Hey,
Anyone who wants to talk about G-tubes. feel free to ask me anything. I got mine is 8th grade (1998) as well. I was 4'10 and only 50 some lbs. 2 yrs later I was 80 lbs and 5ft. I still have mine -ten yrs later- don't worry that is my choice to keep it- people who are thinking about getting them. I love it though, I can fit more time for school, work and extra stuff- instead of having to eat constantly.
As far as people seeing it... Mine is a mickey button (looks like a beachball flap) I put tape across it keeping in smooth to my stomach. I wear leotards while dancing and nobody knows.
I think most people have bard tubes though- which is what I had at first. They last longer. Mickeys need to be replaced every 6 mos at least. I don't mind replacing it though, it stays in because you basically blow up a balloon(which is on the inside of the stomach) with a syringe and can deflate it and pull it out when you need to. I just stick a new one in and it takes no trips to the doctors and like 10 secs.
1 major drawback most people find is changing it themselves. It hurts a lot. I'm not going to lie and you feel like you are gagging yourself from the inside if that makes sense. That is where the bard is preferred- doctors usually change it and they last super long- but aren't as easy to conceal.
Changing it myself makes me think I'm independent and I have to make less trips to my doctor who is 2 hours away-
I've had complications with the G-tube in the 10 yrs, but it was worth it. I have tons of energy and I'm at a fairly decent weight (while in high school -110 lbs) I'm also 5'2.
It was the best decision my family and I ever made-probably saved my life. correction- it did save my life.
Let me know if anyone wants to know anything else.
Thanks
rockgirl p.s instead of using tape- my mom came up with the idea of an ace bandage wrapped around- no marks left...
22 w/ cf diagnosed at birth- intestinal problems- 10 wks premature
Anyone who wants to talk about G-tubes. feel free to ask me anything. I got mine is 8th grade (1998) as well. I was 4'10 and only 50 some lbs. 2 yrs later I was 80 lbs and 5ft. I still have mine -ten yrs later- don't worry that is my choice to keep it- people who are thinking about getting them. I love it though, I can fit more time for school, work and extra stuff- instead of having to eat constantly.
As far as people seeing it... Mine is a mickey button (looks like a beachball flap) I put tape across it keeping in smooth to my stomach. I wear leotards while dancing and nobody knows.
I think most people have bard tubes though- which is what I had at first. They last longer. Mickeys need to be replaced every 6 mos at least. I don't mind replacing it though, it stays in because you basically blow up a balloon(which is on the inside of the stomach) with a syringe and can deflate it and pull it out when you need to. I just stick a new one in and it takes no trips to the doctors and like 10 secs.
1 major drawback most people find is changing it themselves. It hurts a lot. I'm not going to lie and you feel like you are gagging yourself from the inside if that makes sense. That is where the bard is preferred- doctors usually change it and they last super long- but aren't as easy to conceal.
Changing it myself makes me think I'm independent and I have to make less trips to my doctor who is 2 hours away-
I've had complications with the G-tube in the 10 yrs, but it was worth it. I have tons of energy and I'm at a fairly decent weight (while in high school -110 lbs) I'm also 5'2.
It was the best decision my family and I ever made-probably saved my life. correction- it did save my life.
Let me know if anyone wants to know anything else.
Thanks
rockgirl p.s instead of using tape- my mom came up with the idea of an ace bandage wrapped around- no marks left...
22 w/ cf diagnosed at birth- intestinal problems- 10 wks premature