Infections around stoma site of balloon gastrostomy

I did not have the type of tube your husband had, instead I had a solid internal bumper.  However I think the overall situation is similar to what we generically call a PE/ or RIG.

Alas I can't help with the issues as I had absolutely no problem with my tube.  I kept mine fairly loose with the retaining clip slightly in contact with the skin.  I also cleaned it religiously and made sure I did the push in and turn daily to keep the wound free.  I guess all that is happening.

Mine came out after around 6 months once I was confident that I could swallow and needed no further treatment,  Hopefully his swallow will rapidly improve and the tube can be removed shortly.

How is his eating coming along? Can he get Ensures down by mouth at least and get rid of the feeding tube entirely? 

I had a few PEG tube infections...antibiotics, anti-fungal cream, Sudocrem were all used, sterile soft gauze pads were used twice daily...placed between the tube bumper and skin...it's a very delicate area which needs constant monitoring....The gauze pads were part of a 'goody bag' given to me when I was discharged from the ward ...admitted to ward  due to rapid weight loss.

Hi ,I too had a balloon  gastronomy fitted in February . I had an infection  the 1st week, which was extremely painful. I had mine replaced with another balloon type 7 weeks later as the balloon burst. The 1st type with a triangle bolster was really uncomfortable to wear and caused pressure sores. The nurse at clatterbridge gave me the foam buffer pads . When they fitted the 2nd one it had a round disc bolster which although was more comfortable, the fitted a slightly  smaller one . It had a smaller balloon and thinner tube. Only problem is now I have granulation as the tube moves about more. 

Not sure what your hubby does with his but this is my routine. 

1st thing on morning take buffer pad off ,clean site in shower then I clean it all with a saline solution i made up myself(,in a little spray bottle )while loosening the bolster fitting .wipe around the site, clean under the fitting and tube. Push the tube in, rotate, then before resetting  the bolster back in position I rewipe the tube. Dry the area with a tissue. And stick a pad or gauze underneath. I also tape the tube to my stomach to stop it moving about, as it gets sore otherwise. When I had the previous one with the triangle fitting i used to tape the top of the fitting to my skin to stop it moving and stickng in me.

I get the pads  from my Gp. And I save the gauzes from the district  nurse pack each week when the change the balloon water. I was told not use barrier cream.

I find recently the more I eat the more leakage I have so .I can clean it 2 to 3 times a day. Any gastric leakage can cause irritation leading to infection.

I always flush it before bed and reclean the site also. 

Sounds a bit of a palaver , but it keeps it comfortable .I also find if im gardening  or working at the table it gets sore for a few hours ,think its because im squashing it leaning forward.

I have got granulation  buildup below it. But if im careful and keep it clean this doesn't bother me.  I believe you can get cream that burns it away to clear it. Which ill do eventually. Hopefully i won't need much longer as I only use it once a day ,and thats because I've so many Ensures left and I can't stand the taste of them. Lol. 

Hope he gets it more comfortable, I know it can really get you down when its sore. 

Xx

Great advice Lotty. 

                                Chris x

Im having issues around my stoma site, but they can't seem to get on top of it. Mine is more of a discharge or liquid coming out of the stoma, which in turn is causing irritation and soreness. I'm convinced it's an internal issue causing it , i have the PEG nurse coming around to have another look. All the best.

                                         Chris x

Yes Chris thats what I have most days. I believe granulation can cause its own discharge also. If im having a bad day I just clean it more often, the gastric discharge can be really irritating to the skin otherwise Sometimes there's a little blood too but thats usually if I've cleaned it and caught the granulation,which again is normal to happen. But its slight and stops quickly. If I find it becomes uncomfortable, I just up my game caring  for it and it settles within 24hrs.. I can also get pressure sore points if I don't tape it . Which again settles within 24hrs when dealt with. 

Tracy xx

Thank you for your reply, he is due another video x-ray swallowing assessment next month so hoping he is able to swallow more and the RIG removed.

Unfortunately at the moment only able to have water and things like custard, yoghurt pending antoher swallowing assessment next month.

Thanks Michael we have been using sterile gauze pads but had heard about the foam pads which sounded as if might be more helpful.