Best way to get crushed pills down G-tube into stomach
Comments
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PuddingLogan51 said:Crystal
What type of pudding? It seems to me that it would be too thick to go down the tube, unless his tube is like the one I will get in a couple weeks. The one I have now is 21" long (for a reason unbeknownst to me that I plan on asking the Surgeon about).
Dave, Sorry I wasn't specific. Mix crushed meds with water. Then just add a spoonful or two of any ready to eat pudding. Thickens the water enough the meds stay suspended in liquid. No problem running straight thru tube. Crystal
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Sabrina23
I looked at all the locals- from CVS and Walgreens to Walmart, and could not find. Pseudo-genius that I am...Duh, I should have done a net search. The Boost VHC Very Vanilla has 530 calories, but there may be questions about the Sugar content. Thing is, now I do know what to look for, and to ask my Pharmacist about. FYI to everyone who are FT dependent.
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Dave you can get it on AmazonLogan51 said:Sabrina23
I looked at all the locals- from CVS and Walgreens to Walmart, and could not find. Pseudo-genius that I am...Duh, I should have done a net search. The Boost VHC Very Vanilla has 530 calories, but there may be questions about the Sugar content. Thing is, now I do know what to look for, and to ask my Pharmacist about. FYI to everyone who are FT dependent.
Dave, you can get the VHC very high calorie boost on Amazon that is where I got my supply search under VHC BOOST and it should pull up only one flavor though vanilla. Sugar content was approved by my nutritionist and I am sure it will be okay for you. But these things were a lifesaver. I am praying for you and your are in my thoughts for this experience with a FT to be temporary or at least comfortable. I hate that you have to go thru it. Thnaks for letting me know. I should have been more specific too. it is an 8 fl ounce box it is 44% protein 22 g, 26g 33% total fat. Sugar I think is around 26% I think. I hope it works for you Dave. Keep me updated on your progress and how you are doing.
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SabrinaSabrina23 said:Dave you can get it on Amazon
Dave, you can get the VHC very high calorie boost on Amazon that is where I got my supply search under VHC BOOST and it should pull up only one flavor though vanilla. Sugar content was approved by my nutritionist and I am sure it will be okay for you. But these things were a lifesaver. I am praying for you and your are in my thoughts for this experience with a FT to be temporary or at least comfortable. I hate that you have to go thru it. Thnaks for letting me know. I should have been more specific too. it is an 8 fl ounce box it is 44% protein 22 g, 26g 33% total fat. Sugar I think is around 26% I think. I hope it works for you Dave. Keep me updated on your progress and how you are doing.
Yep, I see it on Amazon. One of the reviews to one of the 2 Sellers said the Boost he/she got was past the Use By date, though. I had grocery shopping at Wally's to do for my 98 year-old Dad, so I stopped at Pharmacy. Man there was not even aware of the Boost VHC! Says they can get it delivered and would cost me around $50, give or take.
The FT is permanent, unfortunately. The sugar thing- will use 1 Boost/day as a supplement for more calories and less liquid.
Many thanks, Sabrina.
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Boost VHC Take
A look at eBay. If you buy online at all. Many variations as far as quantity and cost. I have checked and the lowest price I see is $42.98 with free shipping for a 27 pack. Also saw a 4 case lot of 27 for $160.00 and free shipping which would be about $40 a case. Good luck Dave I have confidence you will get this all worked out with your pills and meds and maintaining your weight-Take care-God Bless
.
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Update
8 days since my last post. Lost 3 more lbs. Have a point of reference: was 13 when I hit my growth spurt, then the car accident happened that saw me go down to 86 lbs. As a Freshman in HS, I'd gotten a physical- 120 lbs. Am now at 117.
Because of the bulk delivery of 1.2 (have 134 more to finish), insurance will not pay for the bulk 1.5 for a couple weeks.
PCP Nurse said she asked everybody, and could not see a QC Dietician until next year. So, I got pro-active and made an ENT visit that got me to a Dietician Center who gave me a phone # to call= September 24th I see her! Dr. will only okay the 1.2 without Dietician okay for 1.5, so figure I'll get that corrected on the 24th.
Did check the Moffit C Center web site in Tampa. Says most people can only handle 2 8oz. cartons/feeding, which nobody in the QC had a clue about. Did write a note for my PCP Nurse explaining that and the water flushings, along with the pills mixed w/water are why I was aspirating Jevity- and why I need to be on the 1.5. 71 more calories in five of the 1.5 than 6 of the 1.2- duh.
Deb- still have not checked into your advice about the milk, yogurt and honey, but plan to. Also the Boost VHC on Amazon, which I'm going to try and put in an order for tomorrow.
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Information Update
Met with a lady Dietician this past Tuesday.
My PCP wanted me to get 1900 calories/day. She says 1600-1900 will only maintain my current weight. Need 2000+ to gain weight.
Talked to her about Boost VHC, which she was not aware of. She found on the net and we looked at the label of ingredients. She approved my putting at least one VHC into my tube/day as a supplement to the Jevity, so I ordered my first box of VHC on Amazon this morning. Depends on how my body responds, but she left open the door to use two VHCs/day if all is good, AND wants me to keep her informed because of the Boost VHC!
AND, whereas my PCP would only approve the 285 calorie 1.2, which I can taste as proof I Aspirate it, she agreed with me to switch to the 355 calorie 1.5! 71 more calories in five of the 1.5 than six of the 1.2. Plus, all the flushings and my mixing crushed meds with water nine times/day and shooting into tube explain (I hope) the continuing Aspiration.
She did tell me she has experience with people who have the "balloon" FT, but only when they are in the Hospital- like said type of FT might lead to problems. Any experiences or info on the balloon FTs would be appreciated.
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Thanks for sharing Dave prayers are with you
Hi Dave, I am glad Boost VHC can help in some ways and my prayers are continually with you on this FT journey. I don't really have experience with teh balloon FT so hopefully other members will lend their support and informtaion relative to that. God Bless Dave. Keep that weight on and up! I am praying for aspiration to abate and leave you free of that side effect. Keep us updated as things progress.
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FT
Have you considering supplementing your formula with blenderized real food? I have had a FT for 4 months now and prior to that had an NG tube for 9 weeks. While on the NG tube it was nearly 100% Ensure Enlive and a little homemade carrot juice on occasion. Once I switched to the G-tube I started real blenderized food and only then was I able to start gaining a little weight back. Now, I still use an Ensure and a Kate Farms formula in the blender mixed with real food to make it thin enough for the tube. If it weren’t for that I would not use much formula except maybe for the convenience factor. As for the pill crushing and all that stuff, I tried several different pill crushers and finally settled for the industrial strength version called the "Silent Night". Its pretty simple and fast. Currently I take lots of meds and some vitamins as well all via the tube. After I crush the meds I put them in a clear plastic cup and add only enough warm water do dissolve the powder. Then suck it up with the same syringe I use for feeding and pump it in. After adding just, a little water a couple more times the cup is clean.
Also there are some other resources available on tube feeding that can be helpful. Here is just one I found helpful.
Good Luck
Mark
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MGCMGC said:FT
Have you considering supplementing your formula with blenderized real food? I have had a FT for 4 months now and prior to that had an NG tube for 9 weeks. While on the NG tube it was nearly 100% Ensure Enlive and a little homemade carrot juice on occasion. Once I switched to the G-tube I started real blenderized food and only then was I able to start gaining a little weight back. Now, I still use an Ensure and a Kate Farms formula in the blender mixed with real food to make it thin enough for the tube. If it weren’t for that I would not use much formula except maybe for the convenience factor. As for the pill crushing and all that stuff, I tried several different pill crushers and finally settled for the industrial strength version called the "Silent Night". Its pretty simple and fast. Currently I take lots of meds and some vitamins as well all via the tube. After I crush the meds I put them in a clear plastic cup and add only enough warm water do dissolve the powder. Then suck it up with the same syringe I use for feeding and pump it in. After adding just, a little water a couple more times the cup is clean.
Also there are some other resources available on tube feeding that can be helpful. Here is just one I found helpful.
Good Luck
Mark
Thank you for your response. Remember many others using blender to mix such as you do, but have been wary of doing because I realize how danged small the diameter at the tip of FT is- would have to shoot into FT w/syringe, rather than pour, in my opinion. So, that's why I've just been using the Jevity. Tim/Hondo, for instance, was very detailed in his feeding ingredients.
Update: met w/Surgeon today. Asked him point blank why he installed a 21" tube (my G-tube in C tx was 11"). Said it was so there was excess he could cut off if problems developed! Did not know they could do, and seal would be cool. So, I had him cut off 4-5", and he put the tip section back in without any hassles whatsoever. Told him I had read articles telling of frequent problems w/balloon tubes, and he agreed- So, I am keeping the one put in via the Endoscopy way for as long as I can.
And, just before I left for his Office I got the Boost VHC delivered to my doorstep. 27 for $46 and in a box within a box by Twin Lights Medical, bought on Amazon. Heard of other Sellers sending it that's past the USE BY date. These are good for another year- Oct. of 2020.
Bit of an issue today that I am wondering if others experience: bleeding. Got FT on 8/6 and today is 10/1. Have experienced a lot of gas from air, I believe, that gets into stomach. Very typical for me, but today when I'm changing my clothes I see blood on my shorts, and my stools were not typically good. Has spooked me some, and will certainly be monitoring. Had done nothing different than usual, so...
Also- should I see a GI Dr.? In other words: do you with FTs see a GI Dr.? I've just been winging it w/trial and error, common sense, and what I can find on the net, AND learn on this Forum. And up until today my only complaint has been the inability to get the calories needed with 1.2 Jevities without Aspiration.
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Thinking of you DaveLogan51 said:MGC
Thank you for your response. Remember many others using blender to mix such as you do, but have been wary of doing because I realize how danged small the diameter at the tip of FT is- would have to shoot into FT w/syringe, rather than pour, in my opinion. So, that's why I've just been using the Jevity. Tim/Hondo, for instance, was very detailed in his feeding ingredients.
Update: met w/Surgeon today. Asked him point blank why he installed a 21" tube (my G-tube in C tx was 11"). Said it was so there was excess he could cut off if problems developed! Did not know they could do, and seal would be cool. So, I had him cut off 4-5", and he put the tip section back in without any hassles whatsoever. Told him I had read articles telling of frequent problems w/balloon tubes, and he agreed- So, I am keeping the one put in via the Endoscopy way for as long as I can.
And, just before I left for his Office I got the Boost VHC delivered to my doorstep. 27 for $46 and in a box within a box by Twin Lights Medical, bought on Amazon. Heard of other Sellers sending it that's past the USE BY date. These are good for another year- Oct. of 2020.
Bit of an issue today that I am wondering if others experience: bleeding. Got FT on 8/6 and today is 10/1. Have experienced a lot of gas from air, I believe, that gets into stomach. Very typical for me, but today when I'm changing my clothes I see blood on my shorts, and my stools were not typically good. Has spooked me some, and will certainly be monitoring. Had done nothing different than usual, so...
Also- should I see a GI Dr.? In other words: do you with FTs see a GI Dr.? I've just been winging it w/trial and error, common sense, and what I can find on the net, AND learn on this Forum. And up until today my only complaint has been the inability to get the calories needed with 1.2 Jevities without Aspiration.
Thinking if you Dave and praying you get to intake some good calories and keep them on. I will continue to pray for you and your dealings with the FT to go smoothly. I think seeing a GI Doctor might not be a bad idea never thought of that but it makes sense. Hope all is well and Keep Strong Dave you are doing great with your progress on FT. VHC should pump in those calories you are needing I think I hope.
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GI DocLogan51 said:MGC
Thank you for your response. Remember many others using blender to mix such as you do, but have been wary of doing because I realize how danged small the diameter at the tip of FT is- would have to shoot into FT w/syringe, rather than pour, in my opinion. So, that's why I've just been using the Jevity. Tim/Hondo, for instance, was very detailed in his feeding ingredients.
Update: met w/Surgeon today. Asked him point blank why he installed a 21" tube (my G-tube in C tx was 11"). Said it was so there was excess he could cut off if problems developed! Did not know they could do, and seal would be cool. So, I had him cut off 4-5", and he put the tip section back in without any hassles whatsoever. Told him I had read articles telling of frequent problems w/balloon tubes, and he agreed- So, I am keeping the one put in via the Endoscopy way for as long as I can.
And, just before I left for his Office I got the Boost VHC delivered to my doorstep. 27 for $46 and in a box within a box by Twin Lights Medical, bought on Amazon. Heard of other Sellers sending it that's past the USE BY date. These are good for another year- Oct. of 2020.
Bit of an issue today that I am wondering if others experience: bleeding. Got FT on 8/6 and today is 10/1. Have experienced a lot of gas from air, I believe, that gets into stomach. Very typical for me, but today when I'm changing my clothes I see blood on my shorts, and my stools were not typically good. Has spooked me some, and will certainly be monitoring. Had done nothing different than usual, so...
Also- should I see a GI Dr.? In other words: do you with FTs see a GI Dr.? I've just been winging it w/trial and error, common sense, and what I can find on the net, AND learn on this Forum. And up until today my only complaint has been the inability to get the calories needed with 1.2 Jevities without Aspiration.
GI surgeon put in husband's first feeding tube. Been using same doc for almost 10 years. I was able to shorten husband's first FT several times. Doc couldn't believe I got it to last 4 years.
Well worth the effort. It was also he who got home health care to come and instruct me on use. Everyone was assuming husband was under home health care to manage. He was not as he did not qualify. I simply refused to leave until I knew we were getting help we would need.
Got the best nutritional info from dietician at rad doc's office. During hospital stay, he was put on "TwoCal". This product is made for nursing homes. Had to get from medical supply company.
If FT comes out, MUST be replaced within 1 hour or may require surgical replacement. One came out on weekend. Took hospital staff two whole days to do what the surgeon does in about 5 minutes.
Crystal
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FT typeLogan51 said:Crystal
Will look into TwoCal. As is, I just ordered another 27 of the Boost VHC. Will ask at the Home Supply place about.
10 years and 8 months is a long time...I thought I may have seen a Dietician at the Chemo Dr.s office, and now I'm sure I did (Chemo and Rad are in the same building as the only residents). All I remembered was a lady who told me I needed 2100 calories/day. Dang. The Dietician I did see this time had never even heard of Boost VHC, and brought it up on her computer during our visit to look at the ingredients.
Sad to see you only got it to last 4 years, because I was hoping for it being permanent. Guess I'm naive about such.
Could be the Hospital system did hook me up with a GI Surgeon. I just figured he was a regular Surgeon, but on my visit he sure did know a lot about the different types of FTs- and told me if I have any issues with it to come to him for resolution.
Not sure what kind of FT your Hubby had, but mine has a 1" diameter holding it in place against stomach wall, so I cannot see it coming out. Look on the Expressions page in my Profile- have a picture of the one I have. Was your Hubby's like that, Crystal?
Look on Civil Matt's Expression's page- he has a picture of what mine looks like on the inside of the stomach. And, thanks Matt.
Very similar, Dave. They have not all been exactly the same over the years. If it should ever leak around opening, Dr can re-inflate balloon. At least Dr has done for husband.
Crystal
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Crystal
Crystal
You need to look at mine closer- there is no balloon. Solid plastic disc-shaped fitting on end in stomach. One I had 10 years ago, and others over the years have talked about the same unpleasant experience- the Dr. has to literally yank it out with force! And yes, it do hurt for a few seconds. I do see the tops on some of the similars w/balloons are alike, but it's whats in the stomach that is my concern- I did not want a balloon, and my Dr. said they are more prone to problems- which is why they need to be replaced.
Thanks for replying.
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Crystal
Will look into TwoCal. As is, I just ordered another 27 of the Boost VHC. Will ask at the Home Supply place about.
10 years and 8 months is a long time...I thought I may have seen a Dietician at the Chemo Dr.s office, and now I'm sure I did (Chemo and Rad are in the same building as the only residents). All I remembered was a lady who told me I needed 2100 calories/day. Dang. The Dietician I did see this time had never even heard of Boost VHC, and brought it up on her computer during our visit to look at the ingredients.
Sad to see you only got it to last 4 years, because I was hoping for it being permanent. Guess I'm naive about such.
Could be the Hospital system did hook me up with a GI Surgeon. I just figured he was a regular Surgeon, but on my visit he sure did know a lot about the different types of FTs- and told me if I have any issues with it to come to him for resolution.
Not sure what kind of FT your Hubby had, but mine has a 1" diameter holding it in place against stomach wall, so I cannot see it coming out. Look on the Expressions page in my Profile- have a picture of the one I have. Was your Hubby's like that, Crystal?
Look on Civil Matt's Expression's page- he has a picture of what mine looks like on the inside of the stomach. And, thanks Matt.
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Hi. You could dissolve the tablets in water and then introduce them through the tube or crush them and mix them with food. Another way I suggest you call your physician or make a visit; he must explain everything. It's sad because It's a kind of neglect you encountered from the medical system.
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