Hello everyone, I posted yesterday about poor weight gain and recieved some great advice. Now I was wondering if some of you can tell us the pros and cons of the tube. Can you get the micki button first or do you have to have the long g-tube then go to the micki button? I know there are various kinds and I was just wondering what our options are. Thanks so much.
Feeding Tubes-Pros and Cons
- Thread starter 3coolsons
- Start date
Hello everyone, I posted yesterday about poor weight gain and recieved some great advice. Now I was wondering if some of you can tell us the pros and cons of the tube. Can you get the micki button first or do you have to have the long g-tube then go to the micki button? I know there are various kinds and I was just wondering what our options are. Thanks so much.
Hello everyone, I posted yesterday about poor weight gain and recieved some great advice. Now I was wondering if some of you can tell us the pros and cons of the tube. Can you get the micki button first or do you have to have the long g-tube then go to the micki button? I know there are various kinds and I was just wondering what our options are. Thanks so much.
I did not want Emily to get the PEG first; I felt strongly about her having one procedure and the button from the start. However, not all drs will do it this way so you need to ask about it ahead of time.
In our case, the GI she had been seeing starts with the long PEG (placed endoscopically and then a small incision is made and it's pulled out through the stomach wall.) Then about 6wks later it's replaced with a MicKey button. Since I did NOT want Emily to have to walk around with a long tube for half the summer when I knew she could go straight to the button from the start, I made an appt with someone in the ped surgery clinic, where they do the procedure to place them as buttons right from the start.
There are buttons that can be placed endoscopically as well as laparoscopically (small incision through the belly button to guide the procedure and the small incision through the stomach wall to place the tube.) As it turned out, Emily had both- her first button was placed endoscopically and when she ran into trouble with that one, it was replaced with a MicKey laparoscopically. Given the choice to do it again, I'd have gone with a laparoscopic procedure to place a MicKey right off.
I felt that getting used to tube feedings was going to be enough for Emily to handle. I did not want to subject her to a big long thing hanging out of her body (did not want her feeling more self-conscious than she had to, have it be impossible to hide, etc) when it was not medically necessary to do so.
eta> out of the various buttons out there, I'd want the MicKey or the one that's MicKey equivalent (can't remember the name of it) that is held in place with a balloon on the inside. Why? Because if it breaks, you will always have a replacement kit on hand at home and you can replace it yourself, no ER or dr required... the others can only be replaced by medical professionals. This is why I would, given the chance to do it again, opt to have gone straight to a MicKey for Emily.
In our case, the GI she had been seeing starts with the long PEG (placed endoscopically and then a small incision is made and it's pulled out through the stomach wall.) Then about 6wks later it's replaced with a MicKey button. Since I did NOT want Emily to have to walk around with a long tube for half the summer when I knew she could go straight to the button from the start, I made an appt with someone in the ped surgery clinic, where they do the procedure to place them as buttons right from the start.
There are buttons that can be placed endoscopically as well as laparoscopically (small incision through the belly button to guide the procedure and the small incision through the stomach wall to place the tube.) As it turned out, Emily had both- her first button was placed endoscopically and when she ran into trouble with that one, it was replaced with a MicKey laparoscopically. Given the choice to do it again, I'd have gone with a laparoscopic procedure to place a MicKey right off.
I felt that getting used to tube feedings was going to be enough for Emily to handle. I did not want to subject her to a big long thing hanging out of her body (did not want her feeling more self-conscious than she had to, have it be impossible to hide, etc) when it was not medically necessary to do so.
eta> out of the various buttons out there, I'd want the MicKey or the one that's MicKey equivalent (can't remember the name of it) that is held in place with a balloon on the inside. Why? Because if it breaks, you will always have a replacement kit on hand at home and you can replace it yourself, no ER or dr required... the others can only be replaced by medical professionals. This is why I would, given the chance to do it again, opt to have gone straight to a MicKey for Emily.
I did not want Emily to get the PEG first; I felt strongly about her having one procedure and the button from the start. However, not all drs will do it this way so you need to ask about it ahead of time.
In our case, the GI she had been seeing starts with the long PEG (placed endoscopically and then a small incision is made and it's pulled out through the stomach wall.) Then about 6wks later it's replaced with a MicKey button. Since I did NOT want Emily to have to walk around with a long tube for half the summer when I knew she could go straight to the button from the start, I made an appt with someone in the ped surgery clinic, where they do the procedure to place them as buttons right from the start.
There are buttons that can be placed endoscopically as well as laparoscopically (small incision through the belly button to guide the procedure and the small incision through the stomach wall to place the tube.) As it turned out, Emily had both- her first button was placed endoscopically and when she ran into trouble with that one, it was replaced with a MicKey laparoscopically. Given the choice to do it again, I'd have gone with a laparoscopic procedure to place a MicKey right off.
I felt that getting used to tube feedings was going to be enough for Emily to handle. I did not want to subject her to a big long thing hanging out of her body (did not want her feeling more self-conscious than she had to, have it be impossible to hide, etc) when it was not medically necessary to do so.
eta> out of the various buttons out there, I'd want the MicKey or the one that's MicKey equivalent (can't remember the name of it) that is held in place with a balloon on the inside. Why? Because if it breaks, you will always have a replacement kit on hand at home and you can replace it yourself, no ER or dr required... the others can only be replaced by medical professionals. This is why I would, given the chance to do it again, opt to have gone straight to a MicKey for Emily.
In our case, the GI she had been seeing starts with the long PEG (placed endoscopically and then a small incision is made and it's pulled out through the stomach wall.) Then about 6wks later it's replaced with a MicKey button. Since I did NOT want Emily to have to walk around with a long tube for half the summer when I knew she could go straight to the button from the start, I made an appt with someone in the ped surgery clinic, where they do the procedure to place them as buttons right from the start.
There are buttons that can be placed endoscopically as well as laparoscopically (small incision through the belly button to guide the procedure and the small incision through the stomach wall to place the tube.) As it turned out, Emily had both- her first button was placed endoscopically and when she ran into trouble with that one, it was replaced with a MicKey laparoscopically. Given the choice to do it again, I'd have gone with a laparoscopic procedure to place a MicKey right off.
I felt that getting used to tube feedings was going to be enough for Emily to handle. I did not want to subject her to a big long thing hanging out of her body (did not want her feeling more self-conscious than she had to, have it be impossible to hide, etc) when it was not medically necessary to do so.
eta> out of the various buttons out there, I'd want the MicKey or the one that's MicKey equivalent (can't remember the name of it) that is held in place with a balloon on the inside. Why? Because if it breaks, you will always have a replacement kit on hand at home and you can replace it yourself, no ER or dr required... the others can only be replaced by medical professionals. This is why I would, given the chance to do it again, opt to have gone straight to a MicKey for Emily.
I did not want Emily to get the PEG first; I felt strongly about her having one procedure and the button from the start. However, not all drs will do it this way so you need to ask about it ahead of time.
<br />
<br />In our case, the GI she had been seeing starts with the long PEG (placed endoscopically and then a small incision is made and it's pulled out through the stomach wall.) Then about 6wks later it's replaced with a MicKey button. Since I did NOT want Emily to have to walk around with a long tube for half the summer when I knew she could go straight to the button from the start, I made an appt with someone in the ped surgery clinic, where they do the procedure to place them as buttons right from the start.
<br />
<br />There are buttons that can be placed endoscopically as well as laparoscopically (small incision through the belly button to guide the procedure and the small incision through the stomach wall to place the tube.) As it turned out, Emily had both- her first button was placed endoscopically and when she ran into trouble with that one, it was replaced with a MicKey laparoscopically. Given the choice to do it again, I'd have gone with a laparoscopic procedure to place a MicKey right off.
<br />
<br />I felt that getting used to tube feedings was going to be enough for Emily to handle. I did not want to subject her to a big long thing hanging out of her body (did not want her feeling more self-conscious than she had to, have it be impossible to hide, etc) when it was not medically necessary to do so.
<br />
<br />eta> out of the various buttons out there, I'd want the MicKey or the one that's MicKey equivalent (can't remember the name of it) that is held in place with a balloon on the inside. Why? Because if it breaks, you will always have a replacement kit on hand at home and you can replace it yourself, no ER or dr required... the others can only be replaced by medical professionals. This is why I would, given the chance to do it again, opt to have gone straight to a MicKey for Emily.
<br />
<br />In our case, the GI she had been seeing starts with the long PEG (placed endoscopically and then a small incision is made and it's pulled out through the stomach wall.) Then about 6wks later it's replaced with a MicKey button. Since I did NOT want Emily to have to walk around with a long tube for half the summer when I knew she could go straight to the button from the start, I made an appt with someone in the ped surgery clinic, where they do the procedure to place them as buttons right from the start.
<br />
<br />There are buttons that can be placed endoscopically as well as laparoscopically (small incision through the belly button to guide the procedure and the small incision through the stomach wall to place the tube.) As it turned out, Emily had both- her first button was placed endoscopically and when she ran into trouble with that one, it was replaced with a MicKey laparoscopically. Given the choice to do it again, I'd have gone with a laparoscopic procedure to place a MicKey right off.
<br />
<br />I felt that getting used to tube feedings was going to be enough for Emily to handle. I did not want to subject her to a big long thing hanging out of her body (did not want her feeling more self-conscious than she had to, have it be impossible to hide, etc) when it was not medically necessary to do so.
<br />
<br />eta> out of the various buttons out there, I'd want the MicKey or the one that's MicKey equivalent (can't remember the name of it) that is held in place with a balloon on the inside. Why? Because if it breaks, you will always have a replacement kit on hand at home and you can replace it yourself, no ER or dr required... the others can only be replaced by medical professionals. This is why I would, given the chance to do it again, opt to have gone straight to a MicKey for Emily.
Yes, there are pros and cons to tube feeding as well as the different buttons. My boys have had their g-tubes for 6 years now. They have literally been a life saver and the best decision we ever made.
When we were told the boys needed g-tubes(at ages 9& 13) the bard button was offered as a way to soften the blow. The button is placed without first having a peg tube. The bard is flatter which appealed to us, but it must be replaced surgically ( unlike the Mickey). With the peg, the stoma heals , then the mickey button is inserted. Much like a pierced ear hole.
One of my boys had the bard replaced twice before deciding the mickey was a better option. The other son still has his bard with no problem.
The Mickey compatible button is called the mini one button. Same idea, but much flatter.
I am happy to help. Ask anything !
When we were told the boys needed g-tubes(at ages 9& 13) the bard button was offered as a way to soften the blow. The button is placed without first having a peg tube. The bard is flatter which appealed to us, but it must be replaced surgically ( unlike the Mickey). With the peg, the stoma heals , then the mickey button is inserted. Much like a pierced ear hole.
One of my boys had the bard replaced twice before deciding the mickey was a better option. The other son still has his bard with no problem.
The Mickey compatible button is called the mini one button. Same idea, but much flatter.
I am happy to help. Ask anything !
Yes, there are pros and cons to tube feeding as well as the different buttons. My boys have had their g-tubes for 6 years now. They have literally been a life saver and the best decision we ever made.
When we were told the boys needed g-tubes(at ages 9& 13) the bard button was offered as a way to soften the blow. The button is placed without first having a peg tube. The bard is flatter which appealed to us, but it must be replaced surgically ( unlike the Mickey). With the peg, the stoma heals , then the mickey button is inserted. Much like a pierced ear hole.
One of my boys had the bard replaced twice before deciding the mickey was a better option. The other son still has his bard with no problem.
The Mickey compatible button is called the mini one button. Same idea, but much flatter.
I am happy to help. Ask anything !
When we were told the boys needed g-tubes(at ages 9& 13) the bard button was offered as a way to soften the blow. The button is placed without first having a peg tube. The bard is flatter which appealed to us, but it must be replaced surgically ( unlike the Mickey). With the peg, the stoma heals , then the mickey button is inserted. Much like a pierced ear hole.
One of my boys had the bard replaced twice before deciding the mickey was a better option. The other son still has his bard with no problem.
The Mickey compatible button is called the mini one button. Same idea, but much flatter.
I am happy to help. Ask anything !
Yes, there are pros and cons to tube feeding as well as the different buttons. My boys have had their g-tubes for 6 years now. They have literally been a life saver and the best decision we ever made.
<br />When we were told the boys needed g-tubes(at ages 9& 13) the bard button was offered as a way to soften the blow. The button is placed without first having a peg tube. The bard is flatter which appealed to us, but it must be replaced surgically ( unlike the Mickey). With the peg, the stoma heals , then the mickey button is inserted. Much like a pierced ear hole.
<br />One of my boys had the bard replaced twice before deciding the mickey was a better option. The other son still has his bard with no problem.
<br />The Mickey compatible button is called the mini one button. Same idea, but much flatter.
<br />I am happy to help. Ask anything !
<br />When we were told the boys needed g-tubes(at ages 9& 13) the bard button was offered as a way to soften the blow. The button is placed without first having a peg tube. The bard is flatter which appealed to us, but it must be replaced surgically ( unlike the Mickey). With the peg, the stoma heals , then the mickey button is inserted. Much like a pierced ear hole.
<br />One of my boys had the bard replaced twice before deciding the mickey was a better option. The other son still has his bard with no problem.
<br />The Mickey compatible button is called the mini one button. Same idea, but much flatter.
<br />I am happy to help. Ask anything !
Here are some past threads about g-tubes
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=51835&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=47535&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=44282&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=51835&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=47535&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=44282&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
Here are some past threads about g-tubes
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=51835&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=47535&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=44282&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=51835&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=47535&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=44282&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a>
<br />Here are some past threads about g-tubes
<br />
<br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=51835&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=47535&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><br />
<br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=44282&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><br />
<br />
<br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=51835&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=6&threadid=47535&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><br />
<br /><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=5&threadid=44282&highlight_key=y&keyword1=bard%20button
">http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/...eyword1=bard%20button
</a><br />
fourkidsmom
New member
My son has had the feeding tube for almost 4 yrs now and it is the best decision we have ever made for him- besides the port.
He has gained weight and does great with it.
You can also put medicines right in the tube which makes it nice when they are sleeping or don't like the taste
Brady started with the long tube I am thinking for about 2 weeks or so and went to the mickey button. I have only changed out the mickey one time. (did it myself- not hard)
We wished we would of not fought getting the tube and done it sooner
Good luck!
Angie
He has gained weight and does great with it.
You can also put medicines right in the tube which makes it nice when they are sleeping or don't like the taste
Brady started with the long tube I am thinking for about 2 weeks or so and went to the mickey button. I have only changed out the mickey one time. (did it myself- not hard)
We wished we would of not fought getting the tube and done it sooner
Good luck!
Angie
fourkidsmom
New member
My son has had the feeding tube for almost 4 yrs now and it is the best decision we have ever made for him- besides the port.
He has gained weight and does great with it.
You can also put medicines right in the tube which makes it nice when they are sleeping or don't like the taste
Brady started with the long tube I am thinking for about 2 weeks or so and went to the mickey button. I have only changed out the mickey one time. (did it myself- not hard)
We wished we would of not fought getting the tube and done it sooner
Good luck!
Angie
He has gained weight and does great with it.
You can also put medicines right in the tube which makes it nice when they are sleeping or don't like the taste
Brady started with the long tube I am thinking for about 2 weeks or so and went to the mickey button. I have only changed out the mickey one time. (did it myself- not hard)
We wished we would of not fought getting the tube and done it sooner
Good luck!
Angie
fourkidsmom
New member
My son has had the feeding tube for almost 4 yrs now and it is the best decision we have ever made for him- besides the port.
<br />
<br />He has gained weight and does great with it.
<br />
<br />You can also put medicines right in the tube which makes it nice when they are sleeping or don't like the taste
<br />
<br />Brady started with the long tube I am thinking for about 2 weeks or so and went to the mickey button. I have only changed out the mickey one time. (did it myself- not hard)
<br />
<br />We wished we would of not fought getting the tube and done it sooner
<br />
<br />Good luck!
<br />
<br />Angie
<br />
<br />He has gained weight and does great with it.
<br />
<br />You can also put medicines right in the tube which makes it nice when they are sleeping or don't like the taste
<br />
<br />Brady started with the long tube I am thinking for about 2 weeks or so and went to the mickey button. I have only changed out the mickey one time. (did it myself- not hard)
<br />
<br />We wished we would of not fought getting the tube and done it sooner
<br />
<br />Good luck!
<br />
<br />Angie
G
grantsmom
Guest
Getting the tube was the best decision I have ever made for Grant. It has been almost a year and he has gained 11pounds. He had the long tube for 2months before he got the mickey button.
The worst part has been putting the enzymes through the mickey button. He wont take them by mouth in the morning so I had no other choice but to put them through the tube. Everything was great until Pancrecarb was taken off the market. Now we do creon which tend to clog the tube. Also the mickey button fell out once at the babysitters and by the time she noticed it had already started to close. After trying two local hospitals that would not help us we were forced to go the childrens an hour away. There they were able to stretch the opening and replace the button. Now I change the button every 2-3months. But overall the tube has been a good decision.
The worst part has been putting the enzymes through the mickey button. He wont take them by mouth in the morning so I had no other choice but to put them through the tube. Everything was great until Pancrecarb was taken off the market. Now we do creon which tend to clog the tube. Also the mickey button fell out once at the babysitters and by the time she noticed it had already started to close. After trying two local hospitals that would not help us we were forced to go the childrens an hour away. There they were able to stretch the opening and replace the button. Now I change the button every 2-3months. But overall the tube has been a good decision.
G
grantsmom
Guest
Getting the tube was the best decision I have ever made for Grant. It has been almost a year and he has gained 11pounds. He had the long tube for 2months before he got the mickey button.
The worst part has been putting the enzymes through the mickey button. He wont take them by mouth in the morning so I had no other choice but to put them through the tube. Everything was great until Pancrecarb was taken off the market. Now we do creon which tend to clog the tube. Also the mickey button fell out once at the babysitters and by the time she noticed it had already started to close. After trying two local hospitals that would not help us we were forced to go the childrens an hour away. There they were able to stretch the opening and replace the button. Now I change the button every 2-3months. But overall the tube has been a good decision.
The worst part has been putting the enzymes through the mickey button. He wont take them by mouth in the morning so I had no other choice but to put them through the tube. Everything was great until Pancrecarb was taken off the market. Now we do creon which tend to clog the tube. Also the mickey button fell out once at the babysitters and by the time she noticed it had already started to close. After trying two local hospitals that would not help us we were forced to go the childrens an hour away. There they were able to stretch the opening and replace the button. Now I change the button every 2-3months. But overall the tube has been a good decision.