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| Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, Susan! You have found the very best place to get info and support to help your sister with her recovery.
Often patients after their treatments feel abandoned by their medical team. Feeding tube users frequently have many questions. Ive had over 10 years experience using a feeding tube so I know most of the ins and outs of feeding tube use. Your sister should be still monitored by her doctor and a nutritionist/dietitian for her feeding tube needs. If you dont mind me asking, why would your sister want to add boost or ensure to their current prescription formula? Over the counter nutritional drinks are similar to the prescription formulas but they could have additives that may not work so well with a feeding tube. The prescription formulas are designed to be used thru the feeding tube, anything else could have a negative impact of greatly shortening the life of the tube. They could cause clogs or might not flush as completely as the prescription formulas. The prescription formulas are specifically designed to give complete nutrition just like the over the counter ones do. If cost is a factor, the over the counter brands can get very expensive when using multiple cans a day. There are several major manufacturers that have programs to assist patients and other sources to get additional products at little or no cost.
Hope this helps you. 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 | | |
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