Refusing Food
Imagine having a toddler with such strong sensory issues that
suddenly he refuses to eat and eventually refuses to drink at
all.
Courtney Preston and her husband are facing this reality daily
as their son Jayden, age 3, did just that-one day he stopped eating
purees and still refuses them to this day.
Jayden's intense sensory issues go deeper than food. Jayden has
a hard time touching anything that ignites a sense, such as cup
with condensation or sand. Courtney believes the traumatic
experience of choking on a Cheerio as an infant could play a role
in Jayden's refusal to eat.
Last February, after living on Pediasure for 14 months, Jayden
suddenly began refusing that, too. The Pediasure made Jayden gag
and after a day of not ingesting any liquids, Courtney took him to
the hospital. He left with a nasogastric route (NG) tube, which is
passed through the nose, down through the nasopharynx and esophagus
and into the stomach. However, after about a month Courtney decided
to take the NG tube out and find a feeding tube better suited to
Jayden's needs.
Three days later, Jayden received the MIC-KEY* low-profile
gastrostomy tube to help him receive necessary nutrients.
Meanwhile, a developmental pediatrician worked with Jayden to
address his sensory issues.
Beginning to Eat Again
At first, Jayden was frightened by the feeding tube because he
didn't know what it was. But, after a few days of healing, the
MIC-KEY* became part of his regular routine. When Jayden is hungry
he asks Courtney for a "small eat" or "big eat." Jayden is proud of
his MIC-KEY* and loves to show it off. He often tells people, "look
at my button!"
Jayden keeps his MIC-KEY* clean by showering every other day.
His father changes the tube every few months. So far, the family
has not had any issues.
Thanks to the MIC-KEY*, Jayden is able to enjoy typical toddler
activities, such as playing outside, coloring and playing with
other kids. "I love it because it keeps him going," says Courtney,
"and no one knows it's there."
