Mind of my Stroked Brain

When we consume something, if it is cold we can and do gulp it down. If it is nice and warm, we chew it a few times and then swallow. If it is very hot - we sip it slowly or we spit it out if it is too hot to handle. I think it is nature's way of moderating the temperature amongst other things.  Chewing or sipping will bring down the temperature quite a bit in the mouth. When the swallowed food or drink goes down the oesophagus, it further cools down. When it enters the stomach - it is "Goldilocks" right temperature. With a peg tube direct to the stomach - that moderating function is lost. It's about a foot length, but rubber/ synthetic material and a heat insulation material. The nurses are very careful - the feed is tepid ( almost body temperature) and it is not discernable. Once in a while, it is a notch cooler or hotter. It is very distinguishable because the stomach reacts. It handles a drop in temperature alright - but can very much feel the cool fluid settling ...

I got my PEG tube replaced few days back.  Although the one that I finally got is the simple replacement tube, they didn't know till I agreed that I would agree. So, as a precaution, they got me ready for the other type which requires administration of anesthesia and they kept me on a empty stomach. Funnily all the nurses kept referring to it as NBO (nothing by oral). That's funny for someone who is on the PEG only because they can't have anything orally. Anyway, my last feed (reduced already because I had an upset stomach earlier) was at ~ 10:30pm. I am usually fed every 2 hours. The body is used to the regular flow of fuel to keep going. I generally feel hungry by that time in the morning. Even with very diminished feelings, I can sense the hunger. I was not fed before the procedure. They finally did the procedure by ~ 11:30am I think. After the procedure they can't feed for ~4-6 hrs. Post that it is only water (50ml) and very gradual ramp up to about 150ml and only c...