 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Ive used many different formulas over the years. Seems like the higher the calories, the thicker it is and the higher the likelihood of discomfort. Nutren comes in several strengths, I currently used the 375 calorie type. The first formula which was high calorie I found success with was called 2-Cal, it has 560 calories per can.
You can talk to the nutritionist about switching formulas. But before you do that, try watering it down. Adding a can or 2 of water usually does the trick. Another common tip for helping to handle the formula is to slow down the feeding. Ask for a prescription for a feeding pump that can run overnight while your patient sleeps. They will need to be propped up on a couple extra pillows or it can also be used while watching tv in a recliner. By running a feeding pump overnight you can add an extra 1000 ml of fluid easily every night.
Be careful about switching formulas, not all are covered by all insurance companies.
Last edited by ChristineB; 07-09-2013 02:54 PM.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
