Mighty Well
  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are

Mighty Well

  • Shop
  • Learn
  • Journal
  • Join Us
  • Who We Are
Tag:

Feeding Tubes

    Your First Tube | Tube Placement
    Chronic IllnessMedical DevicesTreatment and Care

    Your First Feeding Tube: what to expect

    by Ariela Paulsen December 16, 2021June 21, 2022
    written by Ariela Paulsen

    No one expects to end up with a feeding tube, and your first experience can come with a large learning curve.  We know the feeling, and want to help lower these barriers!  Here is what we wish we knew going in: 

    placement

    Getting the tube placed is often the scariest part.  Depending on the type of tube, you may or may not need surgery.  Some types are inserted by a radiologist using an x-ray as a guide.  Others are inserted with an endoscopy.  Longer-term tubes are inserted directly into the stomach or intestine through abdominal surgery.  Your abs will feel sore for a while, so take it easy.  It’s important to set aside a few days after surgery for recovery and ask someone to help you out at home until you’re back on your feet.  And don’t be alarmed if you continue to feel some soreness or discomfort throughout your time with a tube; it is an unfortunate side-effect of this health-enhancing (and potentially life-saving) device.  After a few months, however, the worst of the discomfort should pass.

    Tubie tip: You will be sedated for surgical placement, but not necessarily for other types, or for replacement procedures.  You can always ask for sedation if it would help you feel more comfortable!

    More on types of tubes here.

    Once your tube is placed, you may need stay in the hospital for a day or two to make sure you tolerate your feeds.  This can take longer if you have any complications or food allergies.  If there are no concerns over tolerating feeds, you could be discharged the same day.

    Tubie tip: when receiving medications or flushes at the beginning, request that they go slowly or that you push them yourself.  Your intestines won’t be used to fluid and it can make you feel sick until your intestines adjust.  You can also ask that they start your feeds extremely slowly (like 10mL/hour) and then slowly titrate up once you know you tolerate the trickle feeds.  Some bodies just need some time to get used to it, and doctors may not realize that going too fast can cause pain and nausea.  On that note – anytime something feels wrong, speak up!  Your doctors and nurses are there to help you, not make you feel miserable!  But they won’t know to make a change unless you tell them something’s not right.

    feeds

    Once you have found a feed and process that your body tolerates, you can head home!  Providers at the hospital and home care providers will help you learn how to administer feeds and care for your tube from home.

    There are many brands for tube feeding formulas, so it’s ok if you don’t tolerate the first kind you try!  Each brand also has different types available with varying ingredients. You may want to research ahead of time to be familiar with brands and ingredients so that you don’t have to process it all while groggy or overwhelmed in the hospital.  While there are many wonderful feed options, Kate Farms tends to be safest for people with complex allergies or mast cell disorders.

    Tubie tip: check if your hospital has a variety of feed options before your surgery.  If you have any allergies or conditions like MCAS, make sure there are options that will be safe for you.  If not, ask if you can just bring your own.  Kate Farms (as well as some other brands) will send you free samples while you figure out what works for you.  They also have patient advocates available here!

    gear

    At the bare minimum, you will need:

    • feeds
    • a pump
    • skin barrier and cleaner
    • a bag to carry everything

    With all tubie products, there are many brands and styles available, so don’t settle for something that doesn’t feel like a good fit!  If what the hospital supplies isn’t great, request a different one.  For example, your hospital may have Enteralite Infinity and Kangaroo pumps.  Both work well, but some people simply prefer one over the other – it is ok to be picky!  If you don’t like any of their options, consider getting your own.  In order to get to a place where you can enjoy yourself and live life to the fullest without resenting your tube, you need the right gear to support you.

    Some specifics to keep in mind when trying out gear – do your dressings and cleaner irritate your skin?  Is your bag too heavy/bulky to easily carry around?  Is your pump intuitive and a good size/weight to keep with you?  Again, do not settle if your first attempt feels lacking!  This is your life and your health, and you deserve products that support you.

    Tubie tip: While these products are all must-haves, many other products exist that can make your tube life more carefree!  There are so many, in fact, that we can’t fit them all here.  We’ve compiled a list of our tubie friends’ favorites here!

    meds

    Let’s face it, if your body is in need of alternative nutrition, it probably also requires medication from time to time.  There are different ways to administer medications via a feeding tube.  Ask your doctor to get your medications transferred to powder or liquid form.  This can make a huge difference; it reduces the labor required each time you need to administer medications and, most importantly, is much safer than pills.  Crushing pills can work, but it has a high risk of clogging your tube.  

    Tubie tip: if you can’t get a medication in liquid or powder form, get a good quality pill crusher.

    support

    Getting a new medical device is overwhelming and can be scary at first, but it will soon become second-nature!  Support groups are great to help with the nitty gritty details of tube use.  You can learn game-changing tricks, discover new products, and meet people who understand what you’re going through.

    You can find tube-specific groups online, and are always welcome to join our Friend in the Fight facebook group – a space for anyone living with or caring for chronic illness.  We wish you the best as you begin your journey ♡

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • Top Favorite Finds From Oley 2017 Conference

    by Emily Levy July 18, 2017July 16, 2018

    At this year’s Oley Conference, the Mighty Well team had the opportunity to connect with potential partners, who share a socially conscious…

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • Learning to Love Your Tube

    by Gracie Gardner June 20, 2017April 25, 2022

    My name is Gracie Gardner, and I’m 16 years old, living with Idiopathic Gastroparesis. Living with this disorder is definitely…

    2 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • 7 Common Truths Those Who Have A Feeding Tube Wish Others Would Understand

    by Elizabeth Dunhan January 27, 2017April 25, 2022

    A feeding tube isn’t a tool of convenience nor is it a sure sign that someone is terminally ill. A…

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
  • Spoonie Stories: Living with Gastroparesis & Feeding Tubes

    by Shannon Maguire October 6, 2016August 3, 2018

    My name is Shannon, I’m 22, and I’ve suffered from a chronic illness my whole life. I have Gastroparesis, which…

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

About Us

Hi, We're Mighty Well.

The mission of Mighty Well is to help patients and their caregivers turn sickness into strength. We are leading the global charge that changes the perception of patients from victims to fighters. We do this by improving the experience of being a patient. We create the products we wish we’d had: functional and stylish apparel and accessories that you can wear with confidence - and content that can help you get through the good times and the bad. It’s wellness you can wear.

Be a Friend in the Fight!

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid
  • Accessing Medical Supplies
  • 4 Tips for Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace
  • Halsey Celebrates New Diagnoses

Recent Comments

  • Ariela Paulsen on 3 Tips for Coping With Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Lindy B. on 3 Tips for Coping With Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Ariela Paulsen on 5 Things About COVID Anxiety That Patients Wish Friends, Family, and Colleagues Understood
  • A Glenn JOHNSON on 5 Things About COVID Anxiety That Patients Wish Friends, Family, and Colleagues Understood
  • Ariela Paulsen on It’s Here: The Chronic Illness Revolution

Archives

Categories

  • Adaptive Wear
  • Chronic Illness
  • Featured
  • Friends in the Fight
  • General Wellness
  • Healthy Work Environments
  • Lyme Disease
  • Medical Devices
  • Mightier Together
  • Mighty Models
  • PICC Line
  • Popular Posts
  • Relationships and Support
  • The Undefeated
  • Treatment and Care
  • Uncategorized

Keep in Touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Instagram

mightywell_

One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
. 
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

  • 1

    7 Things Not To Do With a PICC Line

    October 12, 2017
  • 2

    PICC Line Complications: Preventing Common Issues

    June 22, 2018
  • 3

    Making a Choice: PICC Line vs. Port

    July 20, 2017
Promotion Image

FRIEND IN THE FIGHT

Promotion Image

CHRONIC ILLNESS

Our Story

Mighty Well - Founder - Emily Levy - Our Story

 

It all started with a cut off sock, a cute hockey player, and an 8 AM finance class. Oh, and a PICC Line. That moment inspired us to launch our first product, the PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover.

 

We know it stinks to feel defined by a diagnosis or feel like just a name on a doctor’s chart. Sounds like you? Read how our founder turned sickness into strength.

Recent Posts

  • Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

    June 22, 2022
  • Body Image and Mental Health in the Time of Covid

    June 16, 2022
  • Accessing Medical Supplies

    June 10, 2022

Join the Fight

Mighty Well's Facebook Page

Find us on Instagram

mightywell_

One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
. 
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Mighty Well © 2018 All Rights Reserved


Back To Top