Anyone ever have gastric tube?

[stephh]

I might be getting one tomorrow and scared. I've been in hospital since 7/31 for many issues mainly adhesions causing blockages. I've had NG tube since then and doc thought gastric tube would make my life easier I think. It would be used for drainage of gastric juices (like NG tube). He wants to get NG out.
Is anyone familiar with it? My bowels are very slow to start up after all the procedures I've had here at the hospital (long story). Thanks so much for any thoughts or advice.

[janklo]

Are you talking about a "G-tube"? A feeding tube? If so, a coworker of mine had experience with that - her husband had oral cancer and his throat and digestive system were raw from radiation, so he had a g-tube inserted. It really worked out well for him, she would prepare the feeding stuff in the evening and pour it right into the tube. The only hangup was the cost, I think insurance did not cover the food substance. This was placed in the middle of his abdomen.

Anyhow, I just wanted to say I've been thinking of you! My daughter Lauren had HIPEC on September 12th and she has been in and out of the hospital ever since due to nausea, vomiting, an infection in the abdomen, poor nursing care, confusion and halloucinations from being over medicated, etc. She is so frustrated, I can only imagine how you are feeling! The good news is that she's on the mend and she's going to come up north in a day or so to stay with us and recuperate for however long it takes.

Good luck with that tube - hope it helps!

[PGLGreg]

I'm not clear whether you're distinguishing NG (nasogastric) tube from "gastric" tube. Are they different? I had an NG tube for 10 days in the hospital after my LAR operation. Like you, my digestive system was slow to start up again after being stopped for the surgery to heal. My tube was an irritation to put up with all that time, but it wasn't painful.

[KarMel]

My mom had a gastric tube for draining stomach fluids. She did not use it as a feeding tube, she was getting TPN. The biggest problem , and this was 24 years ago, was keeping her skin dry around the tube. This led to rashes and skin breakdowns. Hopefully, there are new better ways of avoiding that in last 20 years.

[Cancerislame]

I don't know much about the gastric tube except my HIPEC surgeon said that's what he would use if he thought I needed it after surgery instead of NG. I had NG for my small bowell obstruction and I hated every moment of it! Wishing you luck with this next course of action and thinking of you! Get out of there already! If you ever need anything pm me, my friend works at that hospital.

Take care,

Jennifer

[KimT]

I'm a nurse so I am familiar with gastric tubes. You will be MUCH more comfortable with that than the ng tube. It is quite simple to take care of. You will need to clean around the stomach opening daily and perhaps flush it a couple times a day. After the initial pain of having it put in ( it is a minor surgery) it should not hurt.

[stephh]

Thank you all for your responses. the procedure went well and I'm loving it so far. Hope I'm not speaking too soon. It's just so nice not having that darn NG tube!! I'll attempt ice chips drizzled with soda later this afternoon.
Janklo I'm so sorry to hear about Lauren's ordeal since HIPEC. but so glad she's on the mend and is with you to recuperate!! I've been thinking of her. Will be praying she can get back to feeling like herself.

[nicola smith]

Sorry to be late in replying. A friend had a gastric tube (PEG tube) for feeding owing to issues with her ability to swallow. It never bothered her at all. She'd hook and unhook it herself for 'meal times'.

I've had the dreaded NG tube and really understand how happy you must be to be shot of it.