Sarah Cresswell, a little over 30, from UK's life looks very different from that of many other young adults. While most people sit down to enjoy meals with friends and family, Sarah’s nutrition comes not from a plate, but from a bag of sterile fluid connected to her bloodstream. She jokes about it: "When you spent 5 years doing a nutrition degree only to end up being fed through your bloodstream". 在 Instagram 查看这篇帖子 Sarah (@nauseatedsarah) 分享的帖子]]> Sarah relies on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), a life-sustaining method of intravenous feeding, which she calls being “fed through the heart.” Her story has captured attention online, as she uses social media to educate and empower others living with chronic illness.A Life-Changing DiagnosisSarah, who lives in England, has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder that affects the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls, leaving her physically disabled. She also suffers from gastroparesis, a condition that paralyzes the stomach, preventing it from digesting food properly. 在 Instagram 查看这篇帖子 Sarah (@nauseatedsarah) 分享的帖子]]>Initially, Sarah was fed through a nasojejunal (NJ) tube, a thin tube passed through the nose into the small intestine, allowing her to receive liquid nutrition. However, in July 2022, Sarah contracted COVID-19, which worsened her condition and caused intestinal failure.That’s when doctors switched her to TPN. “It saved my life,” she told Newsweek.What is Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)?Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a way of providing nutrition intravenously, meaning directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely.It is typically used when a person’s gastrointestinal tract cannot process food or absorb nutrients properly. The TPN solution contains a carefully balanced mixture of:Water: to keep the body hydratedProteins: to support muscle repair and tissue growthCarbohydrates (glucose): to provide energyFats: to supply essential fatty acidsVitamins and minerals: to maintain overall healthTPN is delivered through a central line, most commonly a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) placed into a large vein near the heart. This is why Sarah says she “eats through her heart.”How TPN Works in Daily LifePatients on TPN are often trained to manage the process themselves at home. The sterile bag of nutrition hangs from an IV pole and is infused slowly, usually overnight, using a pump, similar to how other IV medications are given. 在 Instagram 查看这篇帖子 Sarah (@nauseatedsarah) 分享的帖子]]>For Sarah, this means setting up her line carefully every day, sanitizing her hands, and following a strict routine to avoid infection. Most patients have their TPN changed every 24 to 48 hours, depending on their condition.Despite the complexity, TPN gives Sarah the freedom to live a fuller life. “I eat through my heart and I’m absolutely thriving!” she captioned one of her viral TikTok videos, which has been viewed over 1.7 million times.The Risks and Challenges of TPNWhile TPN is lifesaving, it is not without risks. Some of the potential complications include:Line infection or blood clots: Because the catheter leads directly to a vein near the heart, infections can become serious very quickly.Refeeding syndrome: Dangerous shifts in electrolytes can occur when restarting nutrition after prolonged malnutrition.Liver function changes: Prolonged use of TPN can sometimes stress the liver.To minimize these risks, Sarah’s progress is carefully monitored by her medical team through regular blood tests, weight checks, and glucose monitoring.Raising Awareness Through Social MediaSarah has turned her medical journey into a platform for advocacy. On her TikTok account, @nauseatedsarah, she documents what life is like on TPN , from setting up her line to answering questions from curious followers.Her transparency has inspired many people living with chronic illnesses or feeding tubes. “I have never seen anything like this,” wrote one commenter. Another said: “This is genuinely so fascinating, thank you for sharing!”For Sarah, the goal is to normalize artificial nutrition and show that it doesn’t have to be scary. “I want to help those in similar situations not to be afraid, and provide a safe place for them to ask questions about what life looks like on TPN,” she said.Sarah’s experience is just one example of how artificial nutrition can transform lives. Research shows that in the U.S. alone, over 250,000 hospital stays involve tube feeding, and around 600,000 patients receive some form of tube or intravenous feeding therapy at home.For many, it’s the difference between life and death, and between being tied to a hospital bed and living independently.Thriving, Not Just Surviving 在 Instagram 查看这篇帖子 Sarah (@nauseatedsarah) 分享的帖子]]>Today, Sarah sees her TPN routine as just another part of her life. Rather than focusing on what she has lost, she highlights what TPN has given her, energy, stability, and the ability to engage with the world.Her message is one of resilience and hope: that even when life takes an unexpected turn, there are ways to adapt, survive, and even thrive.“I eat through my heart,” she says proudly, “and I’m here to tell others that they can too.”
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