PINNT is an independent charity set up by patients for patients requiring Home Artificial Nutrition. They provide support and understanding to patients and their families and work with medical professionals who are looking for information on Artificial Nutrition and help companies offer better services and equipment.
As it is Home Artificial Nutrition Awareness week, I thought it was a good time to write this post. Every year in August patients are encouraged to share their stories about what it is like living with HAN and various events are organised by PINNT to raise awareness throughout the week.
My Story
On the 28th March 2017 I had an NJ tube placed to see how I would cope having a tube as I had never had one before. I was sedated for the procedure as it was more complex than having an NG tube which is placed into the stomach, an NJ is put down the nose and into the entrance to the small bowel called the Jejunum it bypasses the stomach. I had this tube in for 1 week and it wasn't very pleasant as I could feel it in my throat every time I swallowed, it felt uncomfortable and at times caused me to have choking fits, the tube was taped to my face as putting it behind the ear didn't always work. I was unfortunate that I managed to dislodge the tube with a coughing fit and it came completely out meaning I had to have another one put in. At least I knew what to expect this time! Thankfully this one stayed in and they decided that I would be ok to have a PEG-J which I had on the 24th April being a more permanent option. The other is a temporary option
