Question:
Has anyone had a gastric tube.

If so did it leak fluid from around it. Mine does and it seems like a lot. sometimes it is kind of bloody. Is this normal.    — regina H. (posted on May 7, 2000)

May 7, 2000
YES, IT'S NORMAL FOR THE TUBE TO LEAK FLUIDS. USUALLY GREENISH TO REDDISH BROWN IN COLOR. IT ALSO SMELLS BAD-IT REMINDED ME OF DEAD FISH(SORRY). IF THERE'S BLOOD YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR. IT HAPPENED TO ME AND I THOUGHT IT WAS BLOOD, TOO BUT IT WAS ONLY A SMALL INFECTION. I WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND HE TOOK OUT MY TUBE.
   — Patricia G.

May 7, 2000
Sometimes G-tubes do leak. The boody stuff is probably normal as long as it is not a lot and looking like pure blood. Be careful of the drainage though, cause gastric juices can be very caustic and cause burning of your skin around the tube. protect your skin. you can do this by using a protective cream or just a dressing. If the drainage is a lot, go see the doc. See ya, Sue [email protected]
   — Sue M.

May 12, 2000
I had a g tube for a long time. It did not leak around the outside edges. Also, nothing resembling blood came out of it. I did spray a lot of liquid potassium around the kitchen when it was blocked, but not blood. It also leaked yellow gunk, but no blood. Call surgeon ASAP in my opinion. LOL Beth
   — Elizabeth H.