G-tubes

[franksdad]

We use an entristar it is the best one that we have found for Frank.

you can see a picture of it on my website.

www.geocities.com/bosslady_tx

click on the beach pictures

Misty

[Barb]

Bobby has a mic-key (that we don't use, but keep around for safety's sake).
A friend's dtr, however, has a Bard button and it is very low profile -- almost completely flat. It looks much more comfortable than the mic-key. But, of course, I think it is more expensive. In Rhiannon's case, though, you might be able to justify it.

[Ann]

Jack had a Bard placed when he first got his g-tube. Â*It was very flat and seemed to be a good button. Jack's nurses had me convinced a Mic-key button was better so we replaced the Bard with a Mic-key -- I still don't know to this day how we got Apria to just send us a Mic-key without a doctor's order, but they did. Â*We just ordered the same size as was the Bard and he's had a Mic-key ever since. Â*I now wonder if we should have stayed with the Bard. Â*The only thing about the Bard - it is very difficult to change out because the balloon is not filled with water that can be easily deflated. Â*There is a special instrument used to "lengthen" the balloon when pulling the Bard out. Â*It did hurt Jack quite a bit to pull it out and he bled. (probably should have been done in the doctor's office, but, as everyone knows, I avoid doctors' offices like the plague). Â*The difficulty of changing out the button is a drawback of having a Bard. Â*

Ann

[Ann]

Here's a picture of the Bard button:

Bard

Ann

Hi everyone,

Unlike most of you guys I am from Australia. Over the past few years i have cared for 8 kids (varying ages and abilities) and all of them have had a bard button. One initially had a mickey which was changed to a bard. I guess the bard is more popular over here.

We have found them to be effective, stury, and unobtrusive.

They do tend to leak a bit with children who don't walk, or don't have very good stomach muscles.

Sarah