Thanks so much Margaret. Does diluting help for your husband? I presume his discomfort is from treatment not drinking the VHC right?

Hi Jim,

Yes, diluting helps him get it down. Yes, the discomfort is from treatment, not the VHC.

I have to agree with Nelie here. For tube feedings Nutren is the way to go. As far as how much water to wash it down with, I really have no clue Jim. When I got out of the hospital I started using the Nutren like you are using now.

I didn't mean to plug one brand--I use Jevity which is also good. But, if you can, it is a good idea to use something formulated specifically to be used through the tube and also something that has fiber.

Nelie

Hi. My mom is only using a PEG, not eating or drinking anything. She needs approx 2,000 cal/day according to the nutrionist so we give her 4 feedings each day - 2 with one can of Carnation VHC and the other two feedings with two cans of Jevity each. I do the feedings and am doing fine getting the VHC through the PEG, it just takes a bit longer. According to the nutrionist at the hospital this combo will give her enough fiber. We need to give her 100cc of water after a feeding with VHC and 150cc after a feeding with the two cans of Jevity. If you have access to a nutrionist at your care center or through your gastro doctor, they will be able to tell you exactly how much you need to consume and how much water/liquid is required with each type of food, depending on your specific requirements.

I found a website that delivers the VHC for a flat fee of approx. $6. There is a 2 case minimum order. It is mddirect.com. So far, so good with them. Service seems good. Other than that, I was having a hard time getting the VHC.

Thanks Amy is thee reason VHC takes longer isbecause it is so thick? If you could explain I would appreciate it.

My husband is permanently on a PEG and he uses 5-6 cans of Ross Twocal HN at 475 cal/can, 2 cans 3 times a day. It goes easily down the tube and can be ordered from Amazon by the case with free delivery. His nutritionist recommended it. We have traveled to Hawaii and Washington and it is no problem. We sometimes order the food to be delivered right to the hotel if we are going for more than a few days. In a pinch, he uses Ensure, just takes a few more cans. We used to get the 2cal from Apria Health care, which is all over the country and you can get a state directory if you want to get your supplies from them while you travel. You can get a letter from your doctor to carry with you so you can have a few cans of formula for air travel, but we never really needed this. He just takes 2 cans right before we go to the airport, or even at the airport before going thru security. Then he is good for several hours till we land. You can take an empty water bottle to fill with water so you don't have to pay big bucks after security for their bottled water. Just fill it at a fountain.

Amy why does VHC take more time is it harder to digest or much thicker than Jevity requiring slow delivery?

My nutritionist told me 150 cc water after each can of Nutren when I was in the hospital a few months back. I tried two cans at once but it was to much so now I do one six times a day.

Hi. The VHC just takes a bit longer because it is so thick. We use a syringe to get the food into the PEG and the thickness of it makes it a bit harder to push through, but it works. The VHC has been a godsend because my mom was having a hard time tolerating 8 cans of Jevity plus liquids each day.

AngAK

Most information I have received yet on air travel issues thank you so very much. I also appreciate all the great contact info you provided too. I currently am getting supplies from Apria. I did not know they were nation wide.


Thanks Amy,

Many people have said VHC was designed to drink. Being so thick I am surprised most people with these swallow issues have a harder time with thick liquids than thin ones me for one. How many calories is Jevity per can?