G-Tube

A

AnnaH

New member
I'm 17, and I've had a G tube for most of my life. I went for a few years in grade school without one, and I think I'd have been better off with.

For me, I got the G tube(when I was 8- also had one as a baby/toddler)because not only was I not gaining weight, trying to keep it on was making me miserable. I was constantly trying to cram in as many calories as possible, and it was really stressful. I was also getting sick more fequently, and because I didn't have lung issues at the time, we hoped that better nutrition would prevent them.

For me, the Gtube is much easier than trying to eat everything orally from a quality of life standpoint- I don't have to worry about getting in as many calories as physically possible, and as a result my eating is actually bettter.
I also really belive that my lungs are healthier for it. There's a proven connection between weight and lung health, and I think that alone makes the gtube worth it.

I don't think it looks *that* bad either. It's not goregous, but it's not disfiguring or anything. Mine is also pretty easy to conceal. Unless I'm wearing something skintight, it's not/barely visible and when it is, it looks like an odd fold of cloth/fat- not like, mygawd alien device type thing. I've got a mickey though- the peg tubes are definitly worse. I hate, hate hated my peg.

I don't think it's a decision to be taken lightly, but I don't think it's as bad as alot of people make it out to be.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I'm 17, and I've had a G tube for most of my life. I went for a few years in grade school without one, and I think I'd have been better off with.

For me, I got the G tube(when I was 8- also had one as a baby/toddler)because not only was I not gaining weight, trying to keep it on was making me miserable. I was constantly trying to cram in as many calories as possible, and it was really stressful. I was also getting sick more fequently, and because I didn't have lung issues at the time, we hoped that better nutrition would prevent them.

For me, the Gtube is much easier than trying to eat everything orally from a quality of life standpoint- I don't have to worry about getting in as many calories as physically possible, and as a result my eating is actually bettter.
I also really belive that my lungs are healthier for it. There's a proven connection between weight and lung health, and I think that alone makes the gtube worth it.

I don't think it looks *that* bad either. It's not goregous, but it's not disfiguring or anything. Mine is also pretty easy to conceal. Unless I'm wearing something skintight, it's not/barely visible and when it is, it looks like an odd fold of cloth/fat- not like, mygawd alien device type thing. I've got a mickey though- the peg tubes are definitly worse. I hate, hate hated my peg.

I don't think it's a decision to be taken lightly, but I don't think it's as bad as alot of people make it out to be.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I'm 17, and I've had a G tube for most of my life. I went for a few years in grade school without one, and I think I'd have been better off with.

For me, I got the G tube(when I was 8- also had one as a baby/toddler)because not only was I not gaining weight, trying to keep it on was making me miserable. I was constantly trying to cram in as many calories as possible, and it was really stressful. I was also getting sick more fequently, and because I didn't have lung issues at the time, we hoped that better nutrition would prevent them.

For me, the Gtube is much easier than trying to eat everything orally from a quality of life standpoint- I don't have to worry about getting in as many calories as physically possible, and as a result my eating is actually bettter.
I also really belive that my lungs are healthier for it. There's a proven connection between weight and lung health, and I think that alone makes the gtube worth it.

I don't think it looks *that* bad either. It's not goregous, but it's not disfiguring or anything. Mine is also pretty easy to conceal. Unless I'm wearing something skintight, it's not/barely visible and when it is, it looks like an odd fold of cloth/fat- not like, mygawd alien device type thing. I've got a mickey though- the peg tubes are definitly worse. I hate, hate hated my peg.

I don't think it's a decision to be taken lightly, but I don't think it's as bad as alot of people make it out to be.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I'm 17, and I've had a G tube for most of my life. I went for a few years in grade school without one, and I think I'd have been better off with.

For me, I got the G tube(when I was 8- also had one as a baby/toddler)because not only was I not gaining weight, trying to keep it on was making me miserable. I was constantly trying to cram in as many calories as possible, and it was really stressful. I was also getting sick more fequently, and because I didn't have lung issues at the time, we hoped that better nutrition would prevent them.

For me, the Gtube is much easier than trying to eat everything orally from a quality of life standpoint- I don't have to worry about getting in as many calories as physically possible, and as a result my eating is actually bettter.
I also really belive that my lungs are healthier for it. There's a proven connection between weight and lung health, and I think that alone makes the gtube worth it.

I don't think it looks *that* bad either. It's not goregous, but it's not disfiguring or anything. Mine is also pretty easy to conceal. Unless I'm wearing something skintight, it's not/barely visible and when it is, it looks like an odd fold of cloth/fat- not like, mygawd alien device type thing. I've got a mickey though- the peg tubes are definitly worse. I hate, hate hated my peg.

I don't think it's a decision to be taken lightly, but I don't think it's as bad as alot of people make it out to be.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I'm 17, and I've had a G tube for most of my life. I went for a few years in grade school without one, and I think I'd have been better off with.

For me, I got the G tube(when I was 8- also had one as a baby/toddler)because not only was I not gaining weight, trying to keep it on was making me miserable. I was constantly trying to cram in as many calories as possible, and it was really stressful. I was also getting sick more fequently, and because I didn't have lung issues at the time, we hoped that better nutrition would prevent them.

For me, the Gtube is much easier than trying to eat everything orally from a quality of life standpoint- I don't have to worry about getting in as many calories as physically possible, and as a result my eating is actually bettter.
I also really belive that my lungs are healthier for it. There's a proven connection between weight and lung health, and I think that alone makes the gtube worth it.

I don't think it looks *that* bad either. It's not goregous, but it's not disfiguring or anything. Mine is also pretty easy to conceal. Unless I'm wearing something skintight, it's not/barely visible and when it is, it looks like an odd fold of cloth/fat- not like, mygawd alien device type thing. I've got a mickey though- the peg tubes are definitly worse. I hate, hate hated my peg.

I don't think it's a decision to be taken lightly, but I don't think it's as bad as alot of people make it out to be.
 
C

ConnorsMom

New member
We too did everything to avoid having Connor get a g-tube, but after two years on a junk food diet and meds to increase his appetite, we gave in. He got it this past summer, but the first one failed- came out of his stomach and was between the stomach and abdominal wall- and caused him a lot of pain. The second one has held just fine, and he's gaining steadily at about 1.5 lbs a week. The biggest downside, and the part Connor hates the most, is dealing with the granulation tissue. We keep guaze between his button (the Mic-key) and his skin, but still it's continual. Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce it? Connor really hates for us to have to treat it with silver nitrate but that's all they've given us to treat it.
 
C

ConnorsMom

New member
We too did everything to avoid having Connor get a g-tube, but after two years on a junk food diet and meds to increase his appetite, we gave in. He got it this past summer, but the first one failed- came out of his stomach and was between the stomach and abdominal wall- and caused him a lot of pain. The second one has held just fine, and he's gaining steadily at about 1.5 lbs a week. The biggest downside, and the part Connor hates the most, is dealing with the granulation tissue. We keep guaze between his button (the Mic-key) and his skin, but still it's continual. Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce it? Connor really hates for us to have to treat it with silver nitrate but that's all they've given us to treat it.
 
C

ConnorsMom

New member
We too did everything to avoid having Connor get a g-tube, but after two years on a junk food diet and meds to increase his appetite, we gave in. He got it this past summer, but the first one failed- came out of his stomach and was between the stomach and abdominal wall- and caused him a lot of pain. The second one has held just fine, and he's gaining steadily at about 1.5 lbs a week. The biggest downside, and the part Connor hates the most, is dealing with the granulation tissue. We keep guaze between his button (the Mic-key) and his skin, but still it's continual. Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce it? Connor really hates for us to have to treat it with silver nitrate but that's all they've given us to treat it.
 
C

ConnorsMom

New member
We too did everything to avoid having Connor get a g-tube, but after two years on a junk food diet and meds to increase his appetite, we gave in. He got it this past summer, but the first one failed- came out of his stomach and was between the stomach and abdominal wall- and caused him a lot of pain. The second one has held just fine, and he's gaining steadily at about 1.5 lbs a week. The biggest downside, and the part Connor hates the most, is dealing with the granulation tissue. We keep guaze between his button (the Mic-key) and his skin, but still it's continual. Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce it? Connor really hates for us to have to treat it with silver nitrate but that's all they've given us to treat it.
 
C

ConnorsMom

New member
We too did everything to avoid having Connor get a g-tube, but after two years on a junk food diet and meds to increase his appetite, we gave in. He got it this past summer, but the first one failed- came out of his stomach and was between the stomach and abdominal wall- and caused him a lot of pain. The second one has held just fine, and he's gaining steadily at about 1.5 lbs a week. The biggest downside, and the part Connor hates the most, is dealing with the granulation tissue. We keep guaze between his button (the Mic-key) and his skin, but still it's continual. Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce it? Connor really hates for us to have to treat it with silver nitrate but that's all they've given us to treat it.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I was told that keeping guaze on it all the time increases granulation tissue. The gauze keeps air from curculating. The only time I've had guaze on it 24/7 was when my stoma was infected- otherwise I just wash it with soap and water, and dry well. The one infection is the only problem I've ever had.
This forum <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.parent-2-parent.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8">http://www.parent-2-parent.com...m/forumdisplay.php?f=8</a> Has alot of good tube feeding information.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I was told that keeping guaze on it all the time increases granulation tissue. The gauze keeps air from curculating. The only time I've had guaze on it 24/7 was when my stoma was infected- otherwise I just wash it with soap and water, and dry well. The one infection is the only problem I've ever had.
This forum <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.parent-2-parent.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8">http://www.parent-2-parent.com...m/forumdisplay.php?f=8</a> Has alot of good tube feeding information.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I was told that keeping guaze on it all the time increases granulation tissue. The gauze keeps air from curculating. The only time I've had guaze on it 24/7 was when my stoma was infected- otherwise I just wash it with soap and water, and dry well. The one infection is the only problem I've ever had.
This forum <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.parent-2-parent.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8">http://www.parent-2-parent.com...m/forumdisplay.php?f=8</a> Has alot of good tube feeding information.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I was told that keeping guaze on it all the time increases granulation tissue. The gauze keeps air from curculating. The only time I've had guaze on it 24/7 was when my stoma was infected- otherwise I just wash it with soap and water, and dry well. The one infection is the only problem I've ever had.
This forum <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.parent-2-parent.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8">http://www.parent-2-parent.com...m/forumdisplay.php?f=8</a> Has alot of good tube feeding information.
 
A

AnnaH

New member
I was told that keeping guaze on it all the time increases granulation tissue. The gauze keeps air from curculating. The only time I've had guaze on it 24/7 was when my stoma was infected- otherwise I just wash it with soap and water, and dry well. The one infection is the only problem I've ever had.
This forum <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.parent-2-parent.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8">http://www.parent-2-parent.com...m/forumdisplay.php?f=8</a> Has alot of good tube feeding information.
 
A

AUradar

New member
we got one for my little girl amost two years ago. I think its the best treatment we have done for her.

I know it can be embarrising to have it there. And I'm sure when she gets older she will be a little more self concious about it. I'm going to pick on you jfarel for a bit.

"7th grade I was 5' tall and 75 pounds"

how self concious where you about your weight and height back then? I'm also betting you were longer to develope. Compared to that, I would think that little button isn't so bad.

But, for older kids I think the parents ought to work with their kids so that they can make the decision.
 
A

AUradar

New member
we got one for my little girl amost two years ago. I think its the best treatment we have done for her.

I know it can be embarrising to have it there. And I'm sure when she gets older she will be a little more self concious about it. I'm going to pick on you jfarel for a bit.

"7th grade I was 5' tall and 75 pounds"

how self concious where you about your weight and height back then? I'm also betting you were longer to develope. Compared to that, I would think that little button isn't so bad.

But, for older kids I think the parents ought to work with their kids so that they can make the decision.
 
A

AUradar

New member
we got one for my little girl amost two years ago. I think its the best treatment we have done for her.

I know it can be embarrising to have it there. And I'm sure when she gets older she will be a little more self concious about it. I'm going to pick on you jfarel for a bit.

"7th grade I was 5' tall and 75 pounds"

how self concious where you about your weight and height back then? I'm also betting you were longer to develope. Compared to that, I would think that little button isn't so bad.

But, for older kids I think the parents ought to work with their kids so that they can make the decision.
 
A

AUradar

New member
we got one for my little girl amost two years ago. I think its the best treatment we have done for her.

I know it can be embarrising to have it there. And I'm sure when she gets older she will be a little more self concious about it. I'm going to pick on you jfarel for a bit.

"7th grade I was 5' tall and 75 pounds"

how self concious where you about your weight and height back then? I'm also betting you were longer to develope. Compared to that, I would think that little button isn't so bad.

But, for older kids I think the parents ought to work with their kids so that they can make the decision.
 
A

AUradar

New member
we got one for my little girl amost two years ago. I think its the best treatment we have done for her.

I know it can be embarrising to have it there. And I'm sure when she gets older she will be a little more self concious about it. I'm going to pick on you jfarel for a bit.

"7th grade I was 5' tall and 75 pounds"

how self concious where you about your weight and height back then? I'm also betting you were longer to develope. Compared to that, I would think that little button isn't so bad.

But, for older kids I think the parents ought to work with their kids so that they can make the decision.
 
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