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Feeding tube?

P

purpleangel28282

New member
Ok, I've tried looking at some of the old posts on feeding tubes, but I can't really relate to any of them because they were about removing them or whether or not a young child should get one. I'm 5'6 and weigh-currently 95 pounds. I'm usually around 100-102 (102 puts me at the very bottom of my height to weight chart). The most I've ever weighed was 106 and not for very long. My entire life I have struggled to gain weight and have always been under weight.
I really think, as does my doctor that my weight is affecting my health and is one of the reasons why I become sick.
I've tried eating lots, I have two scandi shakes a day, eat 4-5 small meals a day, snacks, etc. So I'm at the point where I'm trying to decide if I need to get a feeding tube.
I was curious as to what types of feeding tubes there are (I think I've heard of two, the mickey button and something else). What kind of procedure is it, are you awake and aware? What is the healing time? Can you get it wet? And I was wondering if anyone had pictures...although I could just try and google them.
My mom thinks maybe I'm having a particularly hard time right now with my weight because of stress of emotions and keeping things bottled up inside. Although she does think a feeding tube could be very helpfull since I've been underweight all my life, not just now.
Which brings me to another question, does anyone get overwhelmed with dealing with all this crap and life issues that you went and talked to a psychologist (is that the right one?) and did it help at all? Sorry this got so long!
 
P

purpleangel28282

New member
Ok, I've tried looking at some of the old posts on feeding tubes, but I can't really relate to any of them because they were about removing them or whether or not a young child should get one. I'm 5'6 and weigh-currently 95 pounds. I'm usually around 100-102 (102 puts me at the very bottom of my height to weight chart). The most I've ever weighed was 106 and not for very long. My entire life I have struggled to gain weight and have always been under weight.
I really think, as does my doctor that my weight is affecting my health and is one of the reasons why I become sick.
I've tried eating lots, I have two scandi shakes a day, eat 4-5 small meals a day, snacks, etc. So I'm at the point where I'm trying to decide if I need to get a feeding tube.
I was curious as to what types of feeding tubes there are (I think I've heard of two, the mickey button and something else). What kind of procedure is it, are you awake and aware? What is the healing time? Can you get it wet? And I was wondering if anyone had pictures...although I could just try and google them.
My mom thinks maybe I'm having a particularly hard time right now with my weight because of stress of emotions and keeping things bottled up inside. Although she does think a feeding tube could be very helpfull since I've been underweight all my life, not just now.
Which brings me to another question, does anyone get overwhelmed with dealing with all this crap and life issues that you went and talked to a psychologist (is that the right one?) and did it help at all? Sorry this got so long!
 
P

purpleangel28282

New member
Ok, I've tried looking at some of the old posts on feeding tubes, but I can't really relate to any of them because they were about removing them or whether or not a young child should get one. I'm 5'6 and weigh-currently 95 pounds. I'm usually around 100-102 (102 puts me at the very bottom of my height to weight chart). The most I've ever weighed was 106 and not for very long. My entire life I have struggled to gain weight and have always been under weight.
I really think, as does my doctor that my weight is affecting my health and is one of the reasons why I become sick.
I've tried eating lots, I have two scandi shakes a day, eat 4-5 small meals a day, snacks, etc. So I'm at the point where I'm trying to decide if I need to get a feeding tube.
I was curious as to what types of feeding tubes there are (I think I've heard of two, the mickey button and something else). What kind of procedure is it, are you awake and aware? What is the healing time? Can you get it wet? And I was wondering if anyone had pictures...although I could just try and google them.
My mom thinks maybe I'm having a particularly hard time right now with my weight because of stress of emotions and keeping things bottled up inside. Although she does think a feeding tube could be very helpfull since I've been underweight all my life, not just now.
Which brings me to another question, does anyone get overwhelmed with dealing with all this crap and life issues that you went and talked to a psychologist (is that the right one?) and did it help at all? Sorry this got so long!
 
F

fr3ak

Guest
Personally I would exhaust every other option first before getting a permanent fixture like a feeding tube...

Try NG feeds, or drinking stuff like ensure, skandishakes etc

I am trying to find the pictures of my feeding tube, and once I do I will post them for you...

I personally hated mine, it leaked, smelled, made the area around the tube raw from stomach acid leaking out...I had chronic pain from the tube and problems from day one....

That's just my take on feeding tubes, they do work for some, but for others they are not so good...
 
F

fr3ak

Guest
Personally I would exhaust every other option first before getting a permanent fixture like a feeding tube...

Try NG feeds, or drinking stuff like ensure, skandishakes etc

I am trying to find the pictures of my feeding tube, and once I do I will post them for you...

I personally hated mine, it leaked, smelled, made the area around the tube raw from stomach acid leaking out...I had chronic pain from the tube and problems from day one....

That's just my take on feeding tubes, they do work for some, but for others they are not so good...
 
F

fr3ak

Guest
Personally I would exhaust every other option first before getting a permanent fixture like a feeding tube...

Try NG feeds, or drinking stuff like ensure, skandishakes etc

I am trying to find the pictures of my feeding tube, and once I do I will post them for you...

I personally hated mine, it leaked, smelled, made the area around the tube raw from stomach acid leaking out...I had chronic pain from the tube and problems from day one....

That's just my take on feeding tubes, they do work for some, but for others they are not so good...
 
S

shamrock

New member
I had a different experience to the poster before me, and had relativly few problems. No smelling, leaking, acid stuff, no problems at all.I did have an infection once about 7 years ago which was cleared up by cream.

I would try the NG tube first though. As you may just need a little push, in which case you wouldn't need anything permenant.

I have had mine 17 years now, but will hopefully be having it removed soon. x
 
S

shamrock

New member
I had a different experience to the poster before me, and had relativly few problems. No smelling, leaking, acid stuff, no problems at all.I did have an infection once about 7 years ago which was cleared up by cream.

I would try the NG tube first though. As you may just need a little push, in which case you wouldn't need anything permenant.

I have had mine 17 years now, but will hopefully be having it removed soon. x
 
S

shamrock

New member
I had a different experience to the poster before me, and had relativly few problems. No smelling, leaking, acid stuff, no problems at all.I did have an infection once about 7 years ago which was cleared up by cream.

I would try the NG tube first though. As you may just need a little push, in which case you wouldn't need anything permenant.

I have had mine 17 years now, but will hopefully be having it removed soon. x
 
J

Jane

Digital opinion leader
My kids are 15 an 11 and have had their tubes for 2 1/2 years. It is a huge emotion decision because you will have extra "parts" attached to your body. It is relatively low profile, but it is still not as flat as skin. My son's both had a hard time adjusting to that at first, but are ok with it now.

Both boys are active and the tube hasn't put a damper on thier activities. They both wear a shirt when they swim.

We have had very little trouble with the tubes. The whole process of setting up feed and pump every night and morning is the pain in the neck for us. It is all well worth the results in my opinion.

If you want to PM me with questions, I'd be happy to share more.
 
J

Jane

Digital opinion leader
My kids are 15 an 11 and have had their tubes for 2 1/2 years. It is a huge emotion decision because you will have extra "parts" attached to your body. It is relatively low profile, but it is still not as flat as skin. My son's both had a hard time adjusting to that at first, but are ok with it now.

Both boys are active and the tube hasn't put a damper on thier activities. They both wear a shirt when they swim.

We have had very little trouble with the tubes. The whole process of setting up feed and pump every night and morning is the pain in the neck for us. It is all well worth the results in my opinion.

If you want to PM me with questions, I'd be happy to share more.
 
J

Jane

Digital opinion leader
My kids are 15 an 11 and have had their tubes for 2 1/2 years. It is a huge emotion decision because you will have extra "parts" attached to your body. It is relatively low profile, but it is still not as flat as skin. My son's both had a hard time adjusting to that at first, but are ok with it now.

Both boys are active and the tube hasn't put a damper on thier activities. They both wear a shirt when they swim.

We have had very little trouble with the tubes. The whole process of setting up feed and pump every night and morning is the pain in the neck for us. It is all well worth the results in my opinion.

If you want to PM me with questions, I'd be happy to share more.
 
P

purpleangel28282

New member
fr3ak,
I tried an NG tube once and I can't handle having it in. I was so uncomfortable with it. And I do have Scandi shakes, I have them twice a day.
I've heard a lot about how it should be a last resort thing...and I think I'm there.
shamrock,
good luck with getting yours removed!
Jane,
I am realising how much of an emotional decision it is and it makes it so much harder to decide. I have a Doctor's appointment tomorrow and I'm going to ask him about it. I know he'd be thrilled to have me on one.
 
P

purpleangel28282

New member
fr3ak,
I tried an NG tube once and I can't handle having it in. I was so uncomfortable with it. And I do have Scandi shakes, I have them twice a day.
I've heard a lot about how it should be a last resort thing...and I think I'm there.
shamrock,
good luck with getting yours removed!
Jane,
I am realising how much of an emotional decision it is and it makes it so much harder to decide. I have a Doctor's appointment tomorrow and I'm going to ask him about it. I know he'd be thrilled to have me on one.
 
P

purpleangel28282

New member
fr3ak,
I tried an NG tube once and I can't handle having it in. I was so uncomfortable with it. And I do have Scandi shakes, I have them twice a day.
I've heard a lot about how it should be a last resort thing...and I think I'm there.
shamrock,
good luck with getting yours removed!
Jane,
I am realising how much of an emotional decision it is and it makes it so much harder to decide. I have a Doctor's appointment tomorrow and I'm going to ask him about it. I know he'd be thrilled to have me on one.
 
W

westonsmom

New member
My son has a G tube. He is 13 mos. old and can not tell me how it feels. It is very different at your age. It has leaked ...mostly when he has a cold. I has never been infected. He can get it wet. He actually doesn't need it for feeds anymore because he gains weight on his own. It does stick out of your stomach. He has the mickey button which is really easy to operate.
I think you should seek counseling. I did. You can see a social worker or a psychologist. You don't have to be crazy to seek mental health. I use it a source of guidance. It is nice to get an outside perspective. It's your choice though. I agree with the others. I would exhaust every other avenue.
 
W

westonsmom

New member
My son has a G tube. He is 13 mos. old and can not tell me how it feels. It is very different at your age. It has leaked ...mostly when he has a cold. I has never been infected. He can get it wet. He actually doesn't need it for feeds anymore because he gains weight on his own. It does stick out of your stomach. He has the mickey button which is really easy to operate.
I think you should seek counseling. I did. You can see a social worker or a psychologist. You don't have to be crazy to seek mental health. I use it a source of guidance. It is nice to get an outside perspective. It's your choice though. I agree with the others. I would exhaust every other avenue.
 
W

westonsmom

New member
My son has a G tube. He is 13 mos. old and can not tell me how it feels. It is very different at your age. It has leaked ...mostly when he has a cold. I has never been infected. He can get it wet. He actually doesn't need it for feeds anymore because he gains weight on his own. It does stick out of your stomach. He has the mickey button which is really easy to operate.
I think you should seek counseling. I did. You can see a social worker or a psychologist. You don't have to be crazy to seek mental health. I use it a source of guidance. It is nice to get an outside perspective. It's your choice though. I agree with the others. I would exhaust every other avenue.
 
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