Everything That You've Always Wanted to Know About Tubes (But Were Afriad to Ask)

This information comes courtesy of a series of letters from Jenn. Have questions? Ask her! Please take note that her e-mail address has changed.

I'm so glad you're interested in learning more about the tube! I've been using the tube for about two years now, even though my weight is really fine. Primarily, the tube helps keep my weight constant, I don't know if I'd loose weight without it. But, I've always been able to eat solid food, although it is often difficult. The tube was just in addition to my nutrient intake. In other words, it serves as a nutritional supplement, not as a replacement for solid food. Although, if you are unable to eat solid food, I highly recommend the tube. I only use the tube at night, while I'm sleeping. It runs over an eight hour period, dripping very slowly so it doesn't make me feel sick or anything. Every night, I ingest five cans of Ensure through the tube. It's really amazing.
I also had a lot of trouble drinking nutrient supplements, so I'm really benefiting from not having to taste it. There is a certain technique to inserting the tube. The nurse who showed me how to do it really had no clue. If you're interested, I'll try to explain it. But, the way I do it really doesn't hurt at all.

Also, I never absolutely had to do the tube. I was given the choice to tube or drink those disgusting drinks. At first, I was like, "are you crazy, there is no way I'm sticking anything in a place where a tube doesn't normally go." So, I drank the drinks, five a day, for years. But, I couldn't eat normally because they made me so full, and that's where the beauty of the tube comes in. You do it over night and you only feel full for about ten minutes in the morining when you wake up. And it's not an uncomfortable, nauseaus feeling. It's like how you feel after eating a thanksgiving dinner, ya know? At first, inserting the tube did feel uncomfortable, although it never hurt. There is a difference. I think it was uncomfortable because my dad was inserting the tube in my nose at first. You should really be the one to do it, because you know what feels comfortable. We finally figured that out, and now I can do the whole procedure in about five to ten minutes. It sure beats worrying about when I'm going to find time and an empty stomach to drink the Ensure. Don't be weirded out. If you need to gain weight, I highly recommend the tube.

Common Questions: