PEG and Swimming

rea74 · #1 05-29-2009, 04:34 PM

Alright, I just got the message from a friend that he's gotten his pool prepped and readied for swimming, and is holding his 'pool opening' party this week.

and it would be too late for me to call the doctor's office to find out if even it's alright for Mikayla to go swimming with her PEG tube.

Last year, we didn't, because she had her trach, so it wasn't even a question. This year, I totally forgot to ask the doc when we were there the other week!

Anyone know if it's alright or not? I have soooo been waiting for this, since the friend has given me permission to go over during the week with her in the mornings or late afternoons so we can swim and get some exercise!

Ainsley's Mom · #2 05-29-2009, 05:24 PM

I think it's okay. I'm assuming it's exactly the same as a button just longer. I assume you can shut it/clamp it or something. We bring Ainsley in the bathtub and pool with her Mic-key button.

rea74 · #3 05-29-2009, 06:04 PM

You know, everyone has always called it a PEG.. so I went to look to see what the Mic-Key was..

It's generally the same thing that she's got. Maybe it's a difference in the type? But, yeah, that's what I was thinking. She's fine in the bathtub and all, so figured she /should/ be fine in the pool - just be sure to rinse her off and do the care to make sure the chlorine doesn't try out the site too much.

Niff · #4 05-29-2009, 06:44 PM

How long ago was the surgery? We were told with the MicKey to wait at least 4-6 weeks before submerging Mac in water. I'd assume it's the same concept?

rea74 · #5 05-29-2009, 06:57 PM

It was that long for her as well. She got it Jan '08. The fun of giving sponge baths and the like for a while!

Ainsley's Mom · #6 05-29-2009, 07:28 PM

See this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percuta...ic_gastrostomy You'll see a picture although it's not "installed". Essentially the PEG is a long tube coming out of the stomach rather than a tiny button. Kind of like having a permanent extension attached. Here is a picture of that Bard button in place

There is an extension plugged into it because we were feeding her at the time but the flap would fold over and stick in the hole to close. It's much smaller than a Mic-Key but tend to develope leaks sooner. Not an issue if you aren't using it.

rea74 · #7 05-29-2009, 11:01 PM

Yep, that's what we have, even the same lines we used when we were feeding her.

ericnrosesmom · #8 05-29-2009, 11:06 PM

Eric swam in my brother-in-law's pool several times last summer, even with the trach and g button. We just used tons of floaties and had suction right by the edge where we could grab it. Also since it was just family everyone was very understanding about not splashing him or anything like that. I don't think I'd want to try a public pool for that reason.

drct1245 · #9 05-30-2009, 12:04 AM

We were told that you can go swimming w/ button... no problem (shocked me). I just put a swim shirt on Ayden so it doesn't get caught and he doesn't play w/ it.

rea74 · #10 05-30-2009, 02:51 AM

*chuckles* I can understand the surprise. I just wanted to be /sure/...

And yeah, I got her swimsuits that are like shorts and shirts. For one, I certainly don't want her getting sunburnt in the itty bitty things they seem to have for girls out there. O_O