HI,
Has any one had or heard of anyone having a problem with g-button balloons breaking? Hannah had her surgery just about three weeks ago and we are on our 4th button(She had the button placed right away). The first time it seemed to pop through her skin, balloon still intact, but she had barely tugged on it. Then we have had 2 balloons burst in less than 2 weeks. I read in the care book that early break down could be a PH problem, but this seems extreme. I know the balloon wasn't overfilled(4ccs of water). The last 2 were split comepletely.
We plan to call the doctor tomorrow, but we were just wondering if anyone has had this problem.
Thanks!,
Kim

Sorry we have not had a problem with balloons. Could it be a size issue--the buttons come in different sizes, maybe hers is not a proper fit. Wish I had some great advice. Let us know what you learn from the doc.

Talked to the nurse today and she said it is definitely possible that she could be attacking the silicone. She said she has only seen it one other time(She is an older nurse). She does think it is possible with Hannah based on some other things. One, her reaction to the G-site in general. We have had a hard time with it, we have to cauterize it all the time, another is her reaction to the stitches. They didn't dissolve like they were supposed to and they had to be pulled out. They sites were nasty looking before then. She said Hannah just seems to react to all things foreign. She said they would have to out in another style of button. We will talk to the surgeons on Friday also. She said the only way to tell is if another one breaks too soon. So I guess we just have to wait.
I swear it is never easy with Hannah. We call it the Hannah plan. :)

Can they use a different type of button? What does she have now?

hmm, what kind of button does she have ? We have gone through several in short periods of time just from inflating them. 4cc seems like very little fliud for the balloon. Noah always started with a new site @ 4cc but then quickly went up to 6 or 7cc's within a few days time. One trick we learned is that before putiing the new buttons in Noah we always fill them up and check them out. We only get 5 buttons a year from our insurance without having to fight them for more as they are quite expensive. Good thing you have good insurance :) We use the silver nitrate sticks on Noah's g-tube site regularly as he has over growth of bacteria from his site which then infects the granuloma and causes a nasty mess.

Hi

Sorry I don't have any advise for you.. Jaxon just got his G tube Dec 23/05 and so far its been good no problems

Wish I could be of help!

Good Luck