Feeding Rig

Hi Mintcake,

I am assuming you have had a peg tube fitted.  I have had a peg tube in for at least two and half years, hope to get it removed soon.  The reason being have had so much surgery post operation for removal of nose etc that I still required it.  Anyway, you should flush the peg tube every day with boiled water gone cold from the kettle, keeping it clean is important.  I have had two infections in mine and its not very nice. You will experience some loose stools (can't spell dioreah either , haha), but this should stop eventually.  You may also have some mild acid reflux, but I suppose this will depend on your treatment and what you are being fed.  Anyway, just relax, I tell you mine has been a god send and I will miss it, I've got use to having it in, it will be like losing a friend, lol.  Don't worry about it, you it will soon be part of your everyday.

Cheers

Heather

Thanks Heather

its a balloon Gastrostomy tube, don’t think it’s a peg ? 
Sure some of that info is relevant tho so thanks. 

Hi Ellie,

Its the same thing, its called a peg tube where I am from, yours sounds so technical, lol.  Anyway good luck, feel free to message me anytime you want.

Regards

Heather

Mintcake said:

any advice gratefully received. 

Hi Mintcake. Tell your treatment team. I have friends who swore by Buscopan to settle everything after tube insertion 

Hi Mintcake

Unfortunately sounds par for the course but should settle down anytime soon-fingers crossed for you. Your stomach muscles go into spasms after the procedure, so Buscopan and peppermint oil can really help. Peppermint oil from most chemists!

Many thanks, put my mind at rest, if not my stomach. 

Told the team, they said the tube feedback was normal. The cramps not so and to contact my GP if they continue. Hopefully they will settle down. 
many thanks for the advice

Hi

I've had my RIG since Novmbet and when it was first put in I had spasms around where the tube was.  This was apparently normal as it was the muscle wall spasming to the new tube.  It did eventually settle down but it still does it every now and again. It feels like a popping sensation.  

I also had back flow which again is normal. Just remember to flush some clean water through when you've finished a feed or medication.

Hope this helps

Mel

Many Thanks Mel. 

Hi Mintcake,

I also had a RIG tube fitted prior to my RT/CT and became totally reliant on it once the treatment side effects kicked in. From what I recall I was warned that the medication given prior the tube being inserted could cause diarrhoea and yes following the initial fitting the area surrounding the tube was very tender. I did have an issue with an ongoing mild infection at the site and bathed it with salt water daily. As others have mentioned you also need to flush out prior to using it. It did all become a matter of routine and I was very grateful for if. I also used Softpore pads to reduce the friction on my skin.

All the best for your treatment. 

- John