This is a simple video I made to demonstrate how a tube feeding is started. I hope it is helpful for both patients and people who work with patients that require enteral nutrition.

I am doing supplemental feedings. This means that I get some of my nutrition orally. I typically take in 1200 calories over night and eat what I can during the day. This is limited to the GP diet and often consists of carbohydrates such as pasta, rice and bread (toast). Absolutely nothing fried, fatty or high in fiber (vegetables and most fruits). I find it works best to keep to the bland diet. Sometimes there are things that I eat and pay for later. I know what they are and know well in advance that eating it will cause issues. It is just worth it at times to eat something I don’t normally get to eat (like chocolate covered strawberries!).

  • 8 Responses

  • pam says...

    i have had a j tube for about 5 months….just got my feeding maching about three weeks ago…beforwe i fedd bolis and it took forever!!…i was wondering if u feel selfconsious when u where the backpack…i feel like everyone knows..i know its stupid but m i ever going to get over it? your site was very interesting …what is the spacific name o fhte much shorter tube u have…mine feels like it is 20 foot long but in reality it is about ten inches..the small one seems soooo much better and easier to conceal under clothing…thank you for any and all answeres u provide.. PAM

  • Kirby says...

    It is called a Mic-Key low profile jejunostomy feeding tube made by Kimberly-Clark. I have written up a page regarding my new button tube found here: Button . I would definitely ask your GI about switching to a low profile feeding tube. It makes a world of difference. I actually don’t mind being out in public with my backpack because I used to use that over a purse before to hold all of my stuff. I just made sure I had the largest sized backpack offered and it works great.

  • Annabelle says...

    Hi – I must absolutely talk about, how impressed I am with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and the content was most effortlessly to access. I recently came across what I wished-for right away anyway. Pretty awesome. Definitely appreciate it should you add user discussion forums as well, it’s also possible to a great way for your clients to communicate. Smart work..

  • Marcela says...

    i have had a j tube for about 5 months….just got my feeding maching about three weeks ago…beforwe i fedd bolis and it took forever!!…i was wondering if u feel selfconsious when u where the backpack…i feel like everyone knows..i know its stupid but m i ever going to get over it? your site was very interesting …what is the spacific name o fhte much shorter tube u have…mine feels like it is 20 foot long but in reality it is about ten inches..the small one seems soooo much better and easier to conceal under clothing…thank you for any and all answeres u provide.. PAM
    +1

  • Kirby says...

    Short tube is called a button or a Low-profile jejunostomy tube I like using a backpack better than a purse so I never felt self conscious about using it for my feeding bag and pump. I managed to get the largest one from my home care company so I could put other things in it and use it solely when I went out, to hold things I needed that were unrelated to feeding. It will take a bit to get used to, some will take longer than others but overall – it just becomes a part of you and when you see positive results, you’ll be glad to have it.

  • Doniell Spencer says...

    Kirby,

    My sister has been battling her gastro paresis and diabetes for months, with no improvement. Today is the first time an ER doctor has mentioned a feeding tube…. I immediately jumped on the web to see what I could find: this site is awesome!
    Extremely helpful information!!!

  • Doniell Spencer says...

    Kirby,

    My sister was recently diagnosed with gastro paresis and is often in the hospital. Today the ER doctor mentioned a feeding tube. I immediately jumped online to see what I could find out. Your site is awesome! The video is extremely helpful!!

    Thank you for sharing!

    Best,
    Doniell S.

  • Kirby says...

    So glad you found it helpful. Let me know if there is anything else you need help with or need to know! Good luck to your sister. I hope she feels better soon!

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