PEG feeding tube

jackflash22
jackflash22 Member Posts: 524 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I was refused MRI scan because I have a feeding tube. I thought it was all plastic but was told there may be metal on the inside. My tube is all plastic outside with a white triangle with a blue clip against my stomach with a plastic pipe coming out. I don't know what is inside. Is there anyone who knows the answer. I have searched the web but there's nothing about what the PEG is made from. I have been given another appt for MRI on a lesser scanner than the first one, not sure if they said it was slower or less magnetic. Now they have put a seed of doubt in my mind I am nervous something may go wrong

Comments

  • Ladylacy
    Ladylacy Member Posts: 773 Member
    #2
    PEG Tubes

    My husband has had two PEG tubes.  Still has the second one.  But the first one I was in the doctor's office with him and saw it after it was pulled out and there was no metal.  He has had many PET/CT scans with his PEG tubes and I would think if there was metal that these tests couldn't be done.  Ask your doctor who inserted the PEG tube if there is any metal on the inside.  I know my husband's first PEG tube had a metal or maybe plastic clamp on the outside but his second one doesn't.  If there was metal on the inside, how could they just pull it out and then replace it thru the same whole in the doctor's office?

    Sharon

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #3
    PEG

    I have had a number of them over the last 7 months - and I have never seen metal.

    I do see my GI today to fix the hole the PEG tube left when removed a couple of months ago, as it is not healing and leaking stomach contents. (I think I am an exception - he's done so many PEG tubes - but mine has never cooprerated)

    If I remember, I will ask him if there are ones w/ metal - or something that would prevent an MRI.

  • jackflash22
    jackflash22 Member Posts: 524 Member
    #4
    lornal said:

    PEG

    I have had a number of them over the last 7 months - and I have never seen metal.

    I do see my GI today to fix the hole the PEG tube left when removed a couple of months ago, as it is not healing and leaking stomach contents. (I think I am an exception - he's done so many PEG tubes - but mine has never cooprerated)

    If I remember, I will ask him if there are ones w/ metal - or something that would prevent an MRI.

    Thank you

    Thank you

  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #5
    PEG Tube and G-Tube

    I got a good look at my PEG tube when they put it in and took it out, and there was no metal.  I'm surprised they just didn't call your gastro doc and ask. Most PEG designs that I've looked at on line have no metal.  There is a different kind of feeding tube, a G tube or Gastro tube, that is installed surgically.  That one may have metal clips.

    So sorry you have to wait for your scans.  I had both PET-CTs and MRIs with the tube in.

    Deb

  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570 Member
    #6
    PEG WITH METAL, REALLY?

    Hey Jackflash, I've had lots of tube replacements over the past 13 1/2 years that I had my tube, and I have seen them all go in.  The tubes are made of silicone and do not have any metal components, so I can't imagine where the MRI personel are getting their information.  Checking with your GI doc who placed the tube will be the best place to get the reassurance to verify that your tube has no metal component.  It's always something........

    PATRICK

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #7
    Probably no metal

    I asked the GI doc after my procedure - I said I was asking an unrelated question - turns out - it is related.

    He hasn't seen PEG tubes with metal - but can't swear there aren't any.

    However, metal used for inside is typically medical grade - and is supposed to be compatible with MRIs.

    Turns out it was a related question because he used a bear clamp like metal thing in my stomach to clamp the tube site fistula closed.  And, it is medicial grade, - and should be MRI compatible.

    I have absolutley NO plans to ever have an MRI  - no way - I would have to be unconsious to get in one of those.

    (However, my primary found a lump in my breast yesterday - so I do have to have a diagnostic mammorgram - I certainly hope tha tis ALL I need to have.)

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #8
    lornal said:

    Probably no metal

    I asked the GI doc after my procedure - I said I was asking an unrelated question - turns out - it is related.

    He hasn't seen PEG tubes with metal - but can't swear there aren't any.

    However, metal used for inside is typically medical grade - and is supposed to be compatible with MRIs.

    Turns out it was a related question because he used a bear clamp like metal thing in my stomach to clamp the tube site fistula closed.  And, it is medicial grade, - and should be MRI compatible.

    I have absolutley NO plans to ever have an MRI  - no way - I would have to be unconsious to get in one of those.

    (However, my primary found a lump in my breast yesterday - so I do have to have a diagnostic mammorgram - I certainly hope tha tis ALL I need to have.)

    huh??

    I have absolutley NO plans to ever have an MRI  - no way - I would have to be unconsious to get in one of those.

    MRI is a valid form of imaging. I am no expert but was told the different types PET, CT, MRI offer better images depending on the tissue type and such. Some are better when imaging soft tissues. Just saying.

  • lornal
    lornal Member Posts: 428
    #9
    donfoo said:

    huh??

    I have absolutley NO plans to ever have an MRI  - no way - I would have to be unconsious to get in one of those.

    MRI is a valid form of imaging. I am no expert but was told the different types PET, CT, MRI offer better images depending on the tissue type and such. Some are better when imaging soft tissues. Just saying.

    MRI

    The doctor mentioned that he isn't going to order an MRI at this point.  Just mentiioning above I wouldn't do an MRI.  I am SOOOOO claustrophobic.  I had to have one a number of years ago - it took 3 tries and lots of valium on the last one. I couldn't even do an open MRI without the valium.

     

    Part of my fear is not being able to breath (asthma, allergies, etc) when I lie down.  But, now that I had that laryngectomy, laying down is easier - as long as I haven't eaten recently.  So, maybe I can do it now.  I will if I have to - but I really have to have it - with medication of course

     

    Anyway - I'll stop rambling.

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #10
    lornal said:

    Probably no metal

    I asked the GI doc after my procedure - I said I was asking an unrelated question - turns out - it is related.

    He hasn't seen PEG tubes with metal - but can't swear there aren't any.

    However, metal used for inside is typically medical grade - and is supposed to be compatible with MRIs.

    Turns out it was a related question because he used a bear clamp like metal thing in my stomach to clamp the tube site fistula closed.  And, it is medicial grade, - and should be MRI compatible.

    I have absolutley NO plans to ever have an MRI  - no way - I would have to be unconsious to get in one of those.

    (However, my primary found a lump in my breast yesterday - so I do have to have a diagnostic mammorgram - I certainly hope tha tis ALL I need to have.)

    damn, Loranal, I'm so sorry

    damn, Loranal, I'm so sorry to hear about the lump!  it just never stops!! saying a prayer that's it is not cancer and nothing to worry about.  please let me know what you find out.  will continue to pray until we get the good news that its nothing.  being positive!

    God bless you,

    dj

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
    #11
    debbiejeanne said:

    damn, Loranal, I'm so sorry

    damn, Loranal, I'm so sorry to hear about the lump!  it just never stops!! saying a prayer that's it is not cancer and nothing to worry about.  please let me know what you find out.  will continue to pray until we get the good news that its nothing.  being positive!

    God bless you,

    dj

    MRI

    Hi Jackie. A lot of people over here in UK seem to have had MRIs with pegs in. Maybe they could change it for an all plastic one. Hope you are Ok. G.

  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570 Member
    #12
    lornal said:

    Probably no metal

    I asked the GI doc after my procedure - I said I was asking an unrelated question - turns out - it is related.

    He hasn't seen PEG tubes with metal - but can't swear there aren't any.

    However, metal used for inside is typically medical grade - and is supposed to be compatible with MRIs.

    Turns out it was a related question because he used a bear clamp like metal thing in my stomach to clamp the tube site fistula closed.  And, it is medicial grade, - and should be MRI compatible.

    I have absolutley NO plans to ever have an MRI  - no way - I would have to be unconsious to get in one of those.

    (However, my primary found a lump in my breast yesterday - so I do have to have a diagnostic mammorgram - I certainly hope tha tis ALL I need to have.)

    LUMP

    Hey Lorna,

    I'm sending positive wishes, hopes, and mojo that the mamogram, and any other diagnostics that you may have to have (hopefully none) will result in a NED.

    PATRICK

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #13
    jackflash22 said:

    Thank you

    Thank you

    Hi Jacky

    I too like everyone else have never see a PEG tube with metal. I kept the first one I had, the doctor ask why I wanted it, I told him to put with all my other stuff like my mask that I kept for radiation. I looked it over and there is no metal on it anywhere, I think the MRI guy is just being over protected. Another thing he is doing a MRI of your head not your body. I hope the other goes better for you and don’t worry just be positive.

     

    Tim Hondo

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #14
    patricke said:

    LUMP

    Hey Lorna,

    I'm sending positive wishes, hopes, and mojo that the mamogram, and any other diagnostics that you may have to have (hopefully none) will result in a NED.

    PATRICK

    Hi lornal

    I too am here praying that it is nothing, try not to worry remember to keep your focus on surviving. Also I too can’t do the MRI anymore without being put to sleep, I don’t know why I never had problems before with it but I have a lot of problems now with doing them.

    Keeping you in my prayers

    Tim Hondo  

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