My DD went through all those swallow tests, OT, PT, etc for years. I was at my wits end most days, as at least 4-5 hours a day were spent feeding her...too much and she would vomit, and not enough, as she had severe weight loss. She has Cerebral Palsy, is wheelchair bound, cannot talk (some communication is possible), cannot feed herself, and is incontinent. Basically like caring for an infant, who can act like a teen at times, lol.
She had lost over a third of her body weight, and had been hospitalized a few times... more swallow studies etc. I was shocked at how rude some of the staff could be... just short of accusing us of starving her. Her doctors mentioned a feeding tube, but for some reason it was not approved until the following year.
During that last year, her meals were blended. I shopped like a maniac for healthy foods that were not low or no fat (specifically yogurt and such to aid digestion) to supplement her meals (same as what we ate... and we couldn't lose weight , lol). Had numerous meetings with nutritionists. I didn't know about probiotics until I joined YT, DUH!
Anyway, long story short... her feeding tube is a blessing, or maybe just the prescription Jevity, IDK. Failure to Thrive...Lol. In one month, she put on 30 pounds! She's had the tube in now almost 3 years. I don't have to worry about her nutrition, spend countless hours shopping to find good things for her to try to eat... feeding her, blah, blah, blah. She's gone from looking like a victim of the Holocaust to borderline obese (JK) but close.
I felt I had to share with you... a feeding tube is not always the beginning of 'the end', as many people seem to see it. For her (and us) it is a new lease on life! Everyone's quality of life has greatly improved bc of it. Just not having the constant worry has been such a relief!
I did feel like a failure for a bit, not being able to feed my DD and have her thrive. But after seeing her improve so rapidly with the feeding tube, I know we pushed for the right decision for her. We tried everything, spent way too much time and energy to see her failing anyway.
I would recommend you do it, do not wait until it is needed. You can still work with teaching your son to eat... he may even improve as he's probably got symptoms of anorexia from not eating enough (not judging here at all... just happens when food is not consumed).
And I forgot to mention, another item recommended for my DD for weight gain is Carnation Instant breakfast (Who knew?)
Also forgive me if I said anything wrong... I do not know your total situation... praying and hoping for the best for both of you! |