Tube Talk
Send your tips, questions, and thoughts about tube feeding to: Tube Talk,
c/o The Oley Foundation, 214 Hun Memori
al MC-28, Albany Medical Center, Albany,
NY 12208; or e-mail metzgel@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.
Helpful Products: Backpacks for Kids, Tube Wraps, and Button Covers
Last year Cassandra Lepper’s little boy Justin (then 18 months old) had feeding difficulties that resulted in the need for a G-tube. The situation was overwhelming for her, and she found it difficult to get out and about with the large backpack the medical supply company had provided for her son. She also had problems with leaky connections, which caused large stains on her son’s shirts. There had to be a better way of doing this, she thought.
Cassandra had a meeting with two of her friends, Laura Strait, RN, and me, a fellow “tubie” mom. Laura and I are both seamstresses. Together we came up with products to help meet the needs Cassandra identified. The following products are the result, and available from Cassandra’s newly founded company, Feeding Essentials.
Backpacks, etc.
The Kiwi
is a super slim, lightweight backpack designed for the Zevex Infinity Enteralite
feeding pump. The Wallaby is a streamlined bag for the Kangaroo Joey
feedi
ng pump. Both feature windows that allow easy access to the pump controls,
feeding bag compartments that also accommodate an ice pack, and an extra pocket
for medical supplies. A chest strap keeps the Kiwi and Wallaby securely on the
back. Made of sturdy canvas, they are available in a variety of patterns and
machine washable.
Strap Pals are an accessory to the Kiwi and Wallaby backpacks that cushion the straps and protect the neck without significant bulk. They are made of soft flannel, are available in a variety of styles, and are machine washable.
The Line Tamer is a soft fabric tube that wraps around medical lines, tubes, and/or cords to secure them together. It helps protect ports from dirt, absorbs small leaks, and makes maneuvering easier—all without giving up quick and easy access to ports and connections.
Button Cuddlers are cloth feeding tube pads with a protective, stabilizing, absorbent, and decorative front cover. They absorb moisture and wick it away from the skin and extension connections, and help avoid shirt stains. Extensions are less likely to become unhooked or collect outside dirt, and children love the variety of patterns available. “Button Cuddlers” provide an alternative to medical gauze.
For more information, go to the Feeding Essentials Web site, www.feedingessentials.com, or contact Cassandra Lepper at (616) 558-0528 or feedingessentials@gmail.com.
—Nina Van Harn, feedingessentials@gmail.com
LifelineLetter, Mar/Apr 2011