Jenny’s story…
Life on PN can be challenging, but my animals bring me joy…
Hi, I’m Jenny, and I’ve always been a huge animal lover. So, six years ago, when I was told I would need a Hickman line for parenteral nutrition (PN) for the foreseeable future, I had some concerns. Having a line that leads directly to my heart and hangs from my chest doesn't immediately seem compatible with spending time around animals that love to chew, scratch and investigate anything within reach!
My need for PN came after 14 years of bowel problems and multiple surgical complications. I was never quite the textbook case of ulcerative colitis, and the major surgeries I underwent resulted in extensive bowel adhesions. As a result, I became unable to eat normally without experiencing pain and sickness. Over the years, I tried enteral feeding, but I simply couldn't tolerate it well enough to maintain my weight.
At the time I started PN, I owned four rabbits, regularly rescued and rehabilitated small wild animals, and had spent many years working with animals before poor health forced me to take time away from work. I had always dreamed of owning larger farm animals, and just four months after starting PN, that dream became a reality when I had the opportunity to take on two goats who could live alongside my friend's pony on her land.
Today, I own two six-year-old Anglo-Nubian goats called Gordon and Alma! I adore them, and they are affectionately known as “Jenny’s children” by others! Of course, spending time with goats requires some extra precautions. They love chewing anything dangling within reach, including toggles, buttons, shoelaces and even my ponytail! To protect my Hickman line, I use thick fabric line covers over the exposed section and make sure I wear higher-necked tops, especially during the summer when I have fewer layers on. Over time, I've developed an almost automatic awareness of keeping that area of my body out of reach. If one of the goats starts investigating a cord or button on my jumper, I instinctively turn away without even thinking about it.
I'm pleased to say that after almost six years with Gordon and Alma, neither of them has ever damaged my line! They live on the same site as a doggy daycare and kennels, where I also worked part-time for a couple of years. I followed the same precautions and made sure the people around me were aware of my line, so they could point out any concerns if they noticed something I hadn't. Thankfully, I never had any issues there either!
PN has enabled me to maintain my weight far more successfully than before. My treatment regimen has changed over the years, and I am currently connected to PN four nights a week for between 16 and 18 hours at a time. Naturally, this means that spending time with the animals requires careful planning. For obvious reasons, I need to be disconnected from PN, and I often try to visit after a night of treatment when my energy levels are higher. This was particularly the case when I was working.
Unfortunately, fatigue meant I had to stop working in a regular physical role with the dogs last year. However, I still visit the goats two or three times a week whenever I am able. I do jobs such as poo-picking the field, trimming hooves, filling hay nets and, of course, simply spending time with them. I also help out with the few other animals there, including horses and pigs. When I'm unable to get to my goats, my friends whose land they live on kindly take care of their daily feeding and watering.
I also dog-sit my sister's dog once a week and have two rabbits at home, Mabel and Reggie, who bring me a great deal of joy. Watching them hop around the garden also provides valuable routine.
My energy levels and ongoing bowel pain play a significant role in what I am able to do each day, but I've found ways to adapt and continue enjoying the things that make me who I am. Alongside my love of animals, I enjoy crafting and calligraphy. Recently, I've been able to return to these as a small job that I can run from home. It gives structure and purpose to my week and provides something meaningful to focus on when I don't have the energy to visit the goats or when I'm connected to PN.
Managing PN, caring for a central line, and coping with both the physical and mental challenges of chronic illness can be difficult. However, I have found that adapting where possible and continuing to pursue the activities I love has been hugely beneficial for both my physical and mental wellbeing. I also live with spondyloarthritis, a condition where staying active is particularly important.
The goats have become a huge part of that. They are incredibly affectionate and very attached to me – and the feeling is entirely mutual! Whenever they see me arrive, they bleat loudly and run over to greet me! If I'm working in the field, they follow me around and often make a point of getting in the way, hoping I'll stop what I'm doing to give them attention. They love sitting with me, and Gordon in particular will sometimes rest his head on my lap and fall asleep. Sometimes, I simply don’t have the energy or will to do jobs, so I just get a flask of tea and sit with them! They make me feel loved, needed and purposeful. They also provide entertainment, laughter and comfort. Like all animals, they do not see you as a health condition, but simply as you.
Life on PN can be challenging, but my animals – especially Gordon and Alma – bring so much joy and meaning to my life that they genuinely make the difficult days easier to face. They remind me that while PN may be part of my life, it doesn't define who I am or stop me from doing the things I love.