Damned J-tube

Jun 19, 2009

Post Date: 6/19/09 7:05 pm
The only issue I have had is the feeding tube (J-tube) that Dr. Greenbaum places as a safety measure in case fluids/eating become a problem or if you have a leak, etc.

I am allergic to latex.  Found that out in nursing school 17 years ago.... and told him at the beginning this was the case.  He told me flat out that if I was "that allergic" he could not do the surgery.  My desire for my DS outweighed my few brain cells that had been working, and bottom line was that the J-tube was one of those red-rubber tubes.

From the time I was "awake" on Monday, I knew this tube was problematic.  It burned everytime it moved and inside it just didn't feel "right" (I have a JP tube for drainage on the right and have had previous surgeries so I had a clue).  I complained up until my discharge last night but was only really given lip service and neosporin to put on the skin topically.

When I woke up this morning I had severe pain from my hipbone all the way to my left shoulder and  couldn't breathe well (couldn't take a deep breath) without pain, or move for that matter.  The pain started from where the tube entered my intestine (I could feel where the liquid would enter when I flushed it) and radiated out from there.  I called Dr. G and he said we had 3 options.  1) leave it 2) come to the office and he would remove it or 3) I could cut the suture myself and pull the tube.

I chose to pull the tube myself and all I can say is that as soon as it was out of my body I felt 1000% better.... I still have some lingering pain and I think that I am still having an allergic reaction internally.

I'm a bit peeved that it had to come to this before he would let me pull it (or that he refused to do it yesterday), altho I do understand WHY he has it in in the first place.

Other than that, no problem with liquids or protein and all is good from here!!!

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