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Living Fully with Home Parenteral Nutrition

Deborah’s Story of Strength and Gratitude

What would you do if your life suddenly changed in ways you never saw coming? 

Eight years ago, a respiratory infection led to a cascade of symptoms that profoundly changed Deborah’s life. Among them were severe gastrointestinal issues. Over the course of the next few years, she developed gastroparesis – a slowing down of the emptying of the stomach – and other severe conditions, which made her unable to absorb nutrients from food. Deborah became increasingly reliant on parenteral nutrition. After three years of constant hospital admissions to receive this lifesaving intravenous nutrition, Deborah and her medical team agreed to start Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN).

patient deborah walking her dog

Deborah and her family went through comprehensive training, provided by Fresenius Kabi Homecare staff, to ensure they were able to administer her nutritional care at home. On top of that, they deliver her HPN supplies directly to her house every week. If she has any questions, she can quickly call her homecare nurse.

HPN felt like a daily gift of liquid gold into my body. I became nutritionally stable, gained some weight, and I had more spells of ‘good enough days’ than ever before.

Through careful planning together with her homecare nurses, Deborah has even been able to travel with her HPN. “I thought it wouldn’t be possible again,” she admits, reflecting on her initial fears. But since starting HPN, she’s enjoyed a family holiday every year. “Travelling for a week with at least 30 kg of HPN supplies takes a lot of planning and is logistically challenging, but the experience and memories are worth it.”

While HPN has been a positive experience for her, her journey has not been without challenges. One example is the line through which the HPN liquid is fed into the body – the Hickman line: “I’ve had numerous emergency hospital admissions for severe line-related infections,” she shares, noting that her underlying conditions increase the risk despite her vigilance. “There is a finite number of access points to the body’s large veins,” she explains, “and I’m deeply appreciative to be under the care of an amazing surgeon who has salvaged my Hickman lines many times.” Her current Hickman line has been in place for a year, and she remains hopeful it will stay infection-free for as long as possible.

deborah and her dog in the garden

Living with chronic conditions has taught Deborah to treasure every good moment:

There are so many life-giving gains with HPN, that the hinderances become miniscule. Working together with your healthcare professionals, homecare service provider, and with the love and support of family and friends; you’ll get to live the life you want. So, live in the gratitude and gladness in being alive. Breathe it in and enjoy another moment of life.

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