mic-key vs bard

[Starfall99]

Hey guys, I know some of you have mentioned having Mic-keys so I figured I'd ask around here. For a couple years I've had Bard buttons for my feeding tube and have been pretty happy with them, but when I needed my last one changed I had to go to a different facility due to insurance issues. All they had were Mic-keys, which seemed to pretty much be the same thing as what I had just a different brand. Only problem is I assumed since it was the same tube the new connector equipment would work with what I have, but it doesn't! The syringe I used to flush the old connector tube won't fit into the Mic-key right-angle connector set, and prefer that one for overnight feeds instead of the straight connector set. For now I've been using one set for the feed, rinsing it out, and flushing the Mic-key with the other set. Is there a special syringe used to flush the Mic-key connector? Also, do you use regular Kangaroo bags for the feedings? I have been since I got the Mic-key on Thurs. and while it hasn't fallen out of the connector set yet it just doesn't feel as secure a fit with the mic-key right-angle connector as it did with the bard connector. Is there a different bag used for Mic-key tubes or am I just being paranoid?

About how long do the Mic-keys last? The Bard went about 6 months, sometimes more (though I'm kinda hoping for less right now... the hospital didn't have any tubes my size so they gave me a longer one, I have about 2.5 cm hanging out instead of laying flat against my skin <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif" border="0"> ). Also, I've heard something about patients being able to change Mic-keys themselves instead of going to the hospital? Is this true? I would LOVE to just do it myself (I've always thought it looked ridiculously easy and it was so dumb that I had to go to the hospital and have a doc change it for me), what would I need to do to arrange that? Does insurance pay for the stuff if you're changing it yourself?

Any Mic-key info is greatly appreciated! It'll be interesting to compare the different brands and "shop around" a little. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[anonymous]

I'm 17 and have had a mickey since i was about 10. I'm actually not sure what a bard is but i flush my mickey with just a normal 10ml syringe. I don't flush it directly in to the mickey though, i flust it through the connector bit if you know what i mean? I change mine myself at home. it's quick and usually painless. They say the mickey lasts about 3to 6months but i just check the level of water in the bubble after 3months and if it needs to be topped up then thats what i do. if theres acid present in the water, it means i have to change the tube. This one that i have in now, ive had for 10 months, mine usually last 10-12months. i hope this helps, if you have any more questions feel free to email me, rosiefitzer@yahoo.com