[This is Part 3 of my No Longer Starving series, a belated editorial for Feeding Tube Awareness Week. As I noted before, life got in the way during the actual awareness week so I’m raising awareness on my own schedule.]
Today’s blog is brought to you by the Letter “W.” Yep, we’re going to talk about the Who, What, Where, When, and ever-important Why involved in the use feeding tubes. There are tons of types tubes and even more reasons why an individual might get one. So I’m going to give you and general overview of the primary classes of tubes. I know everyone who has a tube, or “tubie,” has gotten those looks and questions. Truth is: most people don’t see tubes everyday; they may be curious, weirded out, or even afraid of them. When I first got my GJ tube, my nephew – the sweetest, most empathetic kid you’ll meet – was so incredibly gentle with me. I think he thought he was going to break me by giving me a hug. It took him a while to warm up to it and we talked a ton about it, but I’ve got those bear hugs back.
Tubes aren’t something to be scared of. Tubes don’t necessarily equate to loss of freedom and worsening of disease. In fact, feeding tubes prevent the progression of disease! And I have more freedom with my feeds and infusions than I have had in years. There are very few people that I know with tubies who don’t feel the same.
So let’s get rid of all the stigmas attached to tubes and take a journey with some of my incredible friends who just happen to also have tubes…
I want to issue the same warning I did yesterday: there are some pictures in this post of medical interventions; if this makes you uncomfortable, I advise you not to read on! 🙂
Still Miles to Go 