G-tube this Thursday, any tips?

F

froggymama

New member
My daughter is having surgery in a few days. They're doing the tube endoscopically. I feel like we've asked our doc a million questions, but there are always things they don't tell you, or we don't ask.

Is there anything we need to hear? Any suggestions about the hospital stay, coming home, best formulas?

I'm going to be doing major research for the next few days, but would love any advice on making this experience less traumatic for my little one. Thanks in advance! -Elise
 
F

froggymama

New member
My daughter is having surgery in a few days. They're doing the tube endoscopically. I feel like we've asked our doc a million questions, but there are always things they don't tell you, or we don't ask.

Is there anything we need to hear? Any suggestions about the hospital stay, coming home, best formulas?

I'm going to be doing major research for the next few days, but would love any advice on making this experience less traumatic for my little one. Thanks in advance! -Elise
 
F

froggymama

New member
My daughter is having surgery in a few days. They're doing the tube endoscopically. I feel like we've asked our doc a million questions, but there are always things they don't tell you, or we don't ask.

Is there anything we need to hear? Any suggestions about the hospital stay, coming home, best formulas?

I'm going to be doing major research for the next few days, but would love any advice on making this experience less traumatic for my little one. Thanks in advance! -Elise
 
F

froggymama

New member
My daughter is having surgery in a few days. They're doing the tube endoscopically. I feel like we've asked our doc a million questions, but there are always things they don't tell you, or we don't ask.

Is there anything we need to hear? Any suggestions about the hospital stay, coming home, best formulas?

I'm going to be doing major research for the next few days, but would love any advice on making this experience less traumatic for my little one. Thanks in advance! -Elise
 
F

froggymama

New member
My daughter is having surgery in a few days. They're doing the tube endoscopically. I feel like we've asked our doc a million questions, but there are always things they don't tell you, or we don't ask.
<br />
<br />Is there anything we need to hear? Any suggestions about the hospital stay, coming home, best formulas?
<br />
<br />I'm going to be doing major research for the next few days, but would love any advice on making this experience less traumatic for my little one. Thanks in advance! -Elise
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Elise,

We went through this a little over a year ago. UGH it was a tough decision and a tough time. First of all, if she has any GI issues you should request to start her on miralax NOW daily. The combination of the surgery, the anesthesia, and all the pain meds gave us three months of near bowel obstructions. We are now told to use miralax daily for several days before and after any use of pain meds or anesthesia.

Speaking of pain meds, do not let the nurses miss a dose or postpone one. Keeping on top of the pain for the first two days will really make the whole thing easier for everyone. The first day was not great, Alyssa was groggy and uncomfortable. I pretty much just held her on me and we watched TV for 24 hours straight.

The next day wasn't so bad and by the time she returned home things were much better. The button did cause an excess production of stomach acids, so it took some time for us to find the right combination of meds to deal with this.

As far as forumula goes, if she has no gastric emptying problems, you can probably use almost anything. We use Kids Essentials 1.5 because its more calories than pediasure.

Good luck!!! (((HUGS))) I know its heartbreaking, but you will be amazed by how quickly she puts on weight. I'm happy to answer any questions you have...now or after you come home. Sadly I've become quite an expert on this.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Elise,

We went through this a little over a year ago. UGH it was a tough decision and a tough time. First of all, if she has any GI issues you should request to start her on miralax NOW daily. The combination of the surgery, the anesthesia, and all the pain meds gave us three months of near bowel obstructions. We are now told to use miralax daily for several days before and after any use of pain meds or anesthesia.

Speaking of pain meds, do not let the nurses miss a dose or postpone one. Keeping on top of the pain for the first two days will really make the whole thing easier for everyone. The first day was not great, Alyssa was groggy and uncomfortable. I pretty much just held her on me and we watched TV for 24 hours straight.

The next day wasn't so bad and by the time she returned home things were much better. The button did cause an excess production of stomach acids, so it took some time for us to find the right combination of meds to deal with this.

As far as forumula goes, if she has no gastric emptying problems, you can probably use almost anything. We use Kids Essentials 1.5 because its more calories than pediasure.

Good luck!!! (((HUGS))) I know its heartbreaking, but you will be amazed by how quickly she puts on weight. I'm happy to answer any questions you have...now or after you come home. Sadly I've become quite an expert on this.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Elise,

We went through this a little over a year ago. UGH it was a tough decision and a tough time. First of all, if she has any GI issues you should request to start her on miralax NOW daily. The combination of the surgery, the anesthesia, and all the pain meds gave us three months of near bowel obstructions. We are now told to use miralax daily for several days before and after any use of pain meds or anesthesia.

Speaking of pain meds, do not let the nurses miss a dose or postpone one. Keeping on top of the pain for the first two days will really make the whole thing easier for everyone. The first day was not great, Alyssa was groggy and uncomfortable. I pretty much just held her on me and we watched TV for 24 hours straight.

The next day wasn't so bad and by the time she returned home things were much better. The button did cause an excess production of stomach acids, so it took some time for us to find the right combination of meds to deal with this.

As far as forumula goes, if she has no gastric emptying problems, you can probably use almost anything. We use Kids Essentials 1.5 because its more calories than pediasure.

Good luck!!! (((HUGS))) I know its heartbreaking, but you will be amazed by how quickly she puts on weight. I'm happy to answer any questions you have...now or after you come home. Sadly I've become quite an expert on this.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Elise,

We went through this a little over a year ago. UGH it was a tough decision and a tough time. First of all, if she has any GI issues you should request to start her on miralax NOW daily. The combination of the surgery, the anesthesia, and all the pain meds gave us three months of near bowel obstructions. We are now told to use miralax daily for several days before and after any use of pain meds or anesthesia.

Speaking of pain meds, do not let the nurses miss a dose or postpone one. Keeping on top of the pain for the first two days will really make the whole thing easier for everyone. The first day was not great, Alyssa was groggy and uncomfortable. I pretty much just held her on me and we watched TV for 24 hours straight.

The next day wasn't so bad and by the time she returned home things were much better. The button did cause an excess production of stomach acids, so it took some time for us to find the right combination of meds to deal with this.

As far as forumula goes, if she has no gastric emptying problems, you can probably use almost anything. We use Kids Essentials 1.5 because its more calories than pediasure.

Good luck!!! (((HUGS))) I know its heartbreaking, but you will be amazed by how quickly she puts on weight. I'm happy to answer any questions you have...now or after you come home. Sadly I've become quite an expert on this.
 
M

Mommafirst

Guest
Hi Elise,
<br />
<br />We went through this a little over a year ago. UGH it was a tough decision and a tough time. First of all, if she has any GI issues you should request to start her on miralax NOW daily. The combination of the surgery, the anesthesia, and all the pain meds gave us three months of near bowel obstructions. We are now told to use miralax daily for several days before and after any use of pain meds or anesthesia.
<br />
<br />Speaking of pain meds, do not let the nurses miss a dose or postpone one. Keeping on top of the pain for the first two days will really make the whole thing easier for everyone. The first day was not great, Alyssa was groggy and uncomfortable. I pretty much just held her on me and we watched TV for 24 hours straight.
<br />
<br />The next day wasn't so bad and by the time she returned home things were much better. The button did cause an excess production of stomach acids, so it took some time for us to find the right combination of meds to deal with this.
<br />
<br />As far as forumula goes, if she has no gastric emptying problems, you can probably use almost anything. We use Kids Essentials 1.5 because its more calories than pediasure.
<br />
<br />Good luck!!! (((HUGS))) I know its heartbreaking, but you will be amazed by how quickly she puts on weight. I'm happy to answer any questions you have...now or after you come home. Sadly I've become quite an expert on this.
 
C

crickit715

New member
my daughter was 4months old when she got hers, so its a little different, but it was a very good decision for our family. i thought my daughter tolerated the surgury well, like mentioned above they kept her on pain meds the first couple days and she really didnt seem too bothered by it afterward! the first 2 months will be the hardest but after you get the button put in, in place of the catheter it a breeze. good luck!!!
 
C

crickit715

New member
my daughter was 4months old when she got hers, so its a little different, but it was a very good decision for our family. i thought my daughter tolerated the surgury well, like mentioned above they kept her on pain meds the first couple days and she really didnt seem too bothered by it afterward! the first 2 months will be the hardest but after you get the button put in, in place of the catheter it a breeze. good luck!!!
 
C

crickit715

New member
my daughter was 4months old when she got hers, so its a little different, but it was a very good decision for our family. i thought my daughter tolerated the surgury well, like mentioned above they kept her on pain meds the first couple days and she really didnt seem too bothered by it afterward! the first 2 months will be the hardest but after you get the button put in, in place of the catheter it a breeze. good luck!!!
 
C

crickit715

New member
my daughter was 4months old when she got hers, so its a little different, but it was a very good decision for our family. i thought my daughter tolerated the surgury well, like mentioned above they kept her on pain meds the first couple days and she really didnt seem too bothered by it afterward! the first 2 months will be the hardest but after you get the button put in, in place of the catheter it a breeze. good luck!!!
 
C

crickit715

New member
my daughter was 4months old when she got hers, so its a little different, but it was a very good decision for our family. i thought my daughter tolerated the surgury well, like mentioned above they kept her on pain meds the first couple days and she really didnt seem too bothered by it afterward! the first 2 months will be the hardest but after you get the button put in, in place of the catheter it a breeze. good luck!!!
 
J

jimiv

New member
My son got his g-tube 2 years ago when he was 10 and there were a lot of questions. I think when he heard about other kids having similar experiences he was less concerned. As far as the tube feedings, cleaning, checking the baloon, what sort of formula to use and supplies; those answers came from making this all be part of a routine. It is amazing what kids can get used to and how resilient they can be. It was gut wrenching to make the decision to do this but after we did it we were all asking why we didn't do it sooner. Once he recovered from the surgery, we were able to find ways to resume normal kid life (swimming, playing, school, and other things kids like to do). Good luck with your daughter's surgery.
 
J

jimiv

New member
My son got his g-tube 2 years ago when he was 10 and there were a lot of questions. I think when he heard about other kids having similar experiences he was less concerned. As far as the tube feedings, cleaning, checking the baloon, what sort of formula to use and supplies; those answers came from making this all be part of a routine. It is amazing what kids can get used to and how resilient they can be. It was gut wrenching to make the decision to do this but after we did it we were all asking why we didn't do it sooner. Once he recovered from the surgery, we were able to find ways to resume normal kid life (swimming, playing, school, and other things kids like to do). Good luck with your daughter's surgery.
 
J

jimiv

New member
My son got his g-tube 2 years ago when he was 10 and there were a lot of questions. I think when he heard about other kids having similar experiences he was less concerned. As far as the tube feedings, cleaning, checking the baloon, what sort of formula to use and supplies; those answers came from making this all be part of a routine. It is amazing what kids can get used to and how resilient they can be. It was gut wrenching to make the decision to do this but after we did it we were all asking why we didn't do it sooner. Once he recovered from the surgery, we were able to find ways to resume normal kid life (swimming, playing, school, and other things kids like to do). Good luck with your daughter's surgery.
 
J

jimiv

New member
My son got his g-tube 2 years ago when he was 10 and there were a lot of questions. I think when he heard about other kids having similar experiences he was less concerned. As far as the tube feedings, cleaning, checking the baloon, what sort of formula to use and supplies; those answers came from making this all be part of a routine. It is amazing what kids can get used to and how resilient they can be. It was gut wrenching to make the decision to do this but after we did it we were all asking why we didn't do it sooner. Once he recovered from the surgery, we were able to find ways to resume normal kid life (swimming, playing, school, and other things kids like to do). Good luck with your daughter's surgery.
 
J

jimiv

New member
My son got his g-tube 2 years ago when he was 10 and there were a lot of questions. I think when he heard about other kids having similar experiences he was less concerned. As far as the tube feedings, cleaning, checking the baloon, what sort of formula to use and supplies; those answers came from making this all be part of a routine. It is amazing what kids can get used to and how resilient they can be. It was gut wrenching to make the decision to do this but after we did it we were all asking why we didn't do it sooner. Once he recovered from the surgery, we were able to find ways to resume normal kid life (swimming, playing, school, and other things kids like to do). Good luck with your daughter's surgery.
 
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