Posted By: Meredith Cleaning feeding tube and spare parts - 09-03-2002 12:17 PM
My husband and I are very happy with the care that he has received at MDACC, Orlando branch-with the exception of the placing of the peg tube. It was placed by the interventional radiology group instead of the gastro group. (due to the urgency of the matter). We were not told how to care for the tube. Do we use anything to clear it other than water?? Someone mentioned club soda. How long do they stay clean?? I wash all removable parts with soap and water. Also we need a replacement part for the female receptor which screws on to receive the gravity bag. I called the manufacturer and they advise that I have to buy the entire peg tube to get one. I think these parts are interchangable with other types of peg tubes. If anyone knows where to buy this part, please let me know.
Thanks again
Meredith
Posted By: Joanna Re: Cleaning feeding tube and spare parts - 09-03-2002 02:54 PM
Meredith, I found that using water before and after feeding or medications keeps the tube clear. I am afraid I don't understand about the screw on part, as the tube from my gravity bag just plugs into the PEG. Sorry.
Joanna
Posted By: gnelson Re: Cleaning feeding tube and spare parts - 09-06-2002 12:29 PM
Hi,I have had a PEG tube for 2 years, I hold the record at my hospital for having a G-Tube- not in use-! I won't go in to why. I am confused why you need a replacement part? The bag to feed through has a part that just plugged into the peg tube, as I look at mine I wonder if you took too much off?If so you may need a new tube, that has to be done at the hospital, I have mine replaced every 3 months, they like you to do that because of stomach acids, etc. This replacement is a piece of cake. I still flush mine daily with water, if it gets clogged I use 7-UP that will clear it so fast its scarely, wonder whats in 7-Up? I once had BAD heartburn and I used a little baking soda with water, instant relief! When I used it for eating, I flushed water before, but a larger amount after.If you contact whoever put this in, they should be able to answer your questions, or you nutritionist.Good Luck. smile
Posted By: Meredith Re: Cleaning feeding tube and spare parts - 09-06-2002 04:05 PM
I appreciate the responses. John's peg tube was placed bythe radiology group who apparently use a "dfferent" type of peg tube. It has a cap on the end of the tube which we remove and screw on a small part that looks like a funnel. We then put the tip of the gravity bag into this funnel. The funnel part must be removed again in order to cap the end of the tube after eating. Unfortunately the funnel part is falling apart. I just got another from radiology. The company(i called) that makes the peg tube does not make spare parts and one has to purchase the entire peg tube to get the one part. Thanks for the cleaning tip.
Meredith
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