Raphael wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2024 3:43 pm
Yes, it is. Thank you! (Nose-to-stomach? Intriguing. I can see the function of a nose-to-lungs tube, but what is the medical purpose of a nose-to-stomach tube?)
I had a bowel obstruction: my intestine was blocked about where my small intestine joined my large intestine, causing pressure as everything backed up above that point. The purpose of the nasogastric tube was to pump out the contents of my stomach and small intestine to relieve the pressure, until the obstruction was able to come loose and pass on its own; fortunately, it did so, and we were able to avoid surgery. (Bowel obstruction: very painful, do not recommend.)
During the four or five days that I had the tube in, I was not able to eat or drink, so I received all of my fluids and nutrients via IV. After it came out, I had an all-liquid meal and a couple of very soft meals, and I was then able to start eating normally again.
One rather unusual side effect: for a period of time, after the tube was removed, I had a strange smell in my nose all of the time; as far as I could tell, the tube had opened up my sinuses to such an extent that I was smelling the back of my own throat. (Once again, do not recommend.) Fortunately, the effect passed after a couple of days.
(On top of the actual medical issue, we were visiting New York City for the day, with plans to drive home that night, when I was rushed to the hospital. My wife had to find a place to stay within walking distance of the hospital, extend parking for our car, and get additional clothes for me and for herself; fortunately, the people that she encountered were understanding and helpful. It all turned out OK; we expected that I would have to spend a week in the hospital, but I was discharged a couple of days early, so we were able to do an unexpected bit of sightseeing before we returned home.)