This week we celebrate International Feeding Tube Awareness Week at MND NSW.
We take part in this celebration because for many people living with MND, a feeding tube is an opportunity to live better for longer. The heartbeat logo of this year’s celebration symbolises how feeding tubes save lives.
Some people living with MND will experience changes in the way the muscles in their mouth and throat work. It can become hard to chew and swallow, and sometimes, changes in saliva can be difficult to manage. A feeding tube also knowns as a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) or Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomy (RIG) enables people to consume liquid food and fluids through a small and discrete tube that passes directly into the stomach.
There are many benefits in choosing to have a feeding tube, these include:
- To help maintain weight.
- Improve hydration and nutrition which can reduce tiredness, hunger and constipation.
- As an easy way to take medication when swallowing is difficult.
A feeding tube can be used to suit your needs. Some people continue to eat and drink what they enjoy and take additional supplements or medications through the feeding tube.
This year, Feeding Tube Awareness Week is lighting up landmarks in purple and blue. Check out this list to find a landmark near you.
Further information:
- Informaiton about Feeding Tube Awareness Week 5-11 February 2023.
- Information about MND and Eating, Drinking and Swallowing on MND Connect.
- myTube – videos and informaiton from people living with MND about decision making, fitting, living and caring for a feeding tube.