Kryssi lives with Crohn's disease and has had a feeding tube since 2011. Although she is an expert now, she spent many years feeling isolated and unsure when it came to her feeding tube. Then she joined the Aveanna Healthcare Medical Solutions (AHMS) community and transformed her uncertainty into empowerment.
"I live in a rural area," Kryssi explains. "I had very little support when I first got my feeding tube. It's not an easy thing to talk about as an adult and can feel so isolating. I wasn't fully trained on how to care for my feeding tube and spent a year trying to find a formula that didn't make me sick. It was a struggle for many years."
Kryssi made it through those difficult years by finding community online and learning to advocate for herself. But she continued to face health challenges and desperately needed more support.
"I was still struggling with feeds and feeling overwhelmed when my gastroenterologist referred me to Aveanna," Kryssi recalls. "They didn't just send supplies – they taught me care and maintenance for my feeding tube and became my support system. I have this amazing confidence instilled by Aveanna. It has been a game changer for me with my tube feeding and dysphagia. I feel safe and supported. I never had that feeling of security until I had Aveanna."
AHMS team members are experts in tube feeding and passionate about empowering our patients. We understand that our care is vital to our patients, especially for those in rural areas like Kryssi. Since her initial onboarding with Aveanna, Kryssi continues to reach out to our team whenever she has questions or needs help troubleshooting issues.
"With Aveanna, you are never alone on your journey," Kryssi says. "They give me the support I need, listening to me and giving me suggestions when I have questions or need pointers. Whatever I need, Aveanna is there."
It is our honor to support patients like Kryssi to help them thrive and gain confidence in their tube feeding. If you are just starting your tube feeding journey, check out Kryssi's tips below and click here to learn more about how Aveanna can help.
Kryssi's Tips for Tube Fed Patients
Find Your Voice
"One thing I've learned is that you have to find your voice and advocate for yourself. You are the expert on your health. If something isn't right, speak up and find someone who will help you."
Find Your People
"You aren't alone! Join online support groups. Be plugged in to the community so you know you aren't alone. Use social media as a resource to learn and connect. There are a lot of adults who tube feed. And there are a lot of parents who help their kids with tube feeding and who are ready to support and nurture those of us who are adults, too."
Get Creative
"Having a feeding tube doesn't have to keep you grounded. That pole isn't cemented to the ground! Just be creative. Talk to an Aveanna specialist for troubleshooting, resources, and support. They will help you think of ways to live the life you want with your feeding tube. The travel tips are really helpful and just one example of the ways they can support."
Embrace the Learning Process
"It does get easier once you find your support and find your system. There will be messes along the way – even hospital nurses forget to unclamp sometimes! Don't feel bad if you make a mistake. Just keep going and keep learning. You'll laugh about it later!"