Gastroparesis Patient Controls Her Own Pain and Nausea Using the Macy Catheter
The Macy Catheter has been a great intervention for both my patient and her husband as the primary caregiver.
Debra’s Nursing Background
I am an RN, CHPN and have worked in hospice for over 3 years.
I began my nursing career working in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) 7 years ago. During this time, I worked with different hospice nurses who were coordinating care for our patients at the SNF.
I really enjoyed taking care of the hospice patients and working with these special caregivers, which is how I ended up transitioning to become a hospice nurse at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care!
Patient Frequents the Emergency Department
My patient is a 68-year-old female with a primary diagnosis of Gastroparesis.
She was experiencing high levels of pain and nausea, which were the main symptoms we were always working to help control for her.
When she was first admitted to Rainbow Hospice Care, she was receiving bolus feedings and medications via her J-tube.
She had a long history of clogging up her J-Tube and was frustrated with the inconvenience and discomfort associated with going to the Emergency Department regularly to get it replaced.
The Macy Catheter Proves Easy to Use and Effective
After receiving the Macy Catheter training, I decided to introduce the concept of the catheter to the patient and her primary caregiver: her husband.
I shared that the Macy Catheter would be an alternative method for medication administration that would help eliminate the risk of clogging up the J-tube.
All the medications she was taking at the time (Lorazepam, Dilaudid, Haldol) are well absorbed with excellent results when administered via the catheter.
My patient and her husband were very open to giving the catheter a try.
Macy Catheter Works Better Than J-Tube
After educating my patient and her husband, I quickly inserted the catheter. Much to my surprise, she said she didn’t feel a thing!
Her husband is comfortable giving her medications via the catheter. The catheter is reinserted if it comes out with a bowel movement.
The patient continues to use the Macy Catheter with success. She even reports higher levels of both pain and nausea control with the medications administered rectally (vs. her J-tube).
The Macy Catheter has been a great intervention for both my patient and her husband as the primary caregiver.
