Feeding Tube Awareness and Education

⚠️ Do not do this at home unless specifically instructed and medically advised by your healthcare team.

My GJ tube had flipped and was causing significant pain under my ribs, severe nausea, and a lot of discomfort. To make matters worse, the balloon had completely failed, leaving roughly 17 inches of tubing coiled in my stomach with nothing properly securing it.

Since my tube exchange is tomorrow, my nurse and I decided it would be more comfortable to temporarily replace it with a G-tube so there would at least be a functioning balloon keeping my tract open until the new GJ tube is placed.

This is the first time I’ve ever had to do this, and I thought it would be interesting to share for educational purposes. I’ve always known GJ tubes were long, but seeing 17+ inches of tubing come out of your own body is a whole different experience.

It was definitely painful and not a pleasant feeling, but I’m grateful to have had my nurse there to help and that I’ll be getting a replacement tomorrow.

It’s you, babe. Not the feeding tube. Not the port. Not the scars. Not the medical tape.

You.

The things keeping you alive were never the thing taking away your beauty. 🩷