Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Feeding tube - Part 2&3

Monday morning at 7:30 am, I called to make an appointment for Ada but they said they were packed and asked if we can take her Tuesday. We had done this before so I wasn't worried. By 10:00pm, her temporary tube was pushing in ward. I called ER and they advised me to take her back. The doctor did not think it is harmful but might caused some pain and I know Ada was not happy about it. He decided the best way to help her is to deflate the bubble, pull the tube out, inflate and tape the tube to her stomach. About 3 hours later, he came back and took 2 minutes to do that. It was about 1:30 am and Ada cannot have anything to drink or eat. (I informed the nurse & doctor about this, trust me, I was about to get her up and walk out of there before I start yelling at somebody). I did not give her pain medicine and we both did not have much sleep at all. She curled up putting her knees to her chest. I climbed in bed with her, hopelessly.
Tuesday is much better day. All the nurses in the prep room knew Ada from before, so we received a special treat. I asked the technician whether I can get her in every 6 months for tube replacement. She said they have a preventive plan, like a maintenance plan so she make a 6 month schedule for Ada. Duh.... Why can't they just tell me this last year? Do they really expect me to know about this thing?
By the way, Ada has G-J Tube that's why we have to get it done in Radiology Department and she needs to be sedated and restrained. Otherwise, 4-5 people have to hold her down. The girl is so strong and she kicks.
We both took a long nap after we came home. Hope she feel like herself again soon so we can move on with the communication board and device. I need a vacation.

1 comment:

@eloh said...

Sounds like they are out of feeding tubes. There is no valid reason for using a urinary catheter instead of a feeding tube in the situation you described unless they just plain didn't have one.

I have had to (many years ago) use the temporary tube (which is a rubber urinary catheter)... but I've been doing it myself for about 15 years. That way when they start to leak I can get them out and a new one in right away... that stomach fluid is very hard on the skin.

I read your side bar... so nice that she still has friends around... mostly they stop coming around about 18 months after the accident.

I couldn't believe this when it was told to me, but it is what happened. One hung on a little longer, but they were only 20 back then and had to get on with their lives.