Tube feeding is often, certainly in my case, the result of multiple medical issues and comorbidities. Of which many by nature are ‘invisible illnesses’, that is illnesses that are not noticed by joe blogs walking down the street. Sometimes a feeding tube may be the only ‘visible, ‘tangible’ or ‘noticeable’ component of someone’s rather complex and challenging medical journey.

Visually for the general population a Feeding tube can draw a lot of attention, focus or interest and can garner a lot of comments such a ‘I don’t know how you do it’ or ‘that must be awfull’ or ‘I couldn’t do it’. For me tube feeding is such a tiny part of my story and is, now that it’s established, such a relief. I LOVE my feeding tube!!! So it can be challenging responding to those comments because what another person views as severe hardship can actually be one of the easier things I deal with, and I NEVER want to deter someone from deepening their understanding. So my response can come across flippant or self diminishing however it truly is a minute part of my day/routine, though the journey to getting one most definitely was not!!! It can also be challenging to face the thoughts of ‘oh yeah I’m not normal’ that those comments can sometimes trigger. Though I would MUCH rather have the discussion with someone and help them come to a place where they are more comfortable then feel someone’s nervousness or uncomfortableness. As a conversation no matter how awkward, is but a moment in time and once done the relationship overcomes however if the conversation does not take place that awkwardness can linger.

So please, I think this goes for any ‘condition’, ask your questions, deepen your knowledge and understanding of people and the many things they face. That is community, that is living, and that is connectedness!!!

#tubefeedingawareness