As mentioned in the last post, there are three different ways to administer food or fluids via the PEG (or, of course, other feeding tubes). I described the “technical solution”, with a feeding pump, in detail in this post here. Today, I will describe a method that uses not technology but the laws of nature: application via gravity.
Just using gravity
All that is needed for this method is food (or liquid, e.g. water or tea), a corresponding gravity transfer system and a height difference. Because then the liquid (in our case the food) flows from the higher container into the lower container. Although container is probably the wrong term in our case. Ideally, it is our stomach. It is also important that it is located below. In theory, this method also works the other way around, since feeding tubes are basically permeable in both directions.
Simple physics
The size of the height difference determines how quickly the stomach is filled. The higher the food or liquid is suspended, the faster the flow rate. Other factors that influence the speed are the thickness of the administered liquid (food moves more slowly than pure water), the material properties of the container and the fill level. The last two factors influence the pressure. In principle, it’s all simple physics. However, it’s not simple enough to be able to make precise statements about the flow rate off the cuff. This would actually have to be calculated. Therefore, this method is recommended when the exact amount is not that important. This is because the scales on the bottles and bags of tube feeding are not 100% precise either. Alternatively, the amount to be administered can be measured beforehand. In the simplest case, the entire contents should be consumed.
In under 1 minute
Personally, I use this method of application several times a day, namely for fluid intake. A few milliliters don’t matter to me. Besides, I don’t want to be hooked up to a tube forever. After all, oral eaters don’t sip their drink for a quarter of an hour when they’re thirsty. Using gravity, I can drink between 150 ml and 200 ml of water in under a minute. So about a glass full. More or less regularly throughout the day, I easily meet my daily fluid requirement.
The worst case scenario is to use a floor lamp
At home, we always use a classic infusion stand. In my experience, however, coat hooks are also ideal for this type of application when I’m out and about. In the worst case, the assistant can briefly hold up the water container. However, for the slower-running nutrition, it is advisable to use some kind of object. If necessary, a standard lamp can be converted into an IV pole using a carabiner hook.
Disadvantages
Even if it is quick, the fact that you are literally tied down during the application is one of the disadvantages of this method. This is coupled with the limited ability to influence the flow rate. Apart from the height difference, the flow rate can only be regulated by adjusting the degree to which the roller clip is opened. It is also a rather noticeable method. So it’s only partially suitable for use in public. Because if there’s a bag or a bottle hanging somewhere next to or behind me, with a hose running from it under my top, I’m usually bound to get some unsettled looks or well-meaning, interested questions. In my rebellious phase, I didn’t care about that. But now it’s getting on my nerves and I might look for a quiet corner for a moment.
