The Ol’ In-Out

Every two years I have my gastrostomy tube (G-tube) replaced. So today was the day. A doctor has to do it, so I went over to the U of M Endoscopy Clinic to have it done. I use a Bard button, which works well for me. It’s basically a short piece of plastic with a silicone mushroom at the end to keep it in place. It never gets yanked out accidentally, which is good. In fact, to pull it out, one needs almost superhuman strength. It’s a bit like pulling out a champagne cork. People always ask me if the procedure hurts. I can tolerate a fair amount of pain, so I’m probably not the best person to ask. On a scale of 1-10, changing a g-tube probably rates a 4-5. I’m not saying I’m the toughest cripple on the block. Once, I was catheterized…um…you know…down there…for a brief test. That was fifteen years ago and the thought of letting someone do that to me ever again still makes me whimper.
Anyway, here’s a picture of the Bard button. Just overlook the fact the accompanying article describes its use in a, er, dog. The things you find on the Web…