Tube Talk
Thank you to everyone who sent material for the “Tube Talk” column. Anyone who is interested in participating can send their tips, questions and thoughts about tube feeding to: Tube Talk, c/o The Oley Foundation, 214 Hun Memorial MC-28, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208; or E-mail Dahlr@mail.amc.edu.
Information shared in this column represents the experience of that individual and should not imply endorsement by the Oley Foundation. The Foundation strongly encourages readers to discuss any suggestions with their physician and/or wound care nurse before making any changes in their care.
I am the foster mom of a 10 month old with severe reflux and complete oral aversions. She is fed by G-J tube only. I wanted to share my tube cleaning tip. While running hot water through her feeding set, I put the tube between two prongs of a fork, then bend the tube and put it between the next two prongs. Next slide the fork from top to bottom in the same direction the water is flowing. Repeat if needed. I have installed two hooks above my kitchen sink to hang the bag on while doing this and to hang the extra tube on to dry between uses.
— Amy Schaubel, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Press’n Seal® Keeps Port Closed
The G-port on my G-J tube kept popping open and spilling stomach contents all over the place. The pressure would build up in my stomach and the next thing I knew the G-port was open. I found that GLAD Press’n Seal® worked to keep it shut. Cut a small strip and wrap it around the G-port just below the J-port; the balloon’s port will be covered as well. Then press it so it will seal. You will need to change the wrap 3-4 times a day due to the smell.
I have also used Press’n Seal to keep my PICC line dry during showering. Just wrap it around your arm, seal it and add tape around the top and bottom.
— Franceen Lamarca, Marysville, WA
Bunelover59@yahoo.com
I have a G-tube opening that developed red and raw raised tissue around it. It was extremely painful at the slightest touch, and oozed small amounts of seepage and occasionally small amounts of blood. This lasted several months until (with no thought of my G-tube problem), I bought a bottle of Oil of Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter (yellow cap). Amazingly, within two days the raised tissue had disappeared, with no more pain or seepage. I have used it ever since and have been just fine. I know it sounds almost too simple, but I hope this tip will help others.
— C. Becker, Saint Louis, MO
Cassa4921-med@yahoo.com