also have more energy on days with tube feeds, I think.

The bottom line, is, yes, I found it to be a tough first month adapting to having this hole in my stomach and some of the pain, but after that, I did not regret the decision to get the G-tube, and I will keep mine forever. I started with tube feedings every night, and am now down to only needing 3 nights a week when I am healthy.

I know how tough of a decision you are facing, I have been there, but I can say that I do not regret my decision to get the G-tube. Best Wishes. I am confident whatever decision you make will be the right decision for your daughter.

AnD · Aug 1, 2007