[tri-med] Re: G-Tube update

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sheila Helleson"
>> I'm using Neosporin on it and keeping it covered with a
> 4x4 bandage.  But each time I change it, there is a lot of drainage
> on the bandage.  And the pain is constant, causing me to use pain
> killers although today I thought I would try just Tylenol.  It hasn't
> done a thing.

I am with Fawna on the keeping the air to it. We don't use bandages around 
Alex's gastrostomy at all - they cause irritation and granulation.

Whats the pain like? Is it the leaking thats causing the pain? Is it leaking 
gastric stuff? That HURTS!! Think someone dripping hydrochloric acid into an 
open wound. For instant pain relief mix together a 50 / 50 mixture of 
Mylanta (or any antacid) with Betadine and paint that around the skin 
surrounding gastrostomy tube. The Mylanta stops the pain by neutralising the 
acid and the Betadine makes it stick to the skin better. You can still put 
the neosporin on if you want after it has dried.

The leaking should stop as soon as the track closes around the tube 
properly - and that should have happened. Add 1 - 2 cc's of water to the 
balloon to help it stop leaking. (you can have up to 10cc's in the balloon 
but we keep Alex's to 5 - 6 cc's) Do you have red skin forming a polo neck 
collar around the tube?

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.
                                            -- Josh Billings

Keep Looking For Rainbows!!
   _--_|\
 /Karen \
 \ _.--._ /
          v Karen, Mum to Alex (14 years, T-18 Mosaic)
http://members.optushome.com.au/karens

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                       www.trisomyonline.org
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