Life’s Easier with The FreeArm
When my younger son was four, he, had a gastronomy tube (also known as a g-tube) placed to help him gain weight. People with cystic fibrosis often require additional calories because their bodies may not make the natural enzymes needed to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. Deciding to have the tube placed was not easy; my husband and I wrestled with the decision for two years. Ultimately, we decided a g-tube was simply another tool in our medical toolkit to help Matthew thrive. Looking back, it was the right decision for our family. (If you’re considering a tube and want to connect, please message me.)
A photo from just before we took that big step
The early days were tough — tougher than I’d imagined. We started with overnight pump feeds, but Matthew would inevitably roll over and kink the tubing, setting off the alarm or the tube would become detached and we’d “feed” the bed. No one was sleeping.
Eventually we switched to daytime open springs feeds, which were faster, but still required an adult to stand beside him for 10+ minutes holding the syringe while the thick formula trickled through into his tummy. If you’ve ever cared for a medically complex person, you know those minutes are precious.
Just a few months after his tube was placed, we embarked on our first big family trip to Europe — seven weeks through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Switzerland. With my sister and parents traveling alongside us, the five adults rotated shifts holding the syringe. Even cousins were drafted into service!
Hydrating in Mürren, Switzerland (yes, those mountain fountains are typically safe to drink)
Then one day the magic of the Facebook algorithm delivered me a solution: the FreeArm. I ordered one in 2020, during the pandemic, desperate for an extra set of hands. When the package arrived, I was thrilled to see that it came almost fully assembled. I attached the clamp, adjusted the gooseneck arm, and hooked it to our kitchen table and just like that — our hands free tubing life began.
Since then our FreeArm (and now the even sturdier FreeArm Muscle), has traveled everywhere with us - across the U.S., through Europe and most recently even on the world’s biggest cruise ship! It’s become a reliable and necessary part of our medical toolkit.
Building with bricks while FreeArm does the heavy lifting
Tube feeding can’t stop that holiday feeling
Roadtrip fueling stop during last summer’s father / son roadtrip
Look mom — no hands!
I’ve even started bringing our FreeArm to the hospital during Matthew’s almost annual admissions, which last 10–14 days for a CF exacerbation. The food there is, unsurprisingly, pretty awful and Matthew rarely finds much on the menu he’s willing to eat. Because people with CF can lose weight so quickly when they’re sick, keeping him nourished through his tube is critical. The FreeArm makes that easier and it’s also given us the chance to show it off to his medical team in action!
Relaxing in St. Thomas with his FreeArm Muscle
When our family booked our first cruise in August, I decided it was the perfect time to try the new FreeArm Muscle. Just like the original, it was a cinch to assemble. Matthew has always had an (unfounded) fear that the clamp might slip, causing the arm to tip and tug at his button. But the very first time we used the FreeArm Muscle, he immediately relaxed and said he felt safer — because that thing clamps down tight and isn’t going anywhere!
I love how our FreeArm Muscle perfectly coordinated with the pool decor on our cruise
Our FreeArm (and now the even sturdier FreeArm Muscle) has traveled everywhere with us — across the U.S., Europe and even on the world’s largest cruise ship last month! It’s become part of our families essential toolkit.
Here are the top reasons our family loves the FreeArm :
The gooseneck arm is easy to manipulate and folds into our medical equipment bag
It’s sturdy — dropped, stepped on it and it’s still going strong
The FreeArm team makes replacing parts speedy and simple
It’s super easy to assemble
And best of all, it doesn’t scream “medical equipment”
For our family, the FreeArm has been so much more than a piece of hardware; it’s been a lifeline that gave us freedom, flexibility and peace of mind. Wherever we go, near or far, it usually comes with us. If you’re on the fence about trying one, I can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made.