Questions to Ask About Getting a Feeding Tube
Medically Reviewed by Janel Ganz, BSN, RN, Enteral Feeding Specialist
Your healthcare team has suggested you start tube feeding to help your body get the nutrients it needs. Now what?
That is a broad question, so we are offering a list of more specific questions you can ask your healthcare team about how tube feeding may impact your health and lifestyle. No list can include all possible questions because the information needed is different from person to person. Still, if you do not know anything about tube feeding, this list is a good place to start. Print it out when you talk with doctors, surgeons, dietitians, nurses, and even speech language pathologists or social workers. Keep a tab open to this article on your phone or tablet. Add any other questions you think of to the list as you go and please share them with us on our Tubefed Facebook Group.
Prep Pointers
Before you ask these questions, keep the following in mind:
- Keep asking until you get an answer. While you may be referred to another member of the team for specific answers, you can also ask, “Who would know the answer to this question?” Being persistent is part of advocating for yourself and your healthcare.
- If you do not feel comfortable, bring someone to support you. This could be a friend, a family member, or even another member of the healthcare team.
- If you do not understand something, it is all right to ask for more information.
- You can find a list of frequently asked questions about tube feeding here.
Deciding if Tube Feeding is Right for You
You are the person who makes decisions about your own healthcare, and you have the right to get information before you decide. Here are some questions that may help:
- How long will I need a feeding tube? Will I need one for the rest of my life?
- Based on my current health and diagnoses, will having a feeding tube make me live longer? Will it help me live better?
- Will I always need to see a specialist? Will I need frequent appointments?
- How have other patients felt about getting a feeding tube? Do they feel differently now?
- What are my other choices if I do not want the feeding tube or if my body does not handle it well?
- Will a feeding tube cost me a lot of money?
- What types of feeding tubes are there? What type do you recommend for me and why?
Feeding Tube Placement
You can find information about tube placement procedures here.
- Will my health get worse if I do not have the tube placed now? Can I wait?
- Will I need surgery to place the tube? If so, what does the recovery look like?
- What are the risks of the surgery? Both during and after?
- How much will it hurt? What can I do to help with the pain?
- Are there risks to getting a feeding tube, either now or in the future?
- What kind of support do I need after the tube is placed and how long will I need it?
Eating, Drinking, and Taking Medicine with a Feeding Tube
- What kind of food or formula can I use with a feeding tube?
- What if the formula makes me sick, makes my symptoms worse, or causes new problems?
- Will I get enough nutrients and fluids if I eat only by a feeding tube and cannot eat or drink by mouth?
- How soon after the tube is placed can I start taking food through the tube?
- How will I take my medicine?
- What do I do if my mouth and throat feel dry?
Daily Life with a Feeding Tube
- Will people be able to tell that I have a feeding tube? Should I tell them? What should I tell them?
- How will the tube change my schedule and the way I live day-to-day?
- Will I be able to take care of the tube and feedings by myself or will I always need help?
- Can I shower with a feeding tube? Take baths? Go swimming? If so, when can I start doing these?
- Can I exercise with a feeding tube? Can I do the kind of exercise I’m used to?
- Can I play sports with a feeding tube?
- Do I still need to brush and floss my teeth if I am not using my mouth to eat or drink?
Managing a Feeding Tube
- What should I do if the tube gets pulled out of place or comes out all the way?
- How can I tell if something is wrong with the tube?
- What if the tube gets clogged or has something stuck in it?
- How often does it need to be replaced? Who replaces it? Will I need surgery again? Can I replace it at home by myself or with help?
- What do I do if I am concerned about the skin around the tube?
Again, this is not a complete list of questions. Just remember that your healthcare team is there to answer your questions or point you to the person or resource who can answer your questions. If another question comes up before or after feeding tube placement, contact your healthcare team.
Your healthcare team recommended tube feeding because they believe it is the best decision for your health. They have your best interests in mind, but that does not mean you have no choice or voice in your own care. To talk to other people who are tube feeding, check out these websites:
