I would really like to start EN in the next couple of days (to give my gut a rest and hopefully help heal a fistula) but I have so many questions before I start:
1) Is it safe to start EN without consulting with a doctor/dietitian?
[I will likely try to get a dietitian eventually because I do want to check my vitamin/mineral levels and be sure I get proper nutrition however it may take a few weeks to find one and/or get an appointment. Would it be ok to start EN and then follow-up with a dietitian in a few weeks?]
2) In Canada, what are options for EN brands/types? I will be taking EN orally and likely need the type w/ partially digested proteins (I forget what that's called...). I find it hard to understand which brands represent which types of EN.
3) Would I buy these products at a health-food store or at a pharmacy?
4) I have read that typically one does EN for 6 weeks and that it should be introduced 'gradually', but what does that mean specifically? Would I drink a half packet/can on the first day while still eating normal foods, then one full portion the next day to replace one meal? [this means introducing EN would take nearly a week - does that count of 1/6 weeks?]
5) Any other tips or information from your personal experience?
Thanks so much in advance. I'm really hoping EN will be good for me since I've read so many great testimonials re: EN on this site.
~puppylove
1) Is it safe to start EN without consulting with a doctor/dietitian?
[I will likely try to get a dietitian eventually because I do want to check my vitamin/mineral levels and be sure I get proper nutrition however it may take a few weeks to find one and/or get an appointment. Would it be ok to start EN and then follow-up with a dietitian in a few weeks?]
2) In Canada, what are options for EN brands/types? I will be taking EN orally and likely need the type w/ partially digested proteins (I forget what that's called...). I find it hard to understand which brands represent which types of EN.
3) Would I buy these products at a health-food store or at a pharmacy?
4) I have read that typically one does EN for 6 weeks and that it should be introduced 'gradually', but what does that mean specifically? Would I drink a half packet/can on the first day while still eating normal foods, then one full portion the next day to replace one meal? [this means introducing EN would take nearly a week - does that count of 1/6 weeks?]
5) Any other tips or information from your personal experience?
Thanks so much in advance. I'm really hoping EN will be good for me since I've read so many great testimonials re: EN on this site.
~puppylove