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| *Women health>>>Diabetes |
Has anyone had a permanent feeding tube inserted to treat chronic pancreatitis and diabetes? |
My father has lost down to 106 lbs and been told by the doctor there is no way he can absorb enough food even with taking enzymes. They're looking at options for feeding tubes so when he gets out of the hospital he can maintain somewhat of a normal life without continuing to lose weight. I'm looking for anyone who has experienced something similar. Thank you. Being your dad has lost so much weight, a permanent feeding tube is an option. The reason is because there is a tube feeding formulation that is elemental which means that the nutrition is already broken down into a form that he can readily absorb. In other words, basic amino acids, sugars, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that do not require pancreatic enzymes are introduced into his gut and is absorbed immediately. What I don't know is if there is a diabetic formulation. Even if there isn't one, the diabetes can be controlled with insulin. The stuff taste nasty and not palatable so drinking it is not possible. Whenever I recommend a feed tube, I always ask the question to the patient and family, is he going to have any semblance or quality of life. If we are simply inserting a feed tube so that he can reside in a bed with little or no quality of life, then why are we doing it? Additional questions that I have are what are the expectations and goals for him and how will this feeding tube help accomplish this. Is our hope that he gets stronger and be able to get back to some sembalance of life? Is it a realistic goal given his current physical state and medical problems? Unfortunately, I suspect there are more medical things going on then simply chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. He probably has chronic pain. How is his liver and kidneys? Does you father concur with this treatment plan? If our goals and hopes are realistic and if your father concurs, then a feeding tube is appropiate. I realize that feeding a loved one is a way to show love. I remember hand feeding by son when he was 1.5 years old apple sauce and the mess we made. Many holidays and celebrations revolve around food and feasting. In some situations, not inserting a feeding tube and not feeding him is also an option. And it does not mean you love him any less. Sometimes, the greatest show of love is being able to let go. It is much harder to not use a feeding tube once it has been inserted then not putting one in the first place. I may be wrong about you dad's prognosis and probably not the best thing to talk about on Father's day but I want to be very clear on the ramifications of a feeding tube. Typically, feeding tubes are not permanent depending on the type they are putting in. The tube either goes into there stomach or small intestines and these tubes are fairly easy to pull out. The tube itself can last a long time in a patient and if need be replaced. The tube (the part that is sticking out of the abdominal wall) typically is about 1 foot long, is capped when not in use and is fairly easy to hide in clothing. In term of feeding schedules, he does not need to be continuously hooked up to the tube feed. The connecting parts are fairly easy to manipulate. The main thing is that he gets adequate number of calories. And secondarily, if we give a large amount of feeding is he able to absorb a majority of it. The feeding schedule can be #1 continuous like over a 12-16 hr period. Say like when he is sleep. The benefit is a slower rate of feeding like 50-60cc/hr and easier absorption of the formula. #2 bolus feeding: say every 6 hrs you push in a larger quantity of feeding. The only problem with the latter is that he may not be able to completely absorb a large bolus. #3 A combination of #1 and #2. The key here is that he gets enough calories. You can easily tell if he is not absorbing the formula completely ie giving him too much too fast by how much diarrhea he has. yes i have seen many cases being a doctor. u will have to take care of him. dont worry brother he will be fine.tell him NO ALCOHOL PLEASE. |
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