Since you are able to tolerate a faster feeding then Im not sure why you would bother using the pump. The pump works best for people who are not able to tolerate the other faster methods of doing feedings, the gravity and bolus methods. When doing feedings it should NOT be set so fast! When fast rates are done the body isnt able to absorb all the nutrients as well. Im really surprised the hospital would start out at 240! To me, that high of a speed says the staff is not that familiar with using the feeding pump on patients at all which doesnt surprise me. They could be setting it so high for their own convenience. Patients usually should start out with the pump on a very slow rate (60ml and hour) then gradually increase the rate every couple days. When upping the feed rate, only add 20-40ml an hour at a time. This helps to ensure the patient can tolerate the formula at a rate before trying to increase it. When a rate is increased and causes the patient issues like having a bloated feeling or nausea the rate must go back to the start again at the 60ml an hour rate. After about a week, its ok to then try slow rate increases again. Patients should do best with their final rate speeds set to a maximum of 120-160 ml per hour. If you have a different type of feeding tube known as the J-G kind, the rate may be able to go higher depending on which port is used to do the feeding. Most patients have a regular PEG tube, not the J-G tube and only a very few have the button tube.

The bolus method is attaching only the tip part of the 2oz (60ml) syringe without having the plunger attached. Slowly pour the formula into the syringe. Raise and lower the feeding tube with the attached syringe to adjust the flow. This is the slower method of doing feedings after using a pump. A can of formula can easily be poured within a few minutes.

The bolus method also known as the push method is when formula is put into the syringe and pushed thru the feeding tube. It shouldnt be just pushed thru but rather slowly with steady pressure and taking a few seconds between pushing more thru. It can also be done by filling the formula bags with a couple cans and attaching it to the patient then allowing it to drip thru into the feeding tube. You can also do this by giving the bag a little help by squeezing the bag to push it thru faster. Constant pressure isnt necessary, a steady flow helps the patient to better tolerate the formula going in at a faster rate.

The patient always should be sitting up or propped up on several pillows. After doing the feeding, the patient should sit still for at least a half hour to let the formula "settle". Patients can quickly become nauseous when doing fast rates of feedings. Usually that is cured by simply slowing down the rate and adding some water to thin out the formula. It should take a patient at least 10 minutes to do each can of formula. Patients do best when breaking up their feedings and doing it several times a day. Theres a huge variety of prescription formulas on the market, probably several hundred different kinds made by many different manufacturers. They have varying calories, some have fiber, some are for people who have other issues like they're diabetic so if one isnt tolerated patients can change to another. Its best to use the prescription formulas which are specifically made to go with the feeding tubes. Trying a do it yourself blenderized diet can cause all kinds of issues for patients especially giving them big problems with their tubes. Regular foods can break down the tube and cause clogs. It is NOT fun getting a tube replaced!!! Ive done it more times than I can count. Id guess its been well over 20 times always done while Im awake, without anesthesia only a little lidocaine jelly to slightly dull the pain. To me, its definitely not worth the risk try using a homemade blended diet. I'll happily stick with the prescription formulas and save myself from creating any more medical problems.

Using the kangaroo pump works best for when patients run it overnight or while watching tv. Of course the patient still needs to have the head elevated by either propping pillows up or laying on the couch or recliner at a angle. Same thing goes with the other methods of feedings with keeping the head elevated and to stay still at least 30 minutes after the feedings. Patients also need to thoroughly flush the tube immediately after finishing their feeding. The formula can cause clogs which arent easy to always get out.

Hope all this helps to clarify things about the pump and feedings. Good luck!!!