Nicki, Sorry you and Tom have been having such problems. The tube can be a blessing and a pain in the neck all at the same time. I had mine stuck for a 24 hour period when I couldn't eat or take any meds. Finally got it unclogged with warm Pepsi. Tell Tom to hang in there with it, as it got to the point that I didn't want to give it up it was so easy to use to eat and take pills.

I used the Walmart brand of ensure. It worked OK for me and cost 70% less than the brand names. I used to jazz it up with Carnation Instant Breakfast. And when I got constipated, I used the tube for the prune juice and took extra ensure/instant breakfast and majically, I got diarrhea and no more constipation problems. Of course, it took 4 hours to get past the intestinal pains from the diarrhea, but you can't have everything.

To avoid the cuddling problem, I wore a T-shirt to bed. That kept the peg and tube out of the way and didn't interfer too much with the snuggling operation. Also, Carole, my wife, who put up with my grouchy times like a real trooper, said she ignored the tube. I'm not sure I believe her, but I never asked. You must make sure you get enough rest. If you don't, you won't be able to help Tom and you will be doing a disservice to yourself. So get enough rest to be able to keep going. You are both coming into the home stretch, so keep your strength up and you'll get through it OK.

And Nicki, please come here and whine. That's one of the main reasons we are here, to help each other get through the real tough times. And it is going to get worse before it gets better. So come here and whine/cry/whatever any time you want. We've all been there, either as patients or as caregivers. Your job is a lot harder than the patients job, believe me. Just like all mothers, motherhood being the hardest job in the world, you get all of the lousy jobs and no recognition for getting them done. So remember we all have the utmost respect for you and the job you are doing. I don't know how my wife, my caregiver, ever put up with me, but she did, and I'm sure that you will do the same for Tom. Hang in there, my prayers are with you both.