Hi, Have had Ng tube now for almost a year,
so hopefully my experiences can benefit you : )
1 - Tube Placement
-- how the tube is fastened in place can make a big difference to how comfortable it is. Try experimenting with
-- dif types of tape (the fabric can make a big difference),
-- where you stick the tape (making it secure, lessening movement and rubbing)
The norm kit comes with a plaster, but this becomes gooey and irritating to the skin, along with not holding the tube in place.
My option-- Hyperfix, extremely breathable, good stick without being gloopy, lasts for around 4-5days before you replace it.
Cut a rectangle, chop a line up the length to mid height. put the solid part on nose, and wrap under the chopped section sticking on the above hyperfix.
I have something from the hospital a bit akin to masking tape that i place a small but securing section on my cheek. Tucking the tube behind my ear
--Keep track on the type of feeding tube and syringes that work with your one. I always try to get one spare to keep to take with me next time it needs replacing.
2-Dose and moving around.
--Backpack - if they didnt give you one, give them a ring. I have found it incredibly useful and important thing to have when going outside the home and even just carrying it around during the day. It is specially made for carrying the feed around and when put down a section can be pulled out to make it into a stand : )
--Dose - A dose at a rate good for you.
--Alarm - the volume on the alarm can be turned up if you are worried about not hearing it. It is also important to notice if it says In, or Out as the issue. In is between the bottle and the device, out is the bit from the device to you.
--Spills - If it spills on surfaces it turns hard like candy after a time, so cleaning promptly is always good!
3- Daytime vs Nighttime -
Daytime - Good - If problems arise your already awake, Lasts months longer the Ng tube, Very few blockages. Bad - You are gonna be doing a bit more carrying!
Nighttime -Good - less carrying. Bad - tube can be accidentally disconnecting whilst asleep leaving the machine to keep pumping onto you, Tube lasts significantly less time (from 2-3 weeks nighttime - 3-4 months daytime)
4- Sickness
Being sick and throwing up your feeding tube is not nice, try to keep calm, remember, dont pull on the section coming out form your mouth, take off the tape and pull out through nose.
If i think of anything else ill pop in another reply ^^
Hope this helps you! ^^
