RIG tube or a Button

[David R]

Hi, I’ve currently got a RIG tube with the tube hanging out which I have to tape to my skin/tummy which causes a bit of sourness and is quite obvious through a tee shirt. I’ve had the offer to change it to a button type tube which I’m considering. Just wondered if you have moved to a button if you’d recommend it?
It’s been explained that it’s a fixed length rather than having a bit more flexibility like the RIG tube
Thank you
David R

[Ellie]

I definitely recommend the button feeding tube David.

They come in different internal lengths and widths, so you'll be measured and given the right sized one for you.

I've the Mic-Key button, which is popular, as is the MiniONE.

This is what mine looks like:

MicKey button.jpg

Love Ellie.

[matthew55]

You are a star Ellie, I will be having a PEG fitted soon and I had no idea of the different solutions. Thanks again Love Matthew x

[Ellie]

Just to educate you a bit more Matthew It often depends on your hospital as to what procedure you have and what feeding tube you're given, but knowledge is everything so it's good to know what your options are!!

In a PEG procedure, a long feeding tube is initially fitted (with a plastic bumper retainer to keep it in your stomach) but once the stoma tract is fully healed, usually 2-3 months minimum, it can be changed to the low-profile button.

Other methods of tube placement are outlined below, but the bottom line is any long tube can be changed to a balloon, with varying degrees of ease - balloon retained ones are more straightforward to swap, but bumper-types aren’t really that difficult.

In a RIG procedure, either a long tube or a button can be initially fitted, and these are most often balloon retained, rather than the bumper retainer.

There’s a 3^rd method of placing a feeding tube called a PIG or PRG, which is a hybrid of the PEG & RIG, and usually a long tube with a bumper retainer is initially placed.

Balloon retained buttons do need to be replaced every so often - every 1, 3, 6 months or whatever, but this takes only a few minutes (literally, 2mins for my changes) and the balloon water should be changed every week or so (a simple syringe out and in, 30sec job) Bumper retained tubes have a much longer life.

Love Ellie.

[matthew55]

I have run out of words to describe how wonderful you are X

[David R]

Thanks Ellie,
I was hoping you’d recommend the button type and at least I’ve been told I can revert back to the normal tube if I wanted to, They have already measured and ordered the Mic-Key one when they changed the first tube so it should arrive soon.

Matthew, I think you said you're still mobile like me? with speech and swallowing difficulties so this bit of info might help you.
When I first had the tube and the overnight feed pump etc supplied I did as they suggested and fed overnight but I found it quite difficult to sleep propped up at 30 degrees as advised which disturbed my nights sleep so slowly I changed the feeding time like so, because they supply a backpack with the pump I now set it up at 3.00pm put the back pack on and carry on with going out for a walk or working in my garage then it normally finishes at around 9.00pm so I can have a normal nights sleep. Once I have the back pack on I hardly no its there until I try and sit down without removing it, LOL Just slip it of and sit it beside me whilst watching TV etc. Hope that’s helpful info for going forward.

[Ellie]

David, I do the same with my pump feed most days - well, the backpack is on the back of my wheelchair not on my own back, letting me pootle around whilst getting my calories

[matthew55]

It sounds like I have a lot to look forward to ☹️😉😊