Am I being too sensitive?

Published

I saw this ad today while browsing. I found three more like it (below). In the first add it looks like a baby's tummy (click-- to big to post here), and the first thing I saw was a feeding tube because my daughter has one. The other ads look more like adults (I noticed someone added hair to the last one, but still . . ) Am I being too sensitive or are these ads in poor taste? I spend so much effort trying to normalize her tube so she's not ashamed of it, and then they post stuff like this. (Some trach moms I know would be upset too, probably.)

smallstepgovad.jpg

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mostly geri :).

I don't think the commercial at all meant to be offensive, but can certainly iunderstand how it would hit a raw nerve with you. I think it's in poor taste and not thought out well in the eyes of the medical community, but wouldnt **** off the general public. In short, you're fine and not overreacting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are completely entitled to your feelings, however I only see a valve (like you use to deflate a beach ball) with healthy messages aimed at helping these chubby tummies and double chins "deflate".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My son had a g-tube and a trach, and I thought the ad was hilarious once I figured out what it was (it was on a billboard and we were going fast).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Those are air valves, not feeding tubes or trachs. You are entitled to feel however you like, but I do not feel they are in poor taste.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Those are air valves, not feeding tubes or trachs. You are entitled to feel however you like, but I do not feel they are in poor taste.

i don't find anything distasteful about these ads...

it's about losing the excess of extra wt.

op, do you feel better knowing that they're not g-tubes or trachs?

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have not seen this ad, but I think we are all so used to seeing people use alturnative methods of changing our bodies, that most don't see it as invasive.

Injections, and surgeries are the norm now, so no-one see's the reality of tubes put in for life saving purposes. Now that I have looked at it again....I think it is an add for letting go of all the hot air that the advertisers feed us!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CAMHS, acute psych,.
Yes, you are.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for your replies . .

I shared the ad with a group of moms who currently have tube-fed kids, and they felt it was in poor taste. OTOH probably the creators of the ad have no idea that it resembles a g-tube. (My daughter's looks a lot like a clear short valve, just like that, not a long tube.) It just triggered some emotions for me. I think you have to walk in someone's shoes to really know how they feel or might feel in that situation. It's probably different caring for people with tubes vs. having your own child struggle with these issues. After stepping back from it I can see that it was meant to be funny and probably I need to lighten up just a bit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Even though it was meant to be funny and I'm glad you now see it in that light, I'm sorry if it caused you any pain. I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers to your daughter, you, and your family. Hugs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Yeah, definately a valve like a beach ball. They even photoshopped in some whoosh marks. I really couldn't tell that without enlarging it, though. At first glance it's jarring and I can see easily how that would be your reaction. So, in essence, it's lame.

While I'm thinking about it, the ad on the sidebar featuring a skeleton to scare people about healthcare reform is waayyy lame! :igtsyt:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Strange little ads, aren't they?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion