Regional Coordinator:

Sylvia Cottee

I have been a Nutrition Nurse Specialist at Addenbrooke's hospital for 20 years, dealing with hands-on aspects of PEG and intravenous feeding for adults and children. During this time I have always supported PINNT by encouraging and participating in regular meetings, particularly encouraging membership when people first leave hospital.

I really look forward to receiving PINNT's ‘Online' magazine. I am convinced that to share experiences with others in a similar situation, and to relax and talk together occasionally must be therapeutic, and I will continue to promote and encourage PINNT membership and ongoing meetings. Jackie Huff, our Regional coordinator for many years, recently stood down but still attends the meetings. I have therefore joined with Jackie Riseborough and Tracy Hill to continue running our local six-monthly meetings in Cambridge until a more formal arrangement can be made.

Regional Coordinator:

Jackie Riseborough

My name is Jackie Riseborough and I've been on TPN for just over 10 years.
Mine was a complicated reason for being on TPN which resulted in the loss of all of my bowel.

I infuse 5 litres of fluid overnight and even then sometimes have to have an extra litre of saline some days, as I tend to get a little dehydrated due to losing fluid through my gastrostomy - which I understand is quite unique. The gastrostomy is there to allow me to enjoy some foods and drink socially. As I do not absorb anything, what I do eat and drink is lost again through this tube.

Due to this happening, I met Syliva Cotee at Addenbrooke's Hospital as my nutrition nurse, who then introduced me to PINNT and I went along to the next meeting with my husband to see what it was all about. I wasn't sure what to expect, but as soon as I arrived, Sylvia came to meet me and introduced me to Jackie Huff and many others, who chatted to me and made me feel very welcome. The questions I had to ask were never ending, but everybody put me at ease and came up with answers. I was not on my own.

Next meeting:
Our next meeting will be on 17th April 2010 (time and venue TBC). Parking is FREE for PINNT members.

Read a report from the last meeting - Saturday 28th November 2009