[tri-med] Re: granulation tissue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "brae"
> Could anyone tell me what causes granulation tissue around the button?and 
> could it happen anytime and not necessarily right away.

Granulation tissue is simply the body rejecting a foreign object by causing 
the growth of tissue to "push" the foreign object out. Its made worse by 
irritation, with buttons and tubes thats usually from a button a that rubs 
in some way.

Alex has always had issues with granulation tissue, simply because his body 
strongly rejects any foreign body. But its always a thousand times worse 
when the stem of the button is too long.

You have already identified a few issues that may be causing the granulation
1) the flexibility of the Nutriport Stem - that could cause greater 
irritation.

2) The fact that it sticks out further. If you need the extra length then 
make sure you use "spacers" under the button to stop it rubbing. Spacers are 
certainly available with the Bard button - they are simply plastic disks 
that fit between the flange and the skin to take up the space. There should 
never be more than a dime's space between the button and the skin, if there 
is more you need to take up the slack with spacers.

When was the last time that she was actually measured for her button? I am 
always amazed that most folk don't even realise that you should measure for 
the size of button that you require. You can get a measuring device from the 
same place you get your buttons. Its simply a g-tube that has a long piece 
sticking out that has graduated markings on it and a white disk that slides 
up and down. (If you need I can take a picture of ours and email it to you) 
You place the measuring device as you would a button and then slide the disk 
down to the skin and measure the size on the long piece. You should measure 
button size every year or two at least.

3) Skin folds and the scoliosis could all be contributary factors. It may 
simple be time to resite the g-tube. Eventually with enough growth all 
g-tubes need to be resited. But having said that Alex is almost 11 and his 
hasnt needed to be resited yet.

If all else fails and you need to just deal with granulation - try putting a 
few drops of tea tree oil in the bath (or eucalyptus I am told). Some people 
wipe it directly onto the granulation but I personally am reticent to use 
essential oils directly onto the skin. And also using a cortisone cream 
around the button. Cortisone cream should be used sparingly - I do the 
following routine using Diprisone. Three times a day for three days, three 
days of no cream. Repeat until the yellow crud goes and the granulation is 
no longer an issue. If it comes back simply repeat as needed. For internal 
granulation simply try and push some of the cream into the stoma a little 
when you apply it. Cortisone cream is miraculous - granulation tissue 
literally dissolves under it. (BTW the yellow crud is simply a serous 
fluid - sort of the plasma part of blood. Granulation tissue can also bleed 
red, and with internal granulation it can bleed into the stomach and scare 
the dickens out of you!! Its not really a problem though because granulation 
tissue simply bleeds profusely - its highly vascular that is has a lot of 
blood vessels in it. They wont bleed to death I promise)

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

Keep Looking For Rainbows!!
   _--_|\
 /Karen \
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          v Karen, Mum to Alex (11 years, T-18 Mosaic)
http://members.optushome.com.au/karens

                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
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