Re: G-tube for Autumn-Judy

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the positive story about the g-tube. Hearing stories like

this really encourage my gut feeling that she needs this. I have

spoken with family members since yesterday and I am actually

surprised that every single one of them thinks it would be best for

her with everything that has happened, no one has said that they

didn't think she needed it. It helps to have support with a decision

like this. If we will do it, I don't want to wait until winter when

she starts getting even more sick so it would be done soon. Ironic,

I know that it would give her a better quality of life so I don't

know why I am so torn about this! I think the answer is right in

front of my face, I just have to accept it. Thanks so much for your

insight.

mom to Autumn, Summer, Ocean, Skye

> >> ,

> >>

> >> We fought the decision for a g-tube for 4 years. At that time,

> > most

> >> of the g-tube fed kids were in much worse condition than Max and

> > the

> >> use of them was not nearly as common. We chose, instead, to use

an

> >> ng tube for his feedings. Oh, the thought of another surgery for

> >> him and then having another scar, and then the whole thing

seeming

> >> so permanent (or at least long term) - just too much for us.

> >> However, would we make the same decision again? NO! We would

have

> >> gone right for the g-tube from the get-go.

> >>

> >> You need to know that the g-tube is not being recommended because

> >> you have done anything wrong or incorrectly. It is being

> >> recommended to supplement the already good job that you are

doing.

> >> Autumn is at a very young age, one where her brain must receive

as

> >> much nutrition as it possibly can so that it grows, develops and

> >> takes in as much as it can of the world around it. Using the

pump

> >> at night will take so much pressure off of you and her. If she

has

> >> a lousy day of eating, you can add a little more to the nighttime

> >> bag. If she eats really well, you can just know that you are

> >> getting that much more into her. You are assuring and insuring

> > that

> >> her body will not become hypoglycemic. AND you may be able to

> > avoid

> >> hospital stays for those times when she is sick, not eating and

> > then

> >> spilling ketones. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but

> >> it's worth a try.

> >>

> >> I do not think that there is one parent who has regretted the

> >> decision to place a g-tube. It IS scary. You don't want your

> > child

> >> to feel pain. But the benefits far outweigh the discomfort for

> > both

> >> of you.

> >>

> >> That's just my opinion. But as a parent of an RSS child who has

> >> done so well because of the g-tube AND as an educator who works

> > with

> >> children with learning disabilities, it is essential that you get

> >> that nutrition into her one way or another. And the g-tube is

the

> >> best and most sure way to do it.

> >>

> >> Jodi Z

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