PEG question

[mike b]

My wife has PBP and it is now 28 since initial onset. She had her PEG inserted in December 08 and has been reluctant to use it since she was able to eat normally. But she had a video swallow test Friday and it showed some aspiration of food particles. This was a somber realization to her and she immediately decided to use only her PEG. She used the large syringe she received when she got her PEG into which she pours her homemade smoothies. So far so good but she is complaining that her arms and shoulders are tingling and tremoriing and we want to find if there is any kind of gizmo into which she can:
1. Pour her smoothies in bulk (say 1 quart at a time)- like a super IV bag
2. A hanger like an IV bag hanger onto which she can hang the smoothie bag.
We haven't gone to the MD yet to get a prescription to Walgreens Durable Device but we wanted to know what others are using. She is in good spirits and has made the adjustment really well. But we don't want to wear her out. Also does anyone have a used Vita Mix blender that they would sell? The ones we have seen are very expensive.

Thanks!!

[joelc]

Hi Mike, there are bags and racks, just like IV, that you can pick up that are specifically made for PEG feeding. They are not too expensive and most pharmacies and medical supply stores have them. Have you taken the plunger out of the syringe and used it like a funnel?

[mike b]

Yes we just use gravity otherwise she gets reflux. What is the name of the product we would look for?

[joelc]

If you talk to the supplier of the formula they supply them. If you just say you need a rack and formula bags they should be able to help.

[BarryG]

Hi Mike, the bags that I have used in the past are labelled

Kendall Kangaroo Gravity Feeding Set Tyco Healthcare Ref 8884702500

The kit is a 1 litre bag with a drip chamber, a long tube with a catheter tip and a clamp to regulate the flow. When I first got my PEG this is what the nurses at the hospital told me to use and only once I got home did I realize that the syringe was much easier and quicker. This kit has a very small diameter tube and is designed for formula and water, you may want to get something bigger for homemade smoothies so you don't have clogs. Like Joel said, the supplier that you get the syringes (I was told to use a new syringe every week) from will be able to help you with the gravity feed bag.

[joelc]

http://www.umgcc.org/patient_info/pdf/tube_bolus_gravity.pdf

Here is what the bag looks like