Pancreatitis Support Group
Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...
Hey there. Pancreatitis is not my main issue. I have an immune condition, severe lung disease, and some cardiac issues due to genetic defects. I am pancreatic insufficient so get flares of pancreatitis a few times a year from the damage my PI has caused. I have been taking pancreatic enzymes since childhood for my PI and am on chronic supplemental nutrition. Ive had instability with my weight and am now requiring 2200 calories via supplemental nutrition in addition to my normal intake. I use calorie powder to try to get more calories into my food and am on appetite stimulants to try to get more food in. Guess I could say long story short, my nutritionist and GI doc asked me to prepare for placement of a feeding tube. I don't feel open to this, and have a lack of knowledge on tube feeding. I'm having trouble finding a board that has information on this so hoping some people here may have knowledge. Does anybody have a feeding tube, and what are your thoughts? Has anyone been able to avoid a feeding tube through other adjuncts? They are not sure if g or j tube would be best. Just looking for thoughts and experiences to ease my mind a bit. Thanks for reading.
I am currently on a feeding tube g and j both stomach and nose omg it's been such a struggle to manage but I'm doing it. I am gaining about 2 pounds a week. I went from 87 pounds to 110 and still gaining. I have C P and coping. It's a strange feeling at first but I'm getting used to it. I was in the hospital for malnutrition and not absorbing. Close to well u no. Lol I am getting through one day at a time. If you would like to chat I am willing and feel free to ask all the questions need be to manage this new way of eating. Lol.
It, however, has been, quite literaly, a God-send. My foster son has a Nissen (his esophogus is "tied" so that he can't throw-up. It was done when he was very little and was supposed to "reverse" when he got older - but it never did). When he has an attack, all of that bile builds up in his stomach - which causes his body to shut-down. The g-tube stoma allows the hospital to to suction out his stomach and get rid of all that bile. This has reduced the intensity and severity of his attacks.
When he has an attack, he still can get nutrition through the "j" tube- which bypasses the stomach and the pancreas.
I wish you the best of luck as you make this decision.
K