More G-tube questions - ThinnerTimes

LisaBoston · 02-07-2006, 08:56 AM

This may sound funny, but I just realized that my g-tube will come out on Thursday and that its connected to my new pouch. So, when they take it out, does it not leave a hole in my pouch? It must just seal up?

The hubby reminded me last night that the g-tube has a balloon on 10cc inside my pouch. They will deflate this and take out the tube. So, my thoughts are that this has been taking up room in my new pouch and that 10cc is quite a bit.

Anyone have any experiences or feelings prior to and after having the tube out? Does is make a difference on the amount you can eat?

I plan on travelling part way home a few hours after this is out, but I have to wonder if I will feel ok after.

Thoughts?

ready4achange · 02-07-2006, 10:31 AM

When I went in to have mine removed I asked the Dr. if it was going to hurt. He replied " It won't hurt me at all"

I didn't even feel it. The drains bothered me more than the G tube. Had no problems just a band aid on it. It sealed itself after a couple of days.
Sandy

Dyann · 02-07-2006, 02:53 PM

I don't think you have a G tube in your new pouch. You have a JP drain (connected to something that looks like a grenade) in the area around your pouch connection soaking up whatever accumulates. You may have a G tube, but that would be in your old stomach remnant. The G tube doesn't hurt coming out. The JP when removed takes your breath away for a moment and then that is it.

LisaBoston · 02-07-2006, 04:36 PM

Dyann, I had a JP drain, and that was taken out last week. I have a g-tube in my new pouch. All I really know from the papers I received from the hospital is that apparently the "hole" seals up on its own. The JP tube was painful coming out, but its short.

Apparently they leave in the G-tube so they can feed your new pouch and have access if they need to in the 2 weeks following surgery. I am doing well, so I can have it removed before I take my treck home...

Its amazing how we all have the same surgery, yet so many methods, differnence in doctors methods, rules etc, yet the success is shown here.

Thanks for your response.

Dara · 02-07-2006, 04:48 PM

I just gotta say...

YOU ROCK!

What a privilege it is for us to have you on our forum--not just because you're a patient and we love you, but also because you're a surgeon yourself. Your knowledge and expertise is invaluable. I, for one, can't thank you enough for the assistance, guidance and reassurance you constantly provide. It's like we have our very own 24-hour medical advisor/surgical consultant...but without the enormous price tag! LOL

Many blessings to you, Dyann. You are loved and appreciated more than you know.

WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!

LisaBoston · 02-07-2006, 08:23 PM

Dyann, didn't know you were a surgeon...WOW....what types of surgery do you do??

brookscn · 02-07-2006, 10:48 PM

Dyann:
Dara is right - we're not worthy! I didn't know you were a surgeon, either! Girl, you've been holding out on us! I knew that you were full of medical information, and I figured you worked in the medical profession, but you're a surgeon! You DO rock!

Did it feel more comforting to KNOW what you were going into (more so that most of us), and what was going on with you, medically? I wonder if it was a blessing, or a curse. I think I want to take the "close my eyes from my house to the hospital and home" route, myself. But, I'm a total wuss.

coptergirl · 02-07-2006, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dara

I just gotta say...

YOU ROCK!

What a privilege it is for us to have you on our forum--not just because you're a patient and we love you, but also because you're a surgeon yourself. Your knowledge and expertise is invaluable. I, for one, can't thank you enough for the assistance, guidance and reassurance you constantly provide. It's like we have our very own 24-hour medical advisor/surgical consultant...but without the enormous price tag! LOL

Many blessings to you, Dyann. You are loved and appreciated more than you know.

WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!

Amen Dara - I have said it before and I'll say it again - I soooo appreciate you being here Dyann and offering your support, encouragement, and guidance. You do rock!!!!!

Dyann · 02-08-2006, 07:55 AM

Oh my ...I am blushing. I must say with confidence that I practice medicine the way I would want someone to take care of me or my family. But.....medicine today is not something to be proud of. At least here, you can't get into see a doctor, you have to use an emergency room as primary care, and I am not impressed with the level of commitment in many physicians. Surgeons are a different breed.

I am very happy to help out but cyberspace advice is just that and of course if there is something serious going on you need to see you own MD. As you know, there are many right ways of doing something and we all have our own preferences. That is the art of medicine.

Being a surgeon going into this sucked!!!!!!!!!! I didn't need to think about the medical aspect so I was stuck on the emotional parts of bad things happening. They don't teach you that part in medical school. Since I have seen them, they are part of my brain and I couldn't shake them. I trained with a woman who has been doing this since the 80's. I was thin at the time and her name was Patty. As residents we used to callously call them "patty's fatties". At that time they were pretty much all 400-600 pounds. How horrible of us and look....what comes around goes around. I am now a patty's fattie.

I am boarded as a General Surgeon and Critical Care Specialist (ICU). Right now I am taking time off after surgery to get back in shape and spend some quality time with my little ones (2 and 3 years old). Time to take care of me for a change.

Thank you again, and I am always happy to put my 2 cents in. I never mind. I was given the ability to do this and happy to share what I know.

I am still wondering if the G-tube is in your pouch or gastric remnant. Please reask your doctor on your f/u visit. I am curious.

Tawanda · 02-08-2006, 09:23 AM

Dyann,

I agree with everyone else about how much we appreciate your input...thank you! But one more thing I would like to add. We patients tend to think of our doctors and surgeons as god-like, impervious to our pain and general needs. Thank you so much for showing us all that you, too, are human and have all the same challenges and concerns that we do. It adds a real personal touch to this forum and reminds us all that we need to appreciate our health care providers, because they go through exactly the same things that we do, and understand more than we sometimes give them credit for.