Question:
My g-tube feels like it is pushing into the back wall of my stomach.
Could it be that it is hitting the back of my stomach? Sometimes I don't feel it that much, but most of the time it is horrible. It is the only thing that I take pain killer for, and drainage comes out from the site. I haven't been having any trouble with the post-op diet nor vomited once. I'd like to walk some, but this thing sticking in my side stops me from doing much. I go for my 2 week post-op visit next Monday-will they take it out? If they don't I know I will have to have a refill on the pain killer. How long before I get addicted to the pain meds? I feel it is interferring with my recovery. I think I will break down in my doctor's office if they don't help me. — Kathy S. (posted on March 8, 2003)
March 8, 2003
I know your g-tube woes! I can't say I felt mine sticking me but it was so
uncomfortable and really limits what you feel like doing. Mine actually
started causing muscle spasms of the stomach and muscles in that area and I
could actually see the abdominal wall jump. Now that didn't feel good
either because it would put tension on the tube insertion area. The oozing
around the opening was so gross.
<p>My surgeon's normal process is to remove it at our 2 week
appointment. However, the 2nd week I was having severe diarrhia and he
ended up keeping it in so I could use it for water so I didn't get
dehydrated. It also helped to settle down my reactionary bowel even after
the diarrhia was gone. So I had it a few days short of 3 weeks. I was
very glad to have it gone. Since you are doing so well hopefully they will
remove it at your appointment. If not, ask why and make sure you
understand the need for it yet. It does help if you know why. As much as
I did not want it an additional week it did help to settle everything down
so I could deal with it better. But I certainly did not intend to leave
the appointment it was removed without it being removed. I even kiddingly
threatened my surgeon if he didn't remove it. He knew I was kidding but
also knew there was a little bit of seriousness in that threat. I
threatened to take it out myself - not do anything to him.
<p>It's strange how it's healed out. I thought it would be just like
the drain tube hole, would scab over early. The g-tube hole for me is in
the crease (waist) between 2 rolls of fat so it doesn't get air to scab.
It's almost totally healed closed (2 weeks) but never scabbed over.
Consequently I don't think anyone will ever know it was there, no scar.
Not that I really care. I have so much damaged skin that even if I was in
bikini shape I would never wear one. I doubt all of the discoloration of
my skin, from damage from the tape, will ever totally go away. But I'm
more of the 1-piece swimsuit person anyway. You can get some really nice
sexy looking 1-piece suits, so I will be just fine.
<p>I can't answer about the pain meds. Have you tried switching to
tylenol. It would help wean you off of the prescription one. I have a
huge bottle of liquid percoset that I used maybe 1/4 of as I quit it by day
6 and switched to tylenol. I get headaches from prescription meds so I
avoid them like the plague. I wish I could give it to someone but it is a
class 2 federally controlled substance and I really don't want to end up in
prison. I'll keep my fingers crossed the g-tube is history!! Chris
— zoedogcbr
March 9, 2003
Pleae be careful with the pain meds. I wasn't warned about the side
effects, and was taking them (2 percosets) every 4 hours in the hospital.
No one warned me that it could cause severe constipation. I ended back in
the hospital for 3 nights until I was ok enough to go home. I was really
dehydrated because nothing would stay down. Sorry for sounding so
alarming, but I was really scared and miserable. Please ask your doctor
for alternative suggestions. Good luck!
— Fixnmyself
March 9, 2003
Boy do I feel your pain! That G-tube was the absolute worst. Mine got
clogged the 3rd day I was home, so it was absolutely useless to me. My doc
wouldn't take it out until my 1 mos. check up. The first 4 weeks are the
prime time for your stoma to close or at least shrink, which means you
would possibly need to use your g-tube for hydration reasons cause you
really can't keep anything down. This is why she made me keep mine in.
As for the pain mine was enough that I took my pain meds for that reason
only too. My doc put me on Bextra an anti-inflammatory once a day. The
lortab I was taking just didn't do the trick. Also if your suture is still
in the skin can be growing around it and cause pain. If your comfortable
you can remove the stitch or I'm sure your doc would do it for you!
Good luck to you
— kimmykim1968
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