The NG Tube Dilemma
Four and a half years ago, as a nurse who believed there were only two things in the profession she couldn’t stand – vomit and inserting NG tubes – life took an unexpected turn. Little did I know that my medical background would become a crucial tool in advocating for my own daughter, Kali, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Today, I reflect on that transformative experience and the lessons it brought.
Let’s rewind to a the Friday before Memorial Day, four and a half years ago, where I found myself sitting in the Gastroenterologist’s office, pleading for an NG tube for my daughter. After Months of struggling to feed her. we were done, beyond exhausted. The frustration and fear alone had led me to this point. The road to getting the tube was rocky, with challenges like delayed orders and the passing of our beloved dog, Beau. Fast forward to the Tuesday following memorial day. Beau literally passed away on the floor in my kitchen as I placed Kali into her car seat to head to the hospital. It was a tough moment, I feel I did not allow myself to fully grieve Beau in those moments and still to this day. Yet I was determined to save my child, setting the stage for what would unfold.
Hospital Admittance and Discover
As we entered the hospital, everything moved swiftly. Tests were scheduled to explore potential causes of Kali’s feeding difficulties. An MRI to check for brain damage, an EEG for seizures, blood work for deficiencies, and a basic genetics test – a comprehensive exploration into the unknown. It was a mix of relief and disappointment as all the results came back normal. We are still working with her geneticist to determine a diagnosis. Sadly enough he warned me a few years back that we could possibly never know, as there are so many undiagnosed conditions and to many genes sequences that have not even been discovered yet.
During our hospital stay, we encountered a moment that came full circle for me as a nurse. A nursing student inserted her first NG tube – on my daughter. It was a proud yet humbling moment. I felt joy in watching my young colleague learn the ropes. It was short lived as Kali managed to pull it out and another nurse had to replace it. Despite the hiccup, those two nights in the hospital marked a turning point. Kali, who had been in survival mode for six months, started thriving.
Lessons Learned
From this experience, I gleaned profound insights. As a medical professional, I realized the importance of listening to patients and being attuned to unspoken words. The empathy I felt for my patients deepened, and my role as an advocate for both my family and my patients became even clearer. Navigating the healthcare system revealed its complexities, and I resolved to use this knowledge to assist my patients in receiving the care they need and deserve
As I reflect on that pivotal time in our lives, I am grateful for the lessons learned. The NG tube, once a source of reluctance, became a lifeline for my daughter, propelling her towards growth and vitality. This journey has not only made me a better advocate for my patients but has also highlighted the resilience within the healthcare system. Through it all, we emerged stronger, and I am eager to continue using these experiences to support others in their healthcare journeys.
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