OpenHealth Q&A

Was it typical for my 13-year-old sister to receive an NJ tube without sedation?

Hello, I'm reaching out to share my sister's experience and seek some insight. I’m 24 years old and not very active on Reddit, so feel free to tell me if I need to add more details. My sister is currently 14, but this incident occurred when she was still 13, and it has left her really shaken up. She has been suffering from gastroparesis, and at the time of the incident, her condition had worsened significantly. Due to her inability to retain food and her being underweight, my dad decided to admit her to the hospital, where the medical team determined she required an NJ tube (not to be confused with an NG tube!). After a challenging wait to set up the appointment, her condition was alarming. She had to fast for an entire day, which was particularly difficult since she typically couldn’t eat at all. That day, however, she appeared even more unwell and extremely frightened. To help soothe her anxiety, we brought in the hospital's therapy dog. Medical staff assured her repeatedly that the procedure would be okay and that she wouldn't feel anything, and they assured us she would receive sedation due to both the nature of the procedure and her age. When it was time for the procedure, my dad, sister, and I were escorted downstairs. Although she was visibly anxious, when she noticed the long and intimidating tube on her bed, she completely broke down. After nearly calming her down, the doctor stepped outside and expressed concern over her distress. Confused, my dad and I asked for confirmation about her sedation, only to hear the doctor say, "No, we don’t typically provide sedation for her age. If you'd prefer sedation, we'd need to postpone until next week." This was disheartening news, particularly given the previous assurances from other healthcare professionals. However, given her frail state, we felt we couldn't delay and reluctantly consented. I stayed outside but could hear her cries of, "It hurts! It hurts!" the entire time. Later, my dad informed me that while the doctor performing the NJ tube procedure was kind and patient, the head of that department lacked the same empathy. Allegedly, he even made an inappropriate joke before the procedure, suggesting they could switch to an NG tube if the NJ couldn't be placed (which was not a viable option since she was experiencing frequent vomiting). After the procedure, he approached my sister, visibly distressed and tear-streaked, and remarked, "See? That wasn’t so bad." During this time, my dad had to hold her still as the doctor inserted a thin wire through her nose and down into her intestines, followed by the tube which was then threaded onto the wire. Now, my little sister is undergoing therapy and frequently suffers from nightmares. Although she despises discussing what happened, she reveals that it was a frightening experience that caused significant pain. I'm left wondering whether the hospital handled this situation correctly. While the procedure ultimately saved her life, could there have been a more compassionate way to manage it? I would appreciate any thoughts or similar experiences from those on Reddit.

Answers (1)

3/20/2025, 3:01:05 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about your sister's distressing experience with the NJ tube placement. It's understandable to feel concerned about how the situation was handled and the impact it has had on her emotional well-being.

Key Points:

1. NJ tube placement can be uncomfortable, and sedation is typically preferred for children.
2. It's important for healthcare providers to communicate clearly and compassionately, especially in sensitive situations.
3. Supporting your sister emotionally after such a traumatic experience is crucial.

Explanation: The insertion of a nasojejunal (NJ) tube can be uncomfortable, and while some facilities may opt not to sedate younger patients depending on their age and condition, sedation is often recommended to minimize discomfort and anxiety. In cases involving children, gentle handling, clear communication, and empathy from the medical team are particularly vital.

It sounds like there was a significant disconnect between the reassurances your sister received and the actual procedure. It's also concerning that some medical staff did not demonstrate the required sensitivity, especially given the emotional toll this experience has taken on her.

Next Steps:

1. Emotional Support: Encourage your sister to express her feelings about what happened. Consider engaging with a child psychologist or therapist who specializes in trauma. This can help her process the experience and alleviate nightmares.

2. Follow-Up Discussions: If comfortable, you might want to discuss your sister’s experience with the medical provider or hospital administration. Sharing your family's perspective can lead to better practices and improve care for future patients.

3. Advocate for Better Practices: Consider advocating for clearer protocols in your local healthcare settings regarding sedation for pediatric procedures. Ensure families are aware of what to expect.

4. Monitor Mental Health: Keep an eye on her emotional state. If her anxiety or nightmares persist, it’s important to consult a mental health professional for further assistance.

Your concerns show a lot of care for your sister’s well-being. Supporting her in her healing journey will be very important moving forward. If you need further guidance or resources, feel free to ask.