 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Im surprised your doctor is suggesting you skip some days. You may be a bit sore for a couple days after having the tube installed. Im sure your doc has their reasons for skipping days, you will probably have the days tacked onto the end.
It will take some practice to get the hang of using the tube. Please ask if you have questions and we can help give you some pointers. Even with the tube, make sure you continue to swallow water every single day. Just by taking small sips thru out the day will help your body not to forget how to swallow. Its far harder to relearn this function than you would think.
Nutrition and hydration are the key to getting thru this easier. Every single day you need to take in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. When you get the tube, ask for a pump too. That way you can let it run while you sleep and make it so much easier to take in enough. It really does make a big difference.
Good luck with your surgery!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
