| | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 38 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 38 | Hi, Mom has clogged feeding tube. It's because of poor flushing habits (caregiver--daughter--new to this). Can we pull the tube out at the belly site and clean it and flush it?
We potentially dont have nursing help until Monday unless we head to the ER???
TIA, Trish
Mom age 84 dx stage IV papillary cancer mandible 10/10; non-smoker, drinker, HPV-. Surgery 2/16/2011; mandibulectomy. 0 pos lymph nodes, has been in long-term hospital since March 2011. Returned home 8/11, permanent PEG tube.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | Don't pull it out, it isn't easy going back in! Mine was pulled out on accident by an idiot nurse and then reinserted by an even bigger idiot Dr...due to my jaw being wired shut after my mandiblectomy I couldn't properly give them the piece of my mind they deserved. Anyway wasn't a pleasant experience for me and I don't recommend it for others
Eric
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | **********The J/G type of feeding tube is not one that is able to be removed and reinserted at home. It goes into the stomach and also into the intestines and has internal stitches.**********Do NOT pull this out!!!! This type of tube will NOT go back it. Try flushing it with warm water or even clear soda like sprite. You can even try just to push air thru. Keep working on it and if you cant get it then go to the ER. If anyone has pulled back on the syringe that could dislodge the balloon. Never EVER pull back to check for residual with this type of feeding tube. Most members use a PEG tube which is much different than the J/G tube.
PS... If your mother has a visiting nurse, then she would have 24/7 emergency care available. They always have someone on call. Same goes for the gastro docs, call someone to help you. Depending upon your mothers situation this could be a big emergency if she is not able to take enough in by mouth.
I just saw your duplicate post which has more info. DO NOT attempt to pull this out. If it is the J/G type of tube then it has stitches inside to keep it in place. There is also a balloon. Keep working on it. If you cant get it then yes go ahead and use the other port but remember that it is smaller and will need to be flushed every few hours. The formula should also be watered down. This needs to be fixed right away!!! Tomorrow make some calls and if you cant get a professional to help then go to the ER. Its not a big deal to have this switched. Its only a local shot given and within about 20 minutes a new one will be in.
Last edited by ChristineB; 08-12-2011 10:13 PM.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 38 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 38 | Thanks SO MUCH for the info. It's been 24 hours of clog now, going to try to fix, will call nursing care if I can't fix. Thanks!
Mom age 84 dx stage IV papillary cancer mandible 10/10; non-smoker, drinker, HPV-. Surgery 2/16/2011; mandibulectomy. 0 pos lymph nodes, has been in long-term hospital since March 2011. Returned home 8/11, permanent PEG tube.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Yep, good old fizzy pop works great.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 531 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 531 | would adolf's meat tenderizer help? i used that for ron's NG tube. I read it somewhere on one of the forums.
CG to Ron
Out of Pain 4/3/13
4/12-lung and under chin growth no treatment
1/13/12 lung biopsy
6/11 recur 6/30 resection #2 Clear margins
Clear 12/10
Surg 5/13/10 neck dis/nodes part gloss/flap R thigh all teeth out
RAD 30 8/10
DX 4/2/10 "Oral Cavity" T3NOMO
12/28/07 Non Hodg Lymph remission 7/08
passed away 4.3.15, RIP Ron, you are greatly missed
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I have been cleaning mine out by putting hot water in the mouth of it and just rolling it between my fingers, the adding more water afterI dischchareg the water in it and addin more in the sink and tapping the tube against the bowl of the sink. So far it has remained as clean as the 1st use. That brings out pretty good sized chunks of whatever I have eaten. This mornin I inserted a clean thin stainless rod and moved it around too. It cleans it. After this I flush warm water thru it to my stomache.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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