Tube Talk
Thanks 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.
How Do You Handle Leaks and Odors?
Unfortunate as they may be, leaky tubes, leaky ostomies and incontinence ‘accidents,’ are a common occurrence for people with chronic gastrointestinal disorders and those on tube feedings. Even without an actual leak, many consumers find they emit strong odors at times which can be uncomfortable for the consumer and the people around them. How do you get over these incidents graciously, minimizing your embarrassment, and hopefully avoiding a ‘scene?’ Please send your comments to the Lifeline editor, Roslyn Dahl (contact information is in the box on page 2).
— Kathleen McInnes
Chicago, Illinois
Two Ideas for Ostomy Odor Control
I read the letter from Kathleen McInnes regarding odor control in the September/October LifelineLetter. When I had an ostomy, chlorophyll tablets placed directly into the ostomy bag worked fairly well. There are chlorophyll tablets that can be taken orally to reduce effluent odor also. I purchased these at GNC Nutrition Centers. (Editor’s note: you can take some chlorophyll tablets orally, but you must read the directions to make sure they are an oral preparation. Also, be forewarned, the tablets may turn your tongue green.)
Alan Segal
3799 S. Clayton Rd.,
Farmersville, OH 45325
(937) 696-9305.
E-Mail: asegal@hotmail.com
There is a liquid deodorant which can be added to the ostomy bag called "M9" which is made by Hollister. Our ET nurses recommend it as an effective option for odor control.
Laura Matarese, MS, RD, CNSD
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cleveland, OH