Tube Talk
Thanks to all of you who responded to our advertisement with letters, tips and questions for the "Tube Talk" column. On this page we've published one of the responses. Anyone who is interested in participating can send their tips, questions and thoughts about tube feeding to: Tube Talk, c/o The Oley Foundation, 214 Hun Memorial A-23, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208; or E-mail roslyn_dahl@ccgateway.amc.edu (please send basic text or MS Word attached files only). Information shared in this column represents the experience of that individual and should not imply endorsement by the Oley Foundation. The Foundation strongly encourages readers to discuss any suggestions with their physician and/or wound care nurse before making any changes in their care.
Clamp makes hooking up easier
When connecting a syringe to the tube or connecting the tube to the bag on the
pump, it is necessary to pinch the tube so the contents of the stomach do not
come out. For this purpose, I use a hemostat like those used during an operation
to clamp veins or arteries. It is easy to clamp or release, and leaves both
hands free. [Editors note: Be sure the clamp has plastic or padded teeth, so
they won't rip the tube.]
- Olin L. MacSorley
San Diego, CA