“Comfort With Your Feeding Tube”

The fourth episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series discusses some of the social questions that tube feeders, or potential tube feeders, may have when it comes to a new feeding tube. Obviously, it’s a pretty noticeable device. I think the social hurdle was really the biggest one that I had to overcome. With that being said, once I realized the benefits of the feeding tube, especially in my life, it was an easy hurdle to get passed. Here, the message is that I really want you to own it. What is it? The feeding tube. If the feeding helping make your life easier, then don’t worry about what it looks like. You never know where it will lead you.

CF Podcast 150: Sean Sullivan, Being Compliant with Cystic Fibrosis

Today we meet 40 year old, Sean Sullivan, who was diagnosed with CF at 16 months after his parents grew concerned about his chronic cough and lack of weight gain. Sean is the oldest of six kids and is the only person in his family who has CF.

ï      He grew up extremely active – playing basketball, baseball, and swimming.

ï      His doctors encouraged his parents to treat him the same as their other children.

ï      From a young age, he learned to be not only medically compliant but also stick to an active lifestyle.

ï      Now 6 months post transplant, Sean is even more vigilant than ever while taking care of his disease and its new challenges.

This podcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Gilead to the Boomer Esiason Foundation. 

“What Can I expect From My New Feeding Tube?”

The second episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series will show you how I have had to make a few lifestyle changes after I had my feeding tube placed.

I agree, it can seem like a lot of work and even a little scary at first, but I can honestly tell you that living a full, healthy life with both CF and feeding tube can be done. Here, you will see what I have done to overcome any challenges that a feeding tube may present.

This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Services.

“Normalcy with a Feeding Tube”

In the third episode of the Own Your Feeding Tube video podcast series, you will see how I have been able to maintain my physically active lifestyle. Prior to getting my feeding tube placed, I had a fear that my life would change drastically. It did, but for the better. My health drastically improved, plus I saw my energy and activity level sky rocket. I was in the gym and on the ice only 6 weeks after surgery. While the feeding tube does require a little extra work outside of the realm of normal cystic fibrosis responsibilities, I am more than willing to give a little hard work for such incredible gains.

This video podcast/vodcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Nestle Health Science.

CF Podcast 149: Exercising with Cystic Fibrosis featuring Jillian McNulty

Today, we meet Jillian McNulty, a 38 year old woman living, breathing, and succeeding with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Growing up as one of four kids, she is outgoing and constantly challenges herself to stay on top of her disease. 

- During her childhood, Jillian was never hospitalized for an extended length of time. 

- In her early thirties, Jillian's health started to decline, and so she made the decision to push herself with exercise. 

- After seeing an ad for a marathon while she is in the hospital, Jillian decided to sign up and start training. 

- Since then, she continues to push herself by running, walking, and cycling on a regular basis and by competing in races. 

This podcast was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.