Anyone have a g-tube or feeding tube?

[Kellygrn]

I have one because I can’t swallow. It has been good to not be malnourished or dehydrated.

Would love to talk to someone who uses. No one around me knows anything about them. My aide and I are learning as we go!

K.K.

[Kit10]

I had one for a while in intensive care but I don't claim to be an expert, and I was glad to get rid of it.

[oudie]

I met several people using various forms of feeding tube on the Inspire website several years ago, in the section for gastrointestinal disorders I remember one member used her tube from a backpack to attend her daughter's graduation. Members of this Inspire group had various reasons for their GI disorders and malfunctions, MS being an occasional one of them. I joined the group because my colon would get paralyzed for periods of time , where I couldn't tolerate solid food, was on a liquid diet for several months at a time, as were a number of others on Inspire. I can say I got very useful advice and warm support there.

[Kellygrn in reply to oudie]

Thanks for the info. I will look into that site today. How did you get off tube?

[oudie in reply to Kellygrn]

I was never on the tube myself, just I encountered several other people on that site that shared their experiences on the tube. (my problems were further down) I found this contact with GI patients so supportive and helpful, and I would wish the same for you. I do empathize with your missing food!!! I was only able to sip small amounts from a vitamix for several months, and found I made it through this period largely due to the collective strength and humor of others on that site going through the same thing, some were on the tube, some not. We had a great encouraging chats to get us through food holidays, esp. thanksgiving. We kept saying we'd meet up some day and bump our big gassy bellies against one another! Since Linzess came around, I was able to slowly recover and eat again, but initially I lost 15 lbs in less than a month on the liquid diet.

[Kenu]

Good Morning I have had a g-tube for over eight years now mainly due to throat cancer ♋️ along with MS. I had gone from 188 pounds down to 112. Took over 3 years to get back to 160 and been there for four years now. Been a blessing for me 👍🏼🙏😉

[Kellygrn in reply to Kenu]

GEE! My formula is high calorie and I gained 7 lbs in one week. We are changing to a lower calorie one soon! Are you still using the tube? I assume I will be for life! Miss the taste of food.

Thanks for replying.

[oudie in reply to Kellygrn]

So glad you could gain weight!! Bravo! When I missed food the most, I would at times put a little in my mouth, chew and spit it out. It was at least a use of my taste and mouthfeel.

[Kenu in reply to Kellygrn]

Good Morning ☀️ another warm day here🥵 I am able to eat some items that have moisture in them like soft food with gravy. Not able to eat much as my swallowing is messed up so I’m sure that this is life long deal. Kinda a pain when traveling to pack food, Jevity with me as I do 3 a day. They have prescription written as “failure to thrive “. Have g-tube replaced every three months, pretty simple procedure. It’s just part of my life so I’ve adapted to it 👍🏼 Hang in there any other questions just pm me. Enjoy your day 👍🏼🙏😉