🐾Ava here to chat about Home Enteral Nutrition
Medically Reviewed by Laura Urias, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, Registered Dietitian
Hi friends! It’s so good to see you again! I hope you’ve had plenty of tail wags, smiles, and fun since we last visited.
Today, let’s talk about Home Enteral Nutrition, or HEN. HEN means getting the nutrition your body needs through a feeding tube while you’re at home.
If you’re living with HEN, you already know that some days are easier than others. I’ve learned that having a feeding tube is just one part of my story—it helps me stay healthy so I can keep doing the things I love.
Here are a few tips that help me on my HEN journey. I hope they’ll help you, too!
🐾 Every Day Is Different
Some days, everything goes just right. Other days, HEN might feel frustrating or tiring.
That’s okay!
🐾 Good Days, Tough Days…They’re All Part of the Journey
Some days you’ll feel ready to take on the world. Other days, you may feel frustrated, tired, or a little overwhelmed.
That’s normal.
When I’m having a rough day, I like to remember the happy ones. You can keep a journal or draw pictures about how you’re feeling. Looking back at the good days can remind you that tough moments don’t last forever.
🐾 Make a “Feel Better” Plan
Before you need it, make a list of things that help you smile.
Maybe it’s reading your favorite book, coloring, listening to music, playing a game, cuddling with your pet, or spending time with someone you love.
Having a plan can make hard days feel a little easier.
🐾 Listen to Your Amazing Body
Our feeding tubes help us get the nutrition we need to grow, play, learn, and stay strong.
Be sure to get the nutrition and water your healthcare team recommends. If something doesn’t feel right—like a tummy ache, nausea, throwing up, diarrhea, constipation, or soreness around your tube—tell a trusted grown-up right away. Your doctor, nurse, or dietitian can help figure out what’s going on and decide if anything needs to change.
Your body is really good at letting you know when it needs extra care.
🐾 Remember Your Team
I like to think of tube feeding as a team sport.
My family, doctors, nurses, dietitians, and friends all help me stay healthy. You have a team, too! They want to cheer you on and help you succeed.
As you grow, you may even learn to do more of your own tube care. Every new skill is something to celebrate!
🐾 It’s Always Okay to Ask for Help
Sometimes having a feeding tube can make us feel worried, sad, or different from other kids.
If you ever feel that way, talk to someone you trust. A parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, doctor, nurse, or psychologist can all help. Sharing your feelings is one of the bravest things you can do.
🐾 Keep Learning
The more you learn about your feeding tube, the more confident you’ll become.
Ask questions at your clinic visits. Watch videos with your family. Explore trusted resources like The Oley Foundation, which has information and stories for people living with feeding tubes. You can also ask your healthcare team about new equipment or supplies that may make tube feeding even easier.
🐾 One Last Tail Wag…
Remember, your feeding tube is just one part of your story.
You are still YOU—a kid who can laugh, play, learn, make friends, celebrate birthdays, travel, and dream big. Your feeding tube is simply one of the tools that helps your body do all those amazing things.
