PEG Feeding

Well done for getting to week 4, I think you are doing really well to still be able to eat normally. My nausea was horrendous at this stage so I relied on Fortisip drinks via the PEG , although they also made me very sick I was advised by the dietician that the small amount I retained would be vital for the calorie intake, so I think your suggestion of milk and cream via the PEG is an excellent suggestion to keep the calories going. Weight loss seems to inevitable as I have found from all the useful blogs on this site , but eventually it evens out, sounds like you are doing really well at this stage. Good luck with it all. 

Debbie x

Hi and well done. The milk shakes they are giving you can go down the PEG. If they are too thick just dilute them. If swallowing is too painful it is what it is. So  just do what’s comfortable for you. I sometimes wonder whether our dieticians  have much of an idea what it feels like. Of course they don’t or they wouldn’t be so ridiculous. Sheesh!!!!

Keep going xxx we’re rooting for you. 

Thanks Debbie...yes I feel the same myself even fluids through the PEG make me feel nauseous. Thanks for letting me know your experience, every bit of shared information really helps I find. I am going to try and up my calories with the cream and milk and see how it feels sickness wise. Thank you again xxx

You did me laugh Dani, nobody knows the horror of forcing a Fortisip down a PEG unless you’ve done it yourself. Makes me heave even thinking of it! I was unfortunate in that everything made me sick including the dreaded Fortisips, in the PEG out the mouth! It all passes though xx

Thanks Dani I did wonder about thinking them down and putting them through the PEG...they are just so blooming big! It so draining...it feels like the PEG has taken over my life! As always your wise advice is very welcome xxx

Yes I was so sick. I fed at night via pump in the end which was much better for my morale. 

You do what you can. It sometimes feels so overwhelming and the focus of your entire life. I wish someone had told me that in the grand scheme of things it was only a few weeks and it would soon be over. I was so self absorbed I couldn’t come to that conclusion. BUT that’s exactly what it is…. A fleeting moment. 
it’s ok to be self absorbed and feel sorry for yourself. After all, nobody can do it better 

KJK said:

Thanks Dani I did wonder about thinking them down and putting them through the PEG...they are just so blooming big! It so draining...it feels like the PEG has taken over my life! As always your wise advice is very welcome xxx

Good evening KJK, i know what you mean with the food supplements as i used to drink them but now syringe them via my PEG, they are not the most appetizing things to use, i have Ensure compact which is more concentrated and in smaller bottles, maybe Fortisips do there own compact version. The dieticians do not like people putting other things through the PEG but i have syringed thin soups through mine in the past. If you are struggling with swallowing then i would go for PEG feeding as i never see the point of struggling, as Dani said the dieticians have never experienced it. Wishing you all the best.

                                                                               Chris x 

Thanks Dani...always love to hear your thoughts xxx

Thanks Chris...having gone through the pain and discomfort of getting the PEG fitted I definitely feel I am not using it to it's full capacity. I have tried my first concoction tonight a milk, double cream and honey recipe and it seemed to go down ok. So I think this is the way forward for me. I will dilute and be sure to sieve. Thanks for the advice really very appreciated xxx