Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Yes, Ive seen patients have their feeding tube removed without being ready to manage their intake. They have all encountered some type of major health problem. By not taking in a diet thats as balanced as possible they will eventually suffer from some type of health problem from malnutrition.
Having a feeding tube is not fun! Its uncomfortable, time consuming, messy, inconvenient among other things but it is also a life saving necessity for many.
Im sure your friend appreciates your help. Maybe they would like to join our group? 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 |