tube feeding

[hopefullx3]

I am thinking about trying tubal feeding and was hoping to find out information about it.  I have only ate one meal a day for 3 years now and in the past two weeks I have lived only on liquid but my weight is dropping fast.  I feel better only on liquid and have been offered a feeding tube to help keep my weight and energy up but I want to know all I can about it before I go ahead with it.  Also is it possible to get a feeding tube that stays in even if it is through my nose.

[lizziecee]

I haven't had tubal feeding, but when I was dx with breast cancer in 2003, I had to stop my normal chemo, methotrexate, in order to have FEC chemo. I had a flare of my Crohn's and my Oncologist prescribed Fortijuice, a nutritional drink with all the nutrients needed to stay alive. I was on this for 4 months, drinking 3 cartons a day - each carton had 300 calories. It was sent to my home free of charge by the hospital's own pharmacy. There are 9 different flavours. I am not sure if this drink is available outside the UK but you could ask your PCP or gastro if there is something similar you could take. Tubal feeding seems a drastic step to take when other solutions may help you to get the nourishment you need.
Liz.

[shelly202]

I would think carefully about have tube feeding if your weight is 20 pounds under weight or more god forbid- then yes but for now I would go with the ensure drinks . These are available in Australia so there must be something equivelant where you are. Ther are also juice flavoured supplements also you can have up to 5 aday of each but I doubt that you would feel like that many. Tube feeding is for starters the tube is a bit painful when you have the first few in.but if you require it as an ongoing thing for several weeks the tube is usually changed about 3-5 day intervals, to prevent infection etc. Sometimes the nose membranes and your throat gets irritated. This is most times just annoying rather than painful, its a bit like having sandpaper or gravekl in your throat and nose.
Shelly202

[suebaxter]

I have undergone many different 8 week periods of time with nasal tube feeding. I would recommend it if you're not eating, as it's a good way to gain weight and therefore your strength and help your body to battle the disease. Despite it's superficial drawbacks it really is worth doing if you can't get any food down you. It's quick and easy and the actual tube isn't too uncomfortable at all if you tape it properly!