Being Tube Fed

[cecil39]

Is there some one out there who is being tube fed (PEG) long term? I am considering this on the advise of three different consultants, the theory sounds ok but I still have doubts, it would be long term probably for the rest of my life, I would like to hear from some one who is living with this.

[Sqad]

Sorry, I am not being fed by PEG but wonder from what medical condition you are suffering?

[pixie373]

Not myself- but i know others. The main challenge is to keep the site clean and dry from infection.

[cecil39]

Thanks for answering sqad, my problem is post radiotherapy (1970)damage to my throat, I cannot swallow without food and drink going into my lungs, so I have frequent infections, I am now on my second lot of antibiotics this year and last year pneumonia and into hospital twice, have been living on a pureed diet for the past 10 months.

[rockyracoon]

I'm not peg fed but my nan was for her last 2 years, it knocked the stuffing out of her as the only thing she enjoyed in life was her grub and her nightly Guinness.

She couldn't even eat pureed food though so your situation is slightly different.

[Sqad]

I presume that you have a stricture in the upper part of your esophagus and for reasons that are clear to the medical staff, surgery to your neck is not an option.

Difficult decision to make for you.....whether to suffer recurrent chest infection or subject yourself to gastrostomy.

I can' t answer that for you, but can only say that PEG is easily accepted by the patient and has few serious complications.

I have not had the procedure myself, but have been involved in many such cases.

[cecil39]

Thanks for all your answers, it is a big decision to make, and only I can make it.

[woofgang]

My father in law had a PEG for two years while his throat was healing. It was thought it might be permanent but he was lucky. He was fine with it once he had got the care sorted.

[cecil39]

Thanks woofgang.