PEG Feeding Stomach Tube

On Jun 09, 2015 5:18 PM stayinalive60 wrote:

On Jun 09, 2015 11:40 AM VeteranR wrote:

Yes thanks much Gary.

Yesterday his neck started peeling, so we are at loss as to how to proceed.

I will check with his nurse today before radiation.

...the gift that keeps on giving.  ewww.

Val

My doctor recommended calendula lotion for the radiation burns.  I used Boiron Homeopathic Calendula Lotion (10% calendula) every day during radiation and after.  I think it really helped. You can get it from Amazon.

We ended up with sulfidine cream and that worked very well.  

He does have a bit of scarring but not to badly.  

On Aug 25, 2015 3:19 AM Pepperswife wrote:

Hello, I'm new to this fourm.  My husband has just had a PEG installed today even though he's only had one radiology session for his mid 2/3 squamous cell esophogeal cancer.  I'm trying to figure out out to help him get comfortable sitting/sleeping with this in.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I've read some wonderful, supportive advice on this site.

My husband used a piece of tape, the kind you can get for sports injuries.  We put it on 'Miss PEGgy' at night so it wouldn't flop around.

He isn't able to sleep in a recliner but that may help with it too.

You need an elastic band of some type to keep the tube from flopping around or getting tugged on. Our gastroenterology team uses a mesh surgical brief (the kind that is usually worn over dressings after gyn or anal surgeries). Simply cut the brief through the crotch from leg Hole to leg hole. It forms a perfect lightweight band around the abdomen. Just pull in up to the level of the PEG and it forms a perfect supportive packet. Alternately get a 4" ACE wrap and loosely wrap it around the abdomen to cover the tube. Make sure the outer bumper isn't excessively tight to the skin. There should be about 1/2" play in and out. If it is too tight it can cause soreness, and also tends to make the tube stick straight out, rather than flexing a bit to the side. Good luck. Hit me up with PEG tube questions any time. I'm an SCC survivor, and PEG tube veteran, but also a GI NP with expertise in PEG's. Brian

On Aug 25, 2015 3:19 AM Pepperswife wrote:

Hello, I'm new to this fourm.  My husband has just had a PEG installed today even though he's only had one radiology session for his mid 2/3 squamous cell esophogeal cancer.  I'm trying to figure out out to help him get comfortable sitting/sleeping with this in.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I've read some wonderful, supportive advice on this site.

My PEG tube wasn't hard to tolerate at all.  After the first couple of days the site was not sore, and I could sleep on it just fine.  I did worry, but it is securely in there if you keep the balloon inflated (balloon-type tubes;  I've heard there are other kinds).

Hope you find that your husband's is as easy.

Susan

I had mine taped around in a loop. It kept it from flopping all around. You kind of get used to it

gary

I attached a string to the top the peg and hung it from around my neck. I wouldn't worry too much about accidentally pulling it out. If it's the same type as I had, it's in there very securely. Ron

I was treated for squamous cell of maxillary sinus.  Went through pre-op clinical trial as well as post-op radiation and chemo.  My doctors at MDAnderson do not recommend automatic placement of a peg tube unless the patient is unable to eat or drink or has too much weight loss for the same reason your tumor board folks stated.  Your swallowing muscles will atrophy (like any other muscle) with out use.  I ended up with a peg tube placed 2 weeks after completion of therapy due to mouth sores and serious weight loss.  I had the tube for only 6 weeks while my mouth healed.  Just note, the tube must stay in place minimum of 6 weeks.  But, this got me "over the hump".  I am now cancer free (3 years).

Hi all:

Long time between visits for me - hope you all doing fabulously well!

Murf100 is on the right track. But rather than going with a mesh surgical brief and cutting that down, you can actually buy - or the hospital might supply - a tubular gauze elastic. It would look something like theSePro Net Dressing Tubular Elastic Gauze Bandage <http://tinyurl.com/nmaoq26>. This is NOT an endorsement of that product - but gives a reasonable good example of what I'm talking about.

Basically you would cut about a 4"-5" length piece. Then you would end up with a shortened tube that can be stretched, pulled over your head, and slid down to your abdominal area. The you can roll the PEG tubing in a loose loop and place it under the band. It's non-irritating, not restrictive, and keeps the goods neatly in place.

I had several. When I would take my shower in the morning, I would tape the rolled up tube to my stomach - or carefully let it hang loosely - and then also wash the mesh tube by balling it up in my hands with some soap. Then I would let it dry out on a hanger - unstretched - while I used my reserved one that I had washed the day before.

They last quite some time - and if they get too loose/stretchy, just cut another one.

You can most likely find in a surgical supply store or they can even order for you. But definitely speak to the doc or the nurse at the hospital and see if they can supply you with a few pieces.

Hang in and hang on - wishing you a quick and successful recovery!

- Jeff

Thank you everyone!!  I never thought of these ideas... this forum is a great respite, and I'm so grateful it's here.  I pray everyone recovers from this awful disease.