Feeding Tubes From; Huntington's Disease Links    In Huntington's Disease, as well as other neurological diseases, the affected person often loses their ability to swallowing.  The decision to have a feeding tube is a very difficult and personal one.  Hopefully the resources on this site will be of use to those facing this decision.    You may also want to review the resources on Swallowing Difficulties in HD which covers the description of problems in swallowing, therapies and products, questions to ask/FAQS, articles written specifically for HD, Safety & Warning Signs, brochures, special diets, the 5 levels of food consistency, testing procedures used to determine swallowing capacity, and more. Many items are available in Word for printing or sharing. Additional information and tips will be added as time permits.

What Is A Feeding Tube? When the patient's dietary needs cannot be met by a regular well balanced diet, it may be recommended the patient  be placed on alternative means of nutritional support.   When To Consider A Feeding Tube Choking episodes, food spillage, the need for special meal preparation, prolonged meal times and respiratory or chewing fatigue all contribute to an aversion to eating.   Feeding Tube Decision in HD by Betsy Gettig, MS, CGC and Toni Finney, BS If all attempts fail to improve swallowing, alternative methods of feeding such as tube feeding will be discussed with families.   Tube Feeding in HD - Anna Gaba Nutrition and Huntington's Disease.  If you are taking care of someone who is on tube feeding, you will need specific directions from your healthcare providers (dietitian, doctor, and/or nurse).     Tube Feeding-Advanced Stages of HD Many people with HD and their families struggle with the decision of whether or not to use a feeding tube. It is never an easy decision, and it is best made well in advance of a crisis. Here are some considerations about feeding tubes. A feeding tube may be called for if [see article]:   Feeding Tube-2004 Physician's Paper Paper to educate physician's on feeding tubes in the elderly or compromised patient. The authors review the indications, clinical aspects, and possible complications of tube feeding. Long-term outcome and ethical aspects also are discussed.

Feeding Tubes - Jean Miller Several articles written discussing my experience in caring for my daughter, Kelly, who has Juvenile HD and was on a feeding tube for 3 years.  Also includes the checklist for first time users of a feeding tube.  All articles available in Word 97.   Tubes & Baby Foods One caregivers stories on the success of giving baby foods through a feeding tube to her loved one.   Oral and Dental Care Oral hygiene is important when feeding by G-tube because the gums still need to be exercised in order to maintain their health. Here's some Q&A's I found on the internet.     Who is Going To Pay for the Enteral Therapy? For patients who do not have insurance coverage, formula may be available through local meal delivery programs, cancer societies, mail order, discount pharmacies and buying clubs (see Table 1 for product home delivery programs).   Post-PEG or PEG/J Guidelines for Patients Care of the tube, Bathing, Medications, Tube Placement, Clogged tube and Possible problems. 1 page handout.   Feeding Tube Resources A ton of resources including important charts to have on hand, complete documents with instructions for care, etc.  Many are available for printing out to have on hand!