This past week, after Tasha’s EGD, feeding tube replacement, and pylorus dilation procedure at Cleveland Clinic on 1 November, everything seemed to be going well—that was until last night.
When reintroduced to the feeding tube, Tasha had some digestive issues, but through slow titration of the doses, she got back to complete caloric goals. She could move from clear to thick liquids and handle protein shakes with no issues.
Her energy seems to be slowly returning, and she has had no nausea or vomiting. At the Doctor’s recommendation, we got her a pillow system designed to prevent acid reflux and allow her to sleep in a better position to prevent an upset stomach.
FYI – Sleeping on your left side with a little elevation reduces or stops reflux and promotes better digestion at night.
Sadly, that all came to an abrupt halt last night when she, out of nowhere, had a quick, violent onset of vomiting. This caused Tasha’s feeding tube to dislodge again, and I had to remove it.
The defeat and frustration we both have is palpable. When we thought we’d get across the finish line, we can’t see it again.
So now we have to hope that her stomach allows for more sustained and stepped-up food consumption and consistency to allow for 1600 calories a day. For context, a protein shake has 160 calories, meaning she’d need ten shakes daily to hit that goal. Even throwing in other things makes that impossible.
The next step is to notify the Cleveland Clinic doctors, who will probably recommend a permanent J-tube until the stomach is fully resolved. This means a larger, more invasive surgery, which has been the one thing everyone has wanted to avoid.
I wish I could have positive updates, but that isn’t the reality. Until next time.
Lifesavers for Latasha 
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