Hi

We just found out Jaxon is going to be having a G-J tube put in.. He currenly has a G tube now but with the severe retching and gagging and continous leaking they have decided to put a G J tube in to give his stomach a rest temporarly..

My questions are: Is there a hospital stay required from going from a G tube to a G-J tube? Is the feeding schedule different? He currently feeds continously over night at a rate of 100-150mL/hr but with the increased retching and gagging we have had to go as low as 80mL/hr sometimes.. How slow of a rate do they usually recommend feeding at with this G-J tube? He also takes 1000 mL a day total of Nutran Junior. Is this new tube harder to care for? Is it easily pulled out?

Sorry so many questions but I'm nervous about this new tube

Please Help!

Thanks

Good luck with the new tube.

I'm not 100% sure on some of your questions but will give it a shot. I would think that going from a G to a GJ would be a day surgery type thing, in and out, though I may be wrong. I can't imagine it would be much more than a day or two though.

The feeding schedule whenever food is being pumped directly into the jejunum, as with the GJ needs to be continuous. The bowel is not for storage, therefore, can not handle a large volume of food all at once. If he's currently at 80mls/hr on the G-tube, they may start the GJ at say 40 mls/hr and gradually work up. If he handles the 40 well, then every few hours you can up it by a ml or two and see how far you can get. I would actually think he could handle 80mls/hr via J port easily enough eventually but all kids are different so take it slow. Not really sure about the care either, as it depends on what they are going to use. My feeling is that it won't be any harder to manage than what you have now. What do you have now by the way? Did they mention whether they were putting in a catheter or a button?

Hi my son has gone from a gtube to gj and presently still has the gj in. I was wondering if you have a button or a straight tube? My son has the Mckey gj button and really like it. He did have a gj straight tube but they are harder to care for and can leak alot.

Now to answer your questions having the g changed to a gj is usually done in and out. My son has had them done in interventional radiology and in the endoscopy suite. He is sedated during the procedure and than released when the sedation wears off.

As for feeding rate my son could only get up to 85mls and hr. He was fed continuously over night and some in the morning. If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask anytime. I do wish you luck and hope that the procedure goes smoothly.


Melanie

Thank you so much for your quick replys..

They did not metion wether its a catheter or button, which is better?

He currently has a G tube.

Thanks

Dana -- I'm glad Roni and Melanie answered your questions since Daniel has a G tube. But I wanted to add that I hope the procedure goes well and Jaxon starts feeling better! Have they set a date?

Dana,
I have found that the button has been easier to deal with. The button is flush to the skin. My son had problems with the jport staying in place when he had the straight tube but now with the button it has not moved out of place since it has been put in.


Melanie

Sorry no experience here--Sam has a g-tube. Just wanted to wish you luck.