*I am NOT a medical practitioner*
Hello, Lovelies.
Its that time again..With the holidays knocking at the door, it is a time of happiness, food, and family, but also a time of uncertainty, overstimulation, and dietary restrictions. Remember the holidays look different for everyone, and can very well be a very stressful time for people like me.
People who are Disabled, Deaf, Autistic, those with feeding tubes, ostomy bags, and other g.I difficulties, and disabilities.
When hosting and participating in holiday fun, be conscious of those in your family and friend groups that have difficulties, and educate yourself on their needs so you can accommodate them accordingly.
Whether that is a location that is accessible, and spacious, a quiet place to be during the louder festivities, sensory or comforting items to snuggle, learning different ways to communicate so no one is left out, or having easy-to-digest foods that meet dietary restrictions and food aversions.
It is important to make sure wherever you celebrate is Accessible.
Well with all of that coming at ya' upfront, let's talk about Feeding tubes and Ostomies.
In case you didn't know, I have a feeding tube because of having multiple chronic-autoimmune illnesses that lead me to have Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and Gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach).
This will be my first holiday since having my tube and I don't know how things will go. That uncertainty is flaring up my anxieties if I'm honest.
I struggle with food every day, I go to war, a daily internal battle, with the colossal monster that is Hunger. Their roar is one of doubt and what ifs?
"What if I just have a tiny bite?"
" What if this will make me sick? "
"How long will this take to digest?"
"Will this cause pain?"
" Will I be judged?"
That roar is one that is mighty, one that has brought me to tears when I want to eat and cant.
But also when I give in to those desires and end up in the e.r, vanquished, a fallen warrior wallowing in a small lake of tears that I've cried, all because I gave into my natural instinct to eat.
So I expect there to be lots of tears this holiday but my fingers are crossed for the best!
FEEDING TUBE:
First What is a feeding tube, and why is it used?
A feeding tube is a medical device used for those who can't orally consume food, or drink safely.
There are different types of tubes for different situations causing a feeding difficulty within a person or animal. It can be used temporarily or permanently depending on the situation.
Tubes are also used for relieving gas and bloating to reduce nausea and vomiting.
The short-term types are NJ, and NG tubes (nasojejunal or nasogastric) These types are inserted through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach or jejunum. It can be placed for 4-6 weeks then needs to be replaced with a more permanent, long-term one.
Another one is Orogastric, this one is placed through the mouth and down the throat to the stomach.
This one can be placed for 2 weeks before needing to be replaced with a more permanent one.
The long-term permanent tubes are G-tube, J-tube, and G-J-tube.
The G (gastric)tube is placed directly into the stomach with an incision in the abdomen, skipping the mouth and throat allowing for nutrition, fluids, and medication to be given without the need for swallowing.
Also it is used for venting gas and draining stomach contents to reduce vomiting.
The J (jejunal)tube is placed through the abdominal in a position lower than the g-tube and is placed in the intestines and bypasses the stomach, it is smaller and is limited to thin liquids and medications.
A G-J tube is both a gastric and jejunal tube that is in a button style with it passing through the stomach and into the jejunum giving nutrition and fluids access to both.
A peg tube (percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy) refers to the way the G tube is placed.
(Through the skin.)
Now that you know what it is and the different types, its time for tips...
(For some of these tips, they can apply to both situations)
1: If you are able to eat, don't eat too much, stop when you are full. Overeating leads to an increase in gas and bloating, pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2: Drain! Upon the feeling of nausea and bloating, vent your Gtube, and then drain out stomach contents to reduce the chance of vomiting. If you can tolerate pop (soda) drink slowly to help with breaking up food. But may cause uptake in gas and bloat.
3: Stomas (the hole in your stomach)are smelly, this also applies for ostomies, so when eating try to eat odor neutralizing foods, because spices and foods like garlic and onions, and broccoli (if tolerated) can cause extra smelly odors. You can add some essential oils to the gauze or tubie pads surrounding your tube to help with odors also.
4: If you cannot partake in the food, go to a quiet place away from the festivities and pump your nutrition.
Just be open and honest with those around you so they know your needs.
*There are cute tubie pads, and drainage bag covers, check Etsy!*
OSTOMIES:
So what is an Ostomy? An Ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen for bodily waste to pass through, it passes on the outside of the body into a pouch called an ostomy bag. An Ostomy can be temporary if the organ needs to heal. It can be permanent if the organ needs to be removed. There are 3 different types of Ostomies.
1: Colostomy- A surgical opening made through the abdomen and into the colon to allow waste to bypass a damaged or diseased part of the colon. Can be permanent or temporary depending.
2: Ileostomy- A surgical opening made through the abdomen and into the intestines to allow a small portion of the small intestines and colon to be bypassed while healing. Liquid-type waste will pass, which will, later on, become more paste-like. Can be reversed if needed temporarily.
3: Urostomy-A surgical opening made to drain urine after the bladder has been bypassed or removed.
This type of Ostomy is usually permanent.
So for navigating the holidays:
1:Dont skip meals to eat one large meal (Dinner). Doing this will cause more gas build-up and stomas, and ostomies are already noisy and smelly. 2: Wear comfortable clothing to accommodate extra gas and bloating, but you can also dress in layers if noisiness is an issue. i.e A tank top under a sweater or hoodie or high-waisted leggings or pants. 3:Dont eat large meals, eat some and save the rest for later. Eating large meals leads to more gas and waste output 4:Controlling smells: To combat some of the gut smell you can use deodorizing drops, essential oils in your ostomy bag and eat odor neutralizing foods when able.
When using the bathroom at other's homes you can use biological odor eliminating spray, because it doesn't leave that obvious "just sprayed" smell. (in travel-size of course!) !Be open with your family about your needs, and eat easily digested foods!
*Also there are reusable ostomy bags, ask your home health company if you're covered, if not try a quick google search also, you can find cute ostomy bag covers on Etsy!*
(Support small business ^-^)
Be kind, enjoy yourselves, & eachother & remember,
_Stay Lovely_