Tube Feeding

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2002

I'm so sorry to hear about your fiancee and I hope he gets well soon.

Basically tube feedings can provide total liquid nutrition, providing fiber/protein/fat/carbs. Many people live for years and years on tube feedings.

Did you have any specific questions?

New CCU RN · Dec 18, 2002

Very sorry to hear such sad news. Do they know if this is a permanent situation or just temporary.

Either way it is scary : ( Tube feedings do exactly what 3rdshift described.... if you have any questions about them be sure to post...good luck

emily_mom · Dec 18, 2002

Will they be inserting an NG tube? If they do that, it will most likely be temporary. If it were to be long term, they would need to do a gastrostomy and put a tube right into his stomach or intestine (jejunostomy..I think). Why don't you just ask?

Like 3rdshift said, he will be able to get all of his nutrients this way. They will pump enough into him to get his strength back and hopefully come home soon!

Kristy

Wannabe RN Kim · Dec 19, 2002

thanks very much for all your help guys. He actually got the tube put straight into his stomach. This all happened so fast no one has really had much time to ask questions and get the info we hoped to have gotten. We were told he needed the tube Tuesday afternoon and it will Wednesday (tpday) at 11:00 that they did the surgery. Our heads are all still spinning from the news. :confused: For right now the tube is a long term thing but eventually he might be able to gain the muscles back to swallow and he can have it removed. Once again thanks for all your support and help you guys are so great.

Kimberly

2banurse · Dec 19, 2002

Wow Kim! Actually I realize how lucky I am. Although I too have been diagnosed with pneumonia, I'm home and can take care of myself. I feel like cr*p but not that bad. Hope your fiance gets better.

Kris

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Dec 19, 2002

Good luck and good wishes. Sounds like he is a tough cookie and will get through this just fine.

emily_mom · Dec 19, 2002

I wish you all the best....I know how tough it is to see someone you love in such turmoil right now. My prayers and thoughts are with you!

Kristy

graysonret · Dec 19, 2002

Very sorry to hear about your fiance. Give our best to him. Is he on a continous feeding, or is it bolus? What type of nutrition are they using? Sounds like eventually they will try him out on thickened liquids and pureed foods. If he can tolerate that well, he will move up. Takes time, I know, but have patience. Pneumonia with complications can be quite a battle. But, it appears he's on his way back. Good luck.

Wannabe RN Kim · Dec 28, 2002

well I just thought I would update everyone on what has been happening with my fiancee. The hospital let him go home on x-mas eve even though he was not cleared of his pneumonia. Things were not getting better at all and at 12:40am on Friday December 27th he passed away at home with me and his family by his side. He was not strong enough to cough it out and it finally filled his lungs up until he suffocated to death. Even though I miss him already I know that it is what's best for him. He is no longer in pain and suffering and can finally live a normal life in Heaven.

Kimberly

nursedawn67, LPN · Dec 28, 2002

Oh gosh Kim I'm so sorry for you and the families. Remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2002

I am sorry for your loved one. I hope he feels better soon.

renerian