Today my feeding tube was removed. Removed sounds painless, but that does not describe what happened.
I’m not sure if I explained how the feeding tube was placed in my stomach. So let me explain. First, they put me under anesthesia. Then they put a scope down my throat to my stomach. After finding a suitable location, they punched a hole through my stomach and through my skin a few inches above my belly button. Then a “string” was used to pull the feeding tube down my throat to my stomach and out through the hole in my skin.
At the end of the feeding tube in my stomach is a small, mushroom-shaped inflated “balloon” that kept the tube inside my stomach. For nearly two months, that “balloon” did it’s job of keeping one end of the feeding tube inside my stomach.
So how do you remove this type of feeding tube? Actually, it’s pretty straight forward – you just pull it out!
Yep, that’s what they did. A little numbing fluid on the skin, and then pull it out!
The mushroom-shaped “balloon” collapses under the pressure of being extracted.
The doctor warned me that it would hurt for a few seconds. She was partially correct – it did hurt. But it hurt for more that a few seconds. Since the doctor required two “yanks” before the tube escaped my stomach, I’m sure that explains why the pain lasted several minutes.
So what did they do to the hole in my stomach? Nothing. What about the hole in my skin? Taped some gauze over the hole – no stitches required!
In a few days, the hole will heal and there will only be a small scar to remind me of my feeding tube experience.
The feeding tube was very important to my recovery process and I’m grateful, but I’m glad that it’s gone!
O.M.G!
I can’t believe that! So what happens when you eat now? Does it irritate your wound? That is just unbelievable! Heck, you could have yanked that out and put a bandaid on it yourself like a month ago!
Anyway, I am so glad you don’t need it anymore! When is the party?
Love you!
Tiff and Joe
Hi Tiffany and Joe,
I’m eating normally. Blood has clotted closed the hole in my stomach/skin so eating is not a problem. The hole oozed a little the first couple of days but is “ooze-free” now.
We will have a party soon – for Mary’s birthday and my feeding tube removal;)
Love ya,
Dick
Dick, it is so great that the tube is gone! I am so happy to hear it…
You are always on our minds!
Hope to see you soon.
Courts
Hi Courts, Sorry for the very delayed reply 🙁 I’m doing great now. I hope all is going well with you. Happy New Year!
Dick
Hey Dick….Just read your last post and so thankful to hear they removed the tube!!!! I was thinking about you tonight….staying up late cleaning and getting ready for Chris’ folks to come in tomorrow. I said a prayer of thanksgiving for you and your continued healing!!! Give Mary my love.
Also, Drew’s last ballgame is Friday at 3:30 @ BA. If it’s pretty and you are feeling good, come on out and join us.
Blessings,
KarolAnn
Hi Dick: I didn’t know you were going through all this. Will be following your progress and I wish you a full recovery.
Blessings,
Lana (Powers) Giessinger
Hi Lana,
Thank you very much! My apologies for not replying much sooner. I’m doing great now. Only a few minor side effects – and those are getting better.
I hope you had a nice Christmas! Best wishes to you and your family for a great 2011.
Dick