Help regarding tube feeding

Real Food Blends is great if you supplement a bit. People just have to be aware that you need to supplement. I like that they have snack options to get extra calories in.

Hi Logan. I remember your posts on here before they switched to the new format. I was surprised to hear from someone who is FT dependent like me, actually using formula. I have been on formula over 4 years also. And I've been experimenting with different formulas. It's a hassle for me as I also have a trach to maintain so I can just breathe. Not easy at all. And did not know we need 30 grams of fiber a day. Wow. I'm only getting 11.4 g of fiber a day for now. Was having bad constipation issues with not regular bowel movements. So my new dietician put me on new formula called Nestle Iosource 1.5. My stomach was not tolerating 4 cartons a day so she told me to do 3 and see how I do. But right now just want a formula that will make me have energy and not being so darn weak. Have a sensitive stomach which does not help me if course, But I have been reading everyone's posts and writing down good information that I will relay to my dietician next appt with her. Thank you for your post. Hopefully one day, my medical team will get me on the right track, cause I'm frustrated.

Susan

Thank you. I would hope my insurance would cover Liquid Hope. I dont have supplemental insurance just Medicare and Blue Choice Option. Something else I have to look into, but right now, my plate is full.

I bought mine off of ebay due to insurance issues so it was not nearly as expensive as buying it directly through the vendors. You could see if your doctor would write a letter stating that you are not tolerating the formulas and see if that helps get it approved.

Hi Logan. Thx for sharing. What a pain in the butt you have to go through with your formula!! Cant stand when accompanies change things. Makes it harder for us to adjust.

I was on Osmolite 1.5, and found out too late from my new RN nurse thier was absolutely NO fiber in it. She said that formula is widely used in the hospital I go to. So also have a new dietician who only had alittle trouble switching me to Nestle Iosource 1.5 with fiber. She had to get a doctor to give her a script, which my primary doctor was nice enough to do. I do have bowel movements now, but usually I go every 2 days. Which is not great. But a step forward from old formula. My dietician is monitoring me, cause I had to cut back to only 3 cartons a day now. I have not tried Boost to supplement cause I have a very sensitive stomach. I want very much to try Liquid Hope, but its up to my dietician who wants me to try new formula for awhile.

As far as trachs go, I've had one in since May of 2019. Can help you with any questions you might have. I will try to make this brief. My old ENT who was the number 1 head doctor was trying to push me into getting a larenjectomy. But after alot of research and actually speaking to a lady who had one, I was petrified. She answered all my questions and I just could not go through with it. I can only wear the original trach they put in me. It's a Shiley uncuffed tube. Well, Shiley discontinued them. So I have been buying them online myself. Most companies want a doctor to order them ONLY. And get mailed to thier office. But I'm paying for it, so it's a huge hassle. I did find few companies that will sell them to me . My ENT told me all about metal ones. They lasted alot longer than plastic ones. I tried the replacement tube that Shiley changed to, but I was straining to breathe. Plus inner canula that you take out was soooo small in diameter compared to mine. Its depressing to live off of tubes, but it is what it is. I wish you the best of luck, and feel free to ask if you need help.