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.
Bags Help Child with Motility/Pressure Issues
My son currently has a G-tube and separate J-tube. Before he received his J-tube, the Farrell bag was used with G-tube feeds (24 hours continuous) and it was a blessing! Now that he is on J-tube feeds only, the Farrell bag is used solely with the G-tube (without feeds) as a method of continuous ventilation. It has saved him from a tracheostomy; gastric bloating from his dysphagia compresses his lungs. I highly recommend the bags, especially for children who have severe motility/pressure issues like my son. He has herniated his gastrostomy twice and required surgical repair. My son cannot function without them.
Penny Crittenden
Bryantown, MD
penny@olg.com
Pain Around G-tube Site
I have been experiencing pain around my G-tube site. I have tried many, many suggestions but have gotten very little relief. Most recently my GI physician recommended applying a thin layer of Triple Antibiotic Plus Cream, and then a very small amount of Lidocaine Viscous Topical 2% Solution.
It’s been wonderful. The pain is gone and so is all the soreness, redness and skin breakdown. After applying these creams I put on a gauze pad or folded-up Kleenex.
Sue McKallor
SMcKallor@annapolis.net
(410) 721-3075
[Editor’s Note: It would be wise to check for granulation tissue around the site as well.]