G tube placed. Hurting

Alandon1
Alandon1 Member Posts: 17
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi

Husband got G tube and Portacath today. G tube hurting more than I anticipated. What are your experiences?

Comments

  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #2
    It can be sensitive

    for quite a few days.  I had mine placed and it was tender for about 2 weeks.  Keep it clean, my RO had me clean it daily with saline (they provided a kit to me), place a sterile gauze pad under the button, and hold it in place with this net - like bandaging materail call "Spandage".  I'd cut a piece around 12" long and then slip it on like a tee shirt.  I had been using adhesive tape but that was just too hard on my skin.

    He should improve in a few days, if it remains a concern, or shows increased redness, swelling and/or heat at the site, contact the doctor!

  • motorcycleguy
    motorcycleguy Member Posts: 483 Member
    #3
    I hated the tube

    and never used it. But, he will get used to it, and it shouldn't hurt as much in a couple days.

    It is very important to keep up with the nutrition, whether you can take it in by mouth, or need to use the tube. Try to maintain weight as much as possible!

    He WILL be glad when it's finally taken out .. be patient, you will get through this!!

    ...sending a prayer your way....

  • Logan51
    Logan51 Member Posts: 468 Member
    #4
    No big deal

    As stated above- it can be sensitive for a few days. Women tend to have more pain than men, likely do to the difference in their bodies at the stomach area. I just had my second FT installed, so I speak from experience. First was 10-3/4 years ago, and discomfort lasted maybe 2 days. Got the current one put in by Endoscopy on 8/6, and felt a couple more days. This time the FT is permanent, so...

    Did notice discomfort later, and found reason. Have a hairy chest, and they don't shave the area or cut any hair. Crusty seepage under the plastic flap against the tummy sticking to hair was the reason.

    If your Hubby is just starting tx and got the FT= smart. A minor Op., but still an Op. and if installed weeks into tx when the body is kinda beat up the experience could be worse. I was dependent on mine all thru tx, and a month after, and actually kept mine for some 17 months in case the C came back. Considered it a minor inconvenience, with the biggest hassle being the monthly visits to the Hospital to have it flushed.

    See you don't have anything about his C on your Profile page. So, whatever H&N C he has- we all survive the treatment, and keeping the mindset in the positive is an immeasurable help. Believe he'll get thru this okay and life will be good post-tx, because it will be.

  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #5
    Use

    a word of caution when he uses it.  Should he need to sneeze or cough, or even laugh, clamp the tube closed!  I learned the hard way when using it the first time and I sneezed, and sprayed my tube feed fluid around the room!

  • corleone
    corleone Member Posts: 312 Member
    #6
    NPC survivor

    In my case hurt like hell, for a day or so, immediately after the effect of pain killer waned off. Unfortunately I was not provided with strong pain killers when I left the hospital, after intervention. I couldn't just go back for a checkup, because it was weekend, and didn't go to ER either, because I was afraid they would remove the tube. Anyway, it slowly went away and in 2-3 days I didn't feel pain, just a bit discomfort around the incision point, no biggie.

  • Sabrina23
    Sabrina23 Member Posts: 103 Member
    #7
    Praying for healing

    Praying for healing and know that it will get better! Hopefully pain and discomfort will subside.... looks like many on our forum have been thru this experience so there is alot of good information on this forum about such.  Take care and God Bless!

  • Mike278
    Mike278 Member Posts: 1
    #8
    Mine hurt for about 3 weeks

    Mine hurt for about 3 weeks but that was. 

    Probably do to the doctor re adjusting it keep it clean.

    I've tried tape and Ace bandages.

    But now I just let it hang with loose fitting pants

  • Dolphinswae
    Dolphinswae Member Posts: 6 Member
    #9
    Painful for a Few Days

    It initially hurt around the incision and then a soreness deeper inside but felt better after a few days. I'm so glad I had the tube because even with the tube I went from 167 to 104. Don't be startled if the tube comes out. Mine did twice because of the excessive vomiting (the second time I reinserted the tube before going to ER-the first time the opening closed up by the time ER got around to replacing it). It's not a big deal when that happens. Cisplatin made me nauteous for eight days and luckily I was on a 24 hour feeding drip therefore able to get nutrition. Glad that your hubby did it before starting treatment. My thoughts and prayers are with your husband and your family. 

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