Tube Talk
Thank you to everyone who sent material for the "Tube Talk" column. 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-28, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208; or E-mail DahlR@mail.amc.edu. 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.
One Piece Clothing for Older Children and Adults
I’m the mother of an-almost 4-year-old who has a g-tube. I have always dressed her in one-piece clothing, especially at night when she is on continuous feeds, as this makes the process easier and creates less worry for us about her pulling on the tube, etc. Shannon is a triplet, and I was afraid of her tube coming open/out/etc. as she and her siblings got more active (and curious). I like the snap-front access for her continuous night feeds because I can thread the tubing out at the best spot to minimize tubing disconnections and entanglements. Snap-front pj’s also allow easy access if I need to check the site or connection while Shannon is sleeping; I can usually do this without waking her. In addition, I’m sure it depends on the individual child, but the shorts or pj bottoms that I’ve tried on occasion haven’t "hit" Shannon in a good spot as far as the g-tube, either; they always seemed to rub against the tube and I know that’s not good or comfortable for her.
Because Shannon is now a size 4T, it is getting harder and harder to find one-piece clothing, especially pajamas. I found a website (www.ableapparel.com) that carries short-sleeved, v-neck, cotton-knit "onesies" that snap all the way up the front and at the crotch. They carry children’s size 4-6, all the way up to adult small. I purchased the smallest ones for my daughter at $10 a piece. I ordered by calling the toll-free number given on the website (888/688-ABLE), but I believe you can actually order on-line as well. The item is called an EZ-tee. (Just so everyone knows, it says the item is "not intended for use as sleepwear" but I think they have to say that, since by law, clothing labeled as children’s sleep wear must be made of fire retardant material — which cotton is not.) I hope this information is helpful!
— Susan McLane