Going back to work with a Feeding Tube

[Deleted]

Hello friends,
I am scheduled to go back to work 3/18 with a Feeding Tube. I am curious if anyone else has had to do this. I only really use it before bed if I haven't gotten in enough water for the day.

I am basically still on liquids. I can not get food down it just comes back-up. Cottage cheese, cream soups, pudding and Jello. But only before 4pm after that I have to much acid. I think my Dr. is going to want me to keep it until I can get more nourishment from actual food.

I still wear a modified binder to keep it down but I am concerned I will experience pain at work. The site it enters my abdomen can become quite painful as the day progresses and movement increases.

Has anybody had to deal with this? Do you have any suggestions?
Best,
Whit

[Leonie]

I am so sorry you are not eating steak yet!

[Deleted]

Mar 7, 2013 12:43:51 GMT -5 Leonie said:

I am so sorry you are not eating steak yet!

Ha Leonie! Me too. If it's any consolation Whit, I'm coming up on my one year revisiversary and I'm STILL not eating steak but I AM getting better and you will too.

I feel your pain though. My XYZ-sized bust (ok, I'm exaggerating... but only a little) and short torso made it so that virtually all movement caused the girls to hit the feeding tube. Ugh...ouch!

I'm not sure how you're gonna do it but having that thing in while you still need it is the only reason you'll able to be back at work at all so... what are your options? If it's too rough to work AND get your basic life necessities (hydration/nutrition), you know which will win out.

Can you easily take more time if needed?

Fingers crossed that you can.

[Deleted]

Thanks ladies,
Liria- yes I can go on Long Term Disability if needed. But I want and really need to work. LTD is only 60% of my pay and who can afford that these days...not me. I will just have to breath through it. Maybe I can get more pain meds.

I have a call with Dr. K today and will tell him my concerns but I think I need to keep the tube. I was dehydrated this morning and needed to use it for fluids.

As far as eating well I am back to liquids. I can not "stomach" even cottage cheese. Gurgling, noise, and nausea then up it comes. I think I need a dilation I will see what the Dr. says.

Best,
Whitney

[MrsGMO]

Mar 6, 2013 15:30:00 GMT -5 whit said:

Cottage cheese, cream soups, pudding

You have my sympathy ... I've heard feeding tubes are a pain.

You listed three foods that are made with dairy. Is it at all possible you may have developed an allergy?

Mar 6, 2013 15:30:00 GMT -5 whit said:

But only before 4pm after that I have to much acid.

Regarding the acid, are you a coffee drinker? I get a very acidic tummy around 4 p.m. and have to take a Pepcid Complete. I drink four cups early in the afternoon and should probably cut that way down (if not out).

Best wishes, Jo

[janet]

I'm pulling for ya. You poor thing. You have traveled such a long road up till now.

I'll light a candle towards your healing. Hopefully you will be able to keep some food down soon.

[Deleted]

Hoping to hear you got more pain meds, kept the tube and stopped needing it forthwith!

Hang in there Whit!

[alaja957]

I had no pain at my feeding tube site perhaps you can find a way of dressing it so it's more comfortable? I used 2 drain sponges right at the site alternating the way they opend then I took 4x4 gauze sponges folded them in half and placed them at the base of where the tube went into my body. Then we used paper tape to tape the whole shebang down. It provided some stability and cushion. I didn't have a binder so I just tucked the tube in my undies.

[Deleted]

Thanks again ladies...

Alaja did "anything" stick to the Sponges I find the crust around the edges tends to stick to the gauze. Sorry to be graphic... Its the scab or crust that hurts. I do place 4 x4 but I do not tape it down. It runs diagonally across my tummy.

I am going to try your way and hopefully that will alleviate the pain.
Best,
Whit

[hilary1617]

Whit,

Just wanted to offer my support and best wishes. I'm sorry that you are experiencing pain. One thought I have also is that it may be better to go on long term disability than to return to work and not be able to fully perform your duties if that would place your position at risk.

Hilary

[Deleted]

Thanks Hilary,
I am not to worried about my job. I have alot of autonomy (ad agency) and I know I can proform my duties.

Good News is Dr K called and told me to cut the stitch holding the tube. I did...instant releif!
I still have one week to rest and relax. I am so ready to work!
Whit

[mark540]

I recently had a drain installed to replace 2 that had pulled out. When they put it on they added a catheter clamp to hold it in place, no discomfort whatsoever as it held the tube securely.



Ask if they have something similar to this for a feeding tube. It hold the damn thing still. most comfortable of all the drains I have had installed.

[Deleted]

Thanks Mark,
This is very interesting. Since I cut the stitch holding it down I have and some relief. I have been taping it down which works for most of the day. Going back to work next week will be the real test.
Best,
Whitney