J-Tube for my dad (Finally!)

LivingFaith
LivingFaith Member Posts: 74
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
I think my dad has finally agreed to a J-tube! After going through all the pain of getting that devil of stent, he can eat but has no appetite what so ever. He agreed that it would take a lot of pressure off of him-mostly from us nagging him to eat!

Now for the questions. What can he expect? Does he have to have a pump infuse it? Is it uncomfortable? What do you reccomend for nutrition? Has anyone had good luck with Jevity?

I know he would not wear it during the day. He is hoping for a quick bolus and be done for the night. I told him I couldn't promise him that but would ask the "experts" for advise.

Thanks,
Deb

Comments

  • Bobs1wife
    Bobs1wife Member Posts: 150
    #2
    J-Tube is A-OK!
    I understand completely about the j-tube resistance. My husband was so upset and mad when the dr made him get one at the same time as the port. Then it mysteriously fell out in the yard one night when taking the puppy out! Guess what, he got another one put in at the time of his surgery. He did end up using it during chemo radiation for a short time, and following surgery for the 4 weeks he wasn't allowed to eat or drink. He was on Nutren 2.0 when the calories were important to help maintain weight. Then after surgery Promote for high protein for healing. Please tell your dad it is no big deal and it provides so much nutrition for stength and hydration. Some are higher hydration content than others. It just depends on the need. He did mostly the nocturnal feed as he didn't want to carry around the pack either. It is a GOOD thing and hopefully he will feel so much better, like my husband did, that he will accept it. But it took a while. He had the pump, which is sitting idle now that he is able to eat again. It is sometimes a hurdle they have to get over, but it is really not a big deal, except to them! Linda
  • nancyann3
    nancyann3 Member Posts: 173 Member
    #3
    Hubby has J-tube.
    They are very nice to have. Can be a caregivers best friend. I know pumps are usually used for j-tube, but we never have. Mine hubby can eat also, so we use the j-tube for extra. We just use a 60cc syringe, draw up ensure or any liquid and feed that way. You want to push it slowly 20cc or less at a time, wait a few minutes and push more. They can also be used for hydration if needed. If your dad cant/wont eat at all you can use tube several times a day for feeding or use a pump. If dad eats, it will be nice to have for extra calories. Anything liquid can go in them. One thing we have learned is if you give to much liquid in one setting it will make him dump. Another thing the tube has done for me as a caregiver, is when it is more irritated around it and seeps more, I know his WBC or platelets are low. For the most part when counts are good the tube is not uncomfortable. We have a sticky thing that sticks to his belly and the tube is coiled up and attatched to this. It can't be seen under his clothes.

    I know everyone is different, but this is how it works for us. Hope your dad does well.

    Take care
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #4
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • LivingFaith
    LivingFaith Member Posts: 74
    #5
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Jim
    Does Jim still have it? Can or does he eat also? I know you made some high calorie pancakes for him too.

    My dad isn't 100% that he is getting it but he is wearing down enough I'm pretty sure he'll do it if we can make it sound like it isn't a big deal and he has to lug around a pole all night.

    Even if he would use it for some a bolus of extra nutrition it would be worth it. He is on this kick where he will eat oatmeal in the morning but most of the day he only drinks whole milk. He drinks at least a half gallon or more. He says it feels good going down and since chemo has wrecked his taste buds, it is the only thing that he likes. He doesn't even like protein powder with it.

    Deb
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    LivingFaith said:

    Jim
    Does Jim still have it? Can or does he eat also? I know you made some high calorie pancakes for him too.

    My dad isn't 100% that he is getting it but he is wearing down enough I'm pretty sure he'll do it if we can make it sound like it isn't a big deal and he has to lug around a pole all night.

    Even if he would use it for some a bolus of extra nutrition it would be worth it. He is on this kick where he will eat oatmeal in the morning but most of the day he only drinks whole milk. He drinks at least a half gallon or more. He says it feels good going down and since chemo has wrecked his taste buds, it is the only thing that he likes. He doesn't even like protein powder with it.

    Deb

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Bobs1wife
    Bobs1wife Member Posts: 150
    #7
    J-Tube
    If your dad's concern is being tied to the feeding tube you can reassure him on that issue also. It is very easy to take a break or have some time off, even in the middle of nocturnal feeding. Simply remove the tube and turn the pump off, and he's free! It even has a pause for quick trips to the bathroom, or whatever. So if he wants a break, it's his decision, and can still be in control of that. I think they sometimes imagine it as kind of a ball and chain. And don't like the idea of being attached to something. Our "food", or nutrition, stayed good for hours-about 12 at room temp. My husband usually had an afternoon "snack", as we called it, along with his afternoon nap! Linda

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