life expectancy on stomach feeding tube

[sue1948]

My Mother has been using a stomach feeding tube for 6 months, she feeds herself 7 cans a day and has gained weight lately.  She is unable to eat or drink through her mouth.  How long can a person survive using this as their only nurishment?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
I agree with with Neta. If she is gaining weight, she is probably getting some nourishment. As long as she is hydrated, she can maintain this state for a while. The biggest danger is the development of pneumonia which can be fatal from aspiration of stomach contents
take care

[Neta100]

Hi there.  I am a Nutritionist and people can have a feeding tube for a certain period of time, but it is necessary to establish her nutritional needs, clean the feeding tube and see that she is hydrated also.  In order to help you out, I would need to know what they are giving her, how many times a day, her nutritional status (based on weight, height and age) and run some tests.  

Please let me know.

Neta

[bearfriend]

A related discussion, prognosis with feeding tube was started.