Search for posts by ChristineB...she had trouble as well with the feedings and developed a method that helped keep the supplements down. I think she used a pump but it will still apply even if you are just using gravity feeding.

Can someone post a link...I am heading out the door or I would search it and do so??

Deb

I also didn't have a PEG but I think I have read others that said to slow the intake down both in terms of speed and volume until your stomach adjusts.

I'm sorry that you have a hard time going through your first week of radiation therapy. I think that your body is just adjusting to it especially the medications that they are giving you. But as an Oncology nurse, I think you know the benefit of undergoing this treatment. I wish you well...

Denver Radiation Oncologist

Hi ES,

Im the one who went thru PEG tube *heck. I have had to learn many ways to adapt to the liquid feedings. Its easier for me to write it than to search for some of the old posts.

1. Gravity and bolus feedings were way too fast and made me ill. The formula was too strong too.

2. If you dont have one get on immediately, the pump. I used it for overnight feedings which helped cut down what I had to do during the day. This is what got me thru OC. Im going to tell you info like you have the pump.

3. Start out with 3 cans formula and 2 cans water. A bag typically holds almost 5 cans.

4. At this level of mixture you will probably need to do this both night and day to get your full amount necessary.

5. Run it on only 20ml per hour. After 4 days kick it up to 30. If you are still doing ok after about 3 days then try 40. Then jump to 60 after 3 days, 80 after 2 days. Keep it there for about a week. If you move up too fast you may have to go back down.

6. After you are comfortable with 80 for at least a week move it up to 100. Keep it there a couple days then 140. Just keep moving it up til you hit about 180, just make sure to do it gradually so you dont need to go backwards.

7. Right along with pushing up the speed, gradually decrease the water. In the end I was at 180 with 4 cans and 1/2 water.

8. Talk to the doctor who is ordering the supplies. Better yet is the nutritionist who is familiar with PEG feedings. I went thru several formulas til I found the right one and learned the tricks.

9. Use benefiber mixed with water at least once per day to help with stomach/bowel issues. That can be done as a flush for the tube. I would flush it a few times per day.

10. To keep it clean, after a shower, pat it dry. Take a q-tip and antibiotic cream and put it around the peg site. Ask for guaze dressings with a slit to place on top. I used surgical tape to keep it in place.

11. I also taped the tube to the side of my stomach. I had a couple embarrassing moments where it peaked out and amazed small children. Then while frantically tucking it back in I got scared the store would see me on camera and think I was a shoplifter. Just imagine explaining that one.

Any other questions, please ask.

Hi Es,
I agree with ChristineB, definately slow the feed down. We also used anti nausea 'Pramin' 1/2 hour before feed to warn the stomach it will soon need to digest, and 'if' my other still felt nauseated after or during the feed, I gave him Valoid which tells the brain to tell the stomach to stop feeling nausea [haven't used many of these] - can you get these meds in the States?

Oh yeah, I completely forgot about the anti nasuea meds.

Once the nasuea has set in its very difficult to get a hold of. Make sure to keep trying to take the meds even if feeling ok. Nasuea is tricky and will sneak in there when you skip a dose of the meds. I used many different ones. Dont remember their names just know Compazine did not work it made me ill.

thank you!

Sorry to hear of the rough times. I had some PEG troubles as well. Christine gave some very thorough information.
Remember that pain meds can also cause nausea. You may not be on any yet but if you do, the Duragesic Patch made me really nausea and vomited a few times. This happened while taking reglan, compazine and zofran. For me I had to get rid of the Duragesic and go w/ oxycontin and lortab by PO or peg.

I started throwing up quite a bit shortly after my treatments started too. I found out that I was having a reaction to the daily injections of the meds that are supposed to help save the salivary glands (forgot the name). So I stopped taking them. Then the nausea/vomiting ceased.