NG vs. gastrostomy

[girlfromwales]

Hi - I would like advice about our 10-month-old son Charlie who has been NG fed for approx. 5 months now after a fluroscopy showed aspiration and numerous feeding problems/failure to thrive - he is now doing well, despite not being orally fed since June. We have recently started him with small amounts of weanings but it is clear it is going to be a very long process. We are currently deciding whether to have a gastrostomy or not and my husband and I disagree on this. I think it is the way forward to remove all obstacles from his throat as well as the fact he has been long-term on the NG tube and progress with oral is so slow - my husband disagrees and thinks the risks of an operation outweigh staying on NG. I would like other people's advice and stories on this as we both want to do right by Charlie, and aren't sure how! Many thanks.

I'm with you on this, TBH. We are having gastrostomy for DS (very) soon. He has been orally fed since birth, but fluroscopy shows a delayed swallow and we have had 2 winters of hellish chest infections/pneumonia. He also has epilepsy which is poorly controlled so we need to get numerous meds into him safely.

Nobody wants to put their child through surgery, especially if they are not sure it's necessary (I'm with your DH there!) but it is a very simple procedure, and is completely reversible.

Don't rush in to anything. If he is tolerating the NG then it isn't urgent. How is his swallow now? Has he had a new fluroscopy or SALT input since startiing with oral feeding? If not, ask for it. It may help you make the decision.

I hate to say the right one, only you can decide that. We are still hoping we have made the right one!
Good Luck x