RIG Tube - Taping it Secure

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Looking for some help with finding a suitable product to aid the securing of my RIG tube/valve.

I am now permanently NBM and rely on the RIG for all nutrition including the ingestion of water. The RIG is a little less secure than a PEG (now having had both) as it’s inserted and changed every 6 months or so from the outside-in. Unlike a PEG, the RIG stays ‘secured’ against the inside of the stomach with a small bubble that it filled with 3ml of saline. Although secure, it can come out if the tube caught or in extreme circumstances during exercising or heavy lifting/excertion.

Question - when I left hospital last year I was given a roll of fabric -based plaster tape. It was like the old fashioned stuff you used to be able to buy and it was good for securing the tube to my skin without any issues (even showering) for around 5-7 days! I ran out of the tape and have tried EVERYWHERE to get it; Hospital, GP, Amazon, EBay, Pharmacies, Wilco etc etc etc.

I am using a highly sticking micropore at the minute to secure the middle part of the tube to my body thus creating a safety point should I snag the tube.  The micopore causes me a skin irritation which isn’t nice at all. I am super-paranoid about wrenching the RIG out as I want to try to go back to doing as many normal things as I did before without worrying about it; surfing, refereeing, cycling etc.

If the RIG comes out I’ve been given an emergency plug to keep the hole open long enough to get to a hospital to have a new one fitted however, I DO NOT want to do that..! Does anyone know of a super-sticky tape (the sort that you’d need turpentine to remove it with) as I am struggling to find any - the modern day plaster tapes are about as good as a chocolate teapot. Any help gratefully received.

FYI - my skin is a bit oily and I am hairy too which doesn’t help but I trim it short to make it easier to stick..!

  • Hi Reevsey

    You should be able to get Clinifix medical tubing adhesive on prescription from your GP. It's available online but I don't see why you should have to pay for it.

    Good luck Fingers crossed

  • Hi. I got tape to secure my PEG on prescription from my GP. You can also buy it on Amazon -Mefix tape

  • This stuff? SPORTTAPE Tan Zinc Oxide Tape - 3.8cm x 10m - High Strength Athletic Tape, Blister Prevention Tape for Running & Hiking, Sports Strapping Tape & Ankle Tape for Netball. Football, Rugby - Single Roll https://amzn.eu/d/cHCahWy

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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