I wanted to take some time to share my personal experience of having a feeding tube fitted, as I know that for many people considering this procedure, the unknown can be incredibly daunting – and I hope that talking through my journey might help others who may be feeling the same way I did not so long ago.
In the weeks leading up to the surgery, I was overwhelmed with anxiety. It felt like every thought I had was centered on what the procedure would involve, and I found myself experiencing significant physical symptoms of stress too – I was constantly sweating, my hands would shake even when I was trying to stay calm, and there were moments when I struggled to focus on anything else. In fact, I reached out and posted about my concerns here on this platform just a few weeks prior, as I really needed to connect with others who might have been through similar experiences or could offer some reassurance.
Thankfully, the actual procedure itself turned out to be far more straightforward than I had ever imagined, and it was completed relatively quickly. I had been worried about pain, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was nearly pain-free throughout; while there were a couple of moments where I felt a slight sense of discomfort as the tube was being positioned, I could barely feel much at all. The medical team was incredibly attentive, checking in with me regularly to make sure I was okay and explaining each step of what they were doing, which helped to keep me feeling calm and in control.
Following the surgery, I did experience some mild tummy pain, but this was easily managed with regular doses of paracetamol, and it began to ease off within a matter of hours. The staff on the ward were fantastic at monitoring my recovery and making sure I had everything I needed to stay comfortable.
The day after my surgery, I met with a dietitian who guided me through all the training I would need for using and caring for the tube. I had been concerned that this part might be complicated or difficult to get to grips with, but once again, everything was explained clearly and proved to be very straightforward. They walked me through how to administer feeds, how to keep the insertion site clean and healthy, and what to do if I noticed any issues or had questions further down the line. They also provided me with detailed information sheets to take home, which have been an invaluable resource as I continue to adjust to life with the tube.
