Letter E ( A to Z of CF 2014)

E is for enzymes. 

Cadel is pancreatic insufficient which means that his pancreas doesn't produce the enzymes needed to break down the fats, carbohydrates and proteins in food. This means he doesn't absorb all the nutrients he needs in his high fat diet to maintain a healthy weight to help fight infections. 

So this is why when he eats most foods he needs to take enzymes with his food. He may have to take this capsules sometimes 6-8 times a day as he is a grazer and likes to snack all day rather then eat large meals. They are also only active for 30 mins at a time so if he takes longer to eat something he will need to take another dose. 

We are lucky and able to use Cadel's feeding tube to empty them into and push them through with some water. We are trying to get him to swallow them as when he goes to Kindy or school ( argh all happening too quickly) he will need to be independent and do the correct dose himself! So we are having some fun trying to get him to swallow M&M's and Tic Tacs. What an excuse to eat chocolate and lollies! I have attached a photo of the enzymes for and a 5 cent piece so you can see how big they are!