Gastrostomy Tubes and Quality of Life: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Placing a feeding gastrostomy (G) tube in the neurologically impaired can be an emotionally charged decision for the patient, caregiver, and physician alike. Since the first descriptions of percutaneous endoscopic G tube placement in 1980 in children, there has been significant research on techniques, applications, nutritional effects, and morbidity and mortality.

 Riding The Tube

She got plumper by the week after her gastrostomy (g-tube) was fitted and her quality of life improved immensely. How could I hate something that had given her all that?

 Things to Consider When Your Preemie Needs a Feeding Tube

Things to consider when your preemie needs a feeding tube.

What to Know About Feeding Tube Placement

Generally speaking, there are two types of feeding tubes – those that are inserted through the nose and those that are inserted directly into the abdomen. Within those two broad categories are five types of feeding tubes...

10 Things I’ve Learned From Having a Child with a Feeding Tube

Some parents see G-tubes as unavoidable, for others it is a lifesaver, or an opportunity to not stress. I think each parent who has a g-tube fed child has a unique story about their child and how their lives and more importantly, the lives of their children, have changed because of the feeding tube.

Choosing the Right Tube for You

The choice of tube depends in part on whether the tube is needed on a short-term or long-term basis. Short-term tubes include the naso-gastric (NG) and naso-jejunal (NJ) tubes, which go through the nose and end either in the stomach (NG) or small bowel (NJ). Tubes intended for more long-term use include the gastrostomy tube (PEG, G-tube), gastro-jejunostomy tubes (PEG-J or G-J tubes), and jejunostomy tubes (PEJ, J-tube).

Deciding On a G-Tube For Your Preemie

G tubes. They didn’t exist 50 years ago. Think of all the babies they’ve helped go from failure to thrive to thriving. That’s the case for my son. It was a difficult decision to make but I’m glad we did.

Feeding Tubes Pros and Cons

Feeding tube which serves as the last resort of nutrition for babies and elderly, can expose the concerned individual to several risks. The following article provides information about the various pros and cons of using a feeding tube.

How I Keep My Son's G-Tube Site Healthy

The G-tube site is a constant topic online, and I have heard from many families over the years that the skin is usually red or that there is leakage around the tube site.

I Don't Care If You Stare at My Feeding Tube

For many of us who are chronically ill, we come to learn people will always stare. And trust me, they do that a lot. I don't think they mean to do it on purpose; it's just human nature. But it always turns out to be really annoying for those of us who are sick.

I Don’t Care If You Stare at My Feeding Tube

People always tell me they are embarrassed about showing their tube. Personally, I don’t find it to be a big deal, but I know many are scared of being judged by others because they have one.

The Decline of Tube Feeding for Dementia Patients

“It’s getting much less controversial” to decline a tube and rely on hand feeding, said Dr. Susan Mitchell, a geriatrician and senior scientist at the Harvard-affiliated Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research. “This is becoming the prevailing wisdom.”

The Ins & Outs of Gastrostomy Tubes

Decent review. What is a gastrostomy tube. Indication for tubes. Types of tubes. G-tube placement. Post-operative care. Daily care. Complications/Common ...

To Tube or Not to Tube

For many families and physicians providing nutrition, including enteral nutrition, using a PEG tube symbolizes compassion, love, and care. This is because eating represents one of the most basic of human needs. For some, not providing nutrition with a PEG tube is morally and ethically wrong. Withholding PEG tube placement can be perceived as assisted suicide or murder. Some physicians also fear legal, ethical, or religious misconduct should they decide against tube feeding.

What it’s Like to be a Mom to a Tubie

It is hard to see tubes coming out of your child day in and day out. It is a constant reminder they are not like other kids. Some tubie kids are undiagnosed. They have a list of conditions, but docs are still looking for the overarching diagnosis. This is very hard on parents.

When They Cannot Eat

Few questions are more upsetting to families than this one. Providing nourishment is, from the first moments of life, an elemental way for humans to demonstrate love and care. Saying no to a feeding tube can feel tantamount to allowing a loved one to starve.

When Your Baby Won’t Eat

Our daughter started life on a feeding tube. Then we tried to wean her off it — and began to understand the complexity of how children relate to food.