Re: Heidi- G-tube pump problems (which type do you prefer?)

[Guest guest]

We have both the kangeroo pump (Asenath's) and the Zevex

(Zipporrah's). We definitely know about the quirkiness of the zevex

as we have had to deal with it all. Usually we can deal with any

kinks or " no flo " issues easily. Our problem has been the motor will

actually QUIT/BREAK and will need replaced! Four of them in less

than 3 months!!! This has been quite rediculous. I love the

portability and it is great other than when it breaks down. I don't

think the kangeroo is a good fit as we are still working with whether

the 24 hour feeds or 3 hours on 2 hours off during the day plus all

night feeds is best to control her dumping. We need something that

will last and have long term battery operating ability. Also, the

Benefiber is NOT an issue anymore as we stopped using it. It wasn't

working to control the diarrhea and so we are trying Imodium. The

docs are concerned Zipporrah may be loosing too many electrolites and

we are frustrated that nothing thus far has been working. There is

another pump, frequently used in the hospital (can't remember the

name) that we have had to use as a backup and are getting again

tomorrow for the Mayo trip. This is another option but it is much

more bulky and less portable therefore. The repairman said the

kangeroo and this other one NEVER needs repairing (or extremely

rarely). We have seen the quality with our kangeroo pump. However,

he said the Zevex really stinks and it CONSTANTLY in for repairs. I

just wish I knew what Pooh's long term ability to eat will be. If I

thought she would be eating orally later on I might just bear with

the bulkier pump, but thus far her oral issues don't seem to be

improving.

Thanks for your help. We do know the pros and cons of the

different types, but really wanted to know if other people have had

as much problems with their Zevex pumps and if they have ever dealt

with the bulkier ones with a 24 hour fed kid.

Darla

> > I want to get some opinions here concerning which pumps are

> the

> > best to use. We have a Pet Kangeroo which we use for Asenath and

> > love. Never been a problem in a year and a half. Thankfully we

> only

> > use it at night for her usually or for one hour during the day at

> > most so we don't usually have to use the backpack unless we are

out

> > of town because they are very large and weird shaped.

> > BUT...Zipporrah's pump has been the Zevex Enteralite. We have

went

> > through 4 in less than 3 months!!! They even gave us a brand new

> one

> > and it stopped working only two months later, the day before

> > yesterday. They are great for portability, but so sensitive to

the

> > flo of the formula, air bubbles, etc. Benefiber was a nightmare

> > going through it. We are tired of trading in pumps for another

one

> > that doesn't work. Pretty soon our insurance will buy the pump

and

> > we will be stuck with it. Even though the repairs would be

covered

> > by insurance, the hassle of constantly getting another one when

it

> > stops working and to get a backup for every Mayo trip. It is

> really

> > getting old.

> > WHAT PUMS DO YOU LIKE FOR PORTABILITY AND RELIABILITY???

> >

> > Darla: mommy to Asenath, Zipporrah, and the gang