Adapting Your Personal & Social Life
Tube feeding is a life-changing experience and will affect many aspects of life, whether it's you being tube fed or someone you're caring for. The way you spend time with family and friends, and your ability to continue work might change. For example, travelling, dating, taking part in the activities you enjoy, might at first be challenging and overwhelming. Support from your family and friends can make all the difference and give you confidence in adapting to your new 'normal'.
Once you are home and comfortable with your routine, it is important to continue with social activities. You could find that feeding may take some time and be a bit restrictive. However, with careful planning you can fit your feeds around your social life.
You can plan holidays at home or abroad with family and friends with the support of the tube feeding provider, who may help with the necessary arrangements and deliver the tube feed and equipment to your holiday destination (if applicable). Your healthcare team will give you the relevant documents to allow you to get travel insurance. They will also supply fitness to fly certificates (if applicable) and give advice on managing tube feeding away from home. It is advisable to plan in ahead to avoid disappointment. This gives your healthcare team and tube feeding provider plenty of notice to make arrangements.
You should be able to return to work if you are well and have the approval of your healthcare team. Your healthcare team will advise on the right time. They will support you with making specific arrangements to accommodate your feeding routine. With portable pumps or bolus feeding you should also be able to feed while on the move.
Taking part in sports will depend on your medical condition and mobility. Your doctor will give advice on what sports you are able to take part in and which should be avoided. Physical contact sports are not recommended as there is risk of the gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube getting dislodged. You may need extra water when you are training so speak to your dietitian. They will give you more guidance and adjust your tube feeding plan.
Tube feeding should not prevent you or the one you care for from being involved in a relationship with someone. You can be intimate with your partner, however adapting to your new body image may take time. It is important to progress at a pace you feel comfortable with.
If you are a woman on tube feeding and would like to have children, it is important to talk about this with your doctor. Starting a family may involve planning and consultation to make sure you receive all the necessary nutrients needed for the baby to develop normally.
Despite the flexibility with your tube feeding regime, your medical condition may cause some extra limitations. If you have any questions or concerns it is important to speak to your healthcare professional.
Adapting Your Personal & Social Life
Tube feeding is a life-changing experience and will affect many aspects of your child's and family's life. The way you and your child spend time with family and friends, and your ability to continue work, might change. For example, travelling or taking part in daily activities might at first be challenging and overwhelming. Support from your family and friends can make all the difference and give you confidence in adapting to your child's new 'normal'.
Once you are home and settled in a routine it is important to continue with social activities, both for you and your child. You will find tube feeding may take some time and be a bit restrictive. However, with careful planning, you can fit your child's feeds around yours and their social life.
You can plan holidays at home or even abroad with family and friends with the support of the tube feeding provider, who may help with the necessary arrangements and deliver all your child's tube feed and equipment to your holiday destination (if applicable). Your healthcare team will give you the relevant documents to allow you to get travel insurance. They will also supply fitness to fly certificates (if applicable) and give advice on managing tube feeding away from home. It is advisable to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. This gives your child's healthcare team and tube feeding provider plenty of notice to make arrangements.
It is likely your child will be able to go to school unless there are any medical reasons why not. The healthcare team will let you know when, and will help the school to plan your child's feeding routine. You may need to meet with the school to explain your child's needs. You may need to show them how to give your child the feed. The tube feeding company or your healthcare team can help with this (if applicable).
Taking part in sports will depend on your child's condition and mobility. Your child's doctor will give you advice on what sports they are able to take part in and which to avoid. Physical contact sports are not recommended as there is risk of the gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube getting dislodged. The school may offer the right supervision or support for your child during sports activities. Your child may need extra water when they are doing sports. Speak to their dietitian who will give more guidance and adjust the tube feeding plan.
Despite the flexibility with your child's tube feeding regime, their medical condition may cause some extra limitations. If you have any questions or concerns it is important to speak to your child's healthcare professional.
