Question:
any post ops who had a g-tube, PLEASE respond

I had my rny on 2-9-00, I recently had to undergo a revision because I had an ulcer that was causing my staples to come undone. I am just over two weeks out of surgery. In any case, I have a gastric tube in now and wont have it out for two weeks. I ran out of my pain meds yesterday and needed more. I am usually fine but I also had skin removed and have to wear a binder and when I sleep, it tugs and pulls on my tube and is extremely painful at night and when I wake up. My doctor is out of town and his chief resident was the person who my husband talked to about the situation. He was so rude, it upset me terribly. He prescribed me some more pain meds but was going on and on about how "the g-tube doesn't hurt, and I have to deal with these people all day long wanting narcotics". WHAT???!!! I am furious at his behaviour and comments. We plan to have a long talk with my doctor when he returns but I can not believe his audacity. I have copied and printed comments from a few folks that have reported that the tube caused them pain and I am asking that anyone else that had problems with it, please post, or contact me. I am compiling this list to show this arrogant little brat in hopes that maybe he will research something before he insults someone next time. Thanks for all your help in advance!!!!    — Tres J. (posted on July 29, 2001)

July 29, 2001
Tres, I came home from original surgery with g-tube: it never hurt per se, but was quite uncomfortable none the less. Instead of letting it "swing" loosely inside my binder, I doubled it over gently and then put my binder on. Toward the end of the two weeks that I had it, it got very red and tender, my doc said clean it with peroxide one time only, then keep it clean and dry except for neosporin several times a day. That did relieve the discomfort. Sorry you are having such a tough time, get better soon!
   — Elaine P.

July 29, 2001
Why, that thoughtless, arrogant, insensitive T#rd! He was totally out of line. Had he been a nurse or Nurse Practitioner, he would have realized SOMEthing was causing serious discomfort, and tried to help you find a solution. I have worked with G-tubes many times, and one easy solution to prevent tugging is to buy clean 4" square gauze, and do this: Cut a keyhole or "T" shape cut into one square. Slide it right against your skin around the tube. Then coil the tube like a snake or hose, so it lays flat on the gauze. Lay another square on top to make a sandwich of gauze around the coiled tube, and hold it in place with gentle tape and/or your binder. Change the gauze daily and after showering, etc.; keep it clean and dry. Inspect for redness or oozing around the tube; if you see any, try the cleaning and ointment regimen the other person described. If it doesn't clear right up, or the pain persists, something may be wrong. Tubes do sometimes get pulled out partially. Since they are held in place with stitches and/or a soft inflated bulb, the tension or pressure on the layers of flesh surrounding the tube near the opening can hurt or cause cramping. In that case, demand to be seen. Don't worry, though--it's very fixable. It is also okay to coil the tube inside a freshly laundered cotton sock before putting on your binder. Good luck and keep trusting yourself and your own body! Jesse
   — Jesse M.

July 30, 2001
thanks so much for both of your responses, I am going to work on your suggestions right now!!! Tres
   — Tres J.

July 31, 2001
Hi, I am 6 weeks post op & still have the g tube. It was extremely uncomfortble at first.. I just tape it up between my boobs or let it hang over the top of my binder. It will get better though it is very bothersome at first!
   — sgeisendorff