Diabetes

Hosted April 2018.

The First Day Home With A Feeding Tube In the first episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series, this “How-To” video will show how I am able to use my feeding tube in different situations. I cover two different types of “feeds,” bolus feeds and nocturnal pump feeds. Bolus feeds are quick and easy and can get me as much as 750 calories in just a few minutes. My nocturnal feeds typically run for about 7 hours and give me anywhere from 1500-2500 calories depending on how much formula I use. I also discuss how the feeding tube system is undergoing a change to the ENfit connector system. The current ENfit transitional set has been introduced and has created many questions for tube feeders. In 2016, feeding tubes and their accompanying pieces will complete the total transition to the ENfit connector system, which is designed to improve patient safety. Hopefully this video can help answer some of those questions. This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Science.

“Normalcy with a Feeding Tube” In the third episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series, you will see how I have been able to maintain my physically active lifestyle. Prior to getting my feeding tube placed, I had a fear that my life would change drastically. It did, but for the better. My health drastically improved, plus I saw my energy and activity level sky rocket. I was in the gym and on the ice only 6 weeks after surgery. While the feeding tube does require a little extra work outside of the realm of normal cystic fibrosis responsibilities, I am more than willing to give a little hard work for such incredible gains. This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Science.

“What Can I expect From My New Feeding Tube?” The second episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series will show you how I have had to make a few lifestyle changes after I had my feeding tube placed. I agree, it can seem like a lot of work and even a little scary at first, but I can honestly tell you that living a full, healthy life with both CF and feeding tube can be done. Here, you will see what I have done to overcome any challenges that a feeding tube may present. This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Services.

“Comfort With Your Feeding Tube” The fourth episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series discusses some of the social questions that tube feeders, or potential tube feeders, may have when it comes to a new feeding tube. Obviously, it’s a pretty noticeable device. I think the social hurdle was really the biggest one that I had to overcome. With that being said, once I realized the benefits of the feeding tube, especially in my life, it was an easy hurdle to get passed. Here, the message is that I really want you to own it. What is it? The feeding tube. If the feeding helping make your life easier, then don’t worry about what it looks like. You never know where it will lead you. This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Science.

Success with the Feeding Tube This is the final episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series. Here, you will see how the feeding tube has helped me immensely over the past 4 years. I have gained about 30 pounds, and to be honest with you, it has opened some doors that I hadn’t thought twice about prior to the feeding tube’s placement. The energy that the extra nutrition gives me is nothing short of remarkable. Between the feeding tube and normal eating, I try to take in about 5000 calories in a day – unlike Michael Phelps, I don’t have the appetite of a racehorse. I truly think my feeding tube has exceeded my expectations. This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Science.