bursting/leaking g tubes make me angry!

Caleb'sMom · #1 03-18-2011, 11:01 PM

Caleb's THIRD g tube fell out yet again since his surgery in December. They have been leaking and falling out- this one had burst. I have called the company and they have sent me a new one twice- reluctantly. I can't order one from our DME until April bc of insurance they tell me. Planning on writing Kimberly Clark a lettter AND calling my insurance company to see if we can get one to routinely replace once a month or somehting. It's not a big deal to put back in but the last one we didnt catch and had to go to the ER to get his stoma dilated-ugh. We're using Kimberly Clark MicKey 12 french 1 cm button. I'm pissed at Kimberly Clark. Apprently, I've read this is normal for these things. I guess I need to get over it.

Anyone use another brand that is similar that lasts longer?
Am I right in saying this is just part of having a g tube?
How often does your insurance company allow you to order a new g tube?

it's really not a huge deal- i'm just irritated!!!!!I love the MicKey button but not when it's breaking!

WeAdoptKids · #2 03-18-2011, 11:22 PM

You know, I never thought about it, but Joseph has gone through several in about as many months. They are breaking or falling out with the full amount of water in the balloon. They seem to be squishier than normak...if that even makes sense. I may have to give them a call myself.

We have talked about just having the bard put in. Worst part is there have been a few times we did not catch it...it went right back in but wonder how long it was out?

Roberta

carrieanne · #3 03-18-2011, 11:23 PM

Isn't the AMT mini one similar? Thats what Ezra has and we've never had a problem with it.

drct1245 · #4 03-18-2011, 11:31 PM

Is Kimbery Clark a Mickey button? We use AMT and have never had one burst. The only time ours leaks is when Ayden was "pretending" to put water in and actually drained.

We accidentally pulled it out 1x.

If you can't get something different, I would use a 2x2 split gauze and get the pink zinc tape and tape it down to be on the safe side.

destinyandmiracles · #5 03-19-2011, 09:22 AM

Weird. We have used Kimberly Clark for five years and never had a problem at all. I maybe have to change it once every six months as it stops holding water and looks loose, but that is it.

bigalexe · #6 03-19-2011, 09:33 AM

I use Kimberly-Clark Mic-Keys and I have had one lose water in 4 years, another one did fall out. So I guess that is 2 failures in 3 years changing an average of every 6 months. I do consider that I eat food though and something I ate may have popped the balloon.

Now the Kangaroo bags... those are a different story.

Caleb'sMom · #7 03-19-2011, 10:15 AM

hmmm maybe its some of the meds Caleb is taking- breaking down the plstic of the balloon.

destinyandmiracles · #8 03-19-2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caleb'sMom

hmmm maybe its some of the meds Caleb is taking- breaking down the plstic of the balloon.

What meds is he on?

The only thing I have ever heard of is the acid in the tummy being SO high it causes damage to the balloon. BUT this being said, Ashton has high acid and never had this problem.

I also feed him blended food, which is MUCH thicker and harder on the tube and still no issues.

kadiera · #9 03-19-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caleb'sMom

Anyone use another brand that is similar that lasts longer?
Am I right in saying this is just part of having a g tube?
How often does your insurance company allow you to order a new g tube?

We have mic-key buttons, which might be made by Kimberly Clark. We're allowed to order a new one every other month. we typically replace every 3 months (we've gone longer - Alexander's first was in almost 6 months, but it was a royal pain to get out at that point). In more than 2 years, we've had a couple with slow leaks at 2 months, and we've had one get pulled out enough times that we figured it was time to change it.

We had more problems with his 14fr 1.7 buttons than with his "new" (new last fall) 16 fr 1.2 - the new size fits better, so it doesn't get yanked on so much.

Billy'smom · #10 03-19-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigalexe

>snip< Now the Kangaroo bags... those are a different story.

We haven't had any unusally breakable MIC-KEY buttons lately. But then again it's been quite a few months since they've been changed.

I wanted to comment on the Kangaroo bags. They shortened the tube going from the bag to the pump and it's a real pain now!!!!! There are a lot of supplies we have been receiving that are getting made crappier. Diapers are another!!!!