G-Tube Travel Kit

My heart-baby has a g-tube (a tube inserted through her abdomen that delivers nutrition directly into her stomach.) I was so freaked out the first time I had to replace her g-tube.   Once the g-tube comes out, there’s a limited time you can replace the g-tube before the hole in the skin closes. After that, a trip to the ER is required to replace the g-tube.

The hospital instructed me to have an emergency travel kit for her g-tube with her at all times. They provided me with a travel kit. The problem is that it’s huge and I sometimes forget to bring it.

This is one of my new g-tube travel kits:

It fits in a 4″x3.5″x1″ mini first aid kit made by Johnson and Johnson (cost $2). I dumped out the bandaids and filled it with the following essentials:

1. Old G-Tube (balloon removed) The balloon on this g-tube popped.  I cut off as much of the balloon as possible. This replaces the HUGE Foley Catheter in the kit the hospital gave me.  It is exactly the right size to keep the hole open.  I tape it on and then replace it as soon as I can deflate the working g-tube OR insert a brand new g-tube.
2. Mefix Tape (3 strips folded in half) – This is to tape the temporary (old) g-tube in place
3. 2″x2″ gauze (2 count) I use this if I’m able to replace the working g-tube.  It goes between the g-tube and the skin to protect the skin.
4. cotton ball This is for cleaning
5. Introducer/Stiffener (blue) This makes placement of g-tube easier
6. Slip Tip Syringe This can be used to deflate/re-inflate
7. Continous Feeding Port (long tube) This is used to check for stomach contents after the working g-tube is placed. It can also be used to deliver feeds/medicines.
8. Cash ($10) This is for when I need some Infant Tylenol or other OTC medicine when I’m at a friend’s or relative’s house.  I can give someone the cash and ask them to run to the store which allows me stay and take care of my child.
9. Medicine List/Medical History/Doctor Phone Numbers This is for trips to the ER when this information is required and I just happen to have it all typed up in a handy format and with her at all times.
10. Chapstick This is for me…because getting stuck anywhere without chapstick drives me crazy! So, it is always good to have some on hand.

This is my smallest g-tube travel kit.  I keep it in my purse.  I have another (slightly larger) one that I keep in my diaper bag.  I’ve also included a ziplock bag in my real first aid kit with g-tube essentials. Then I have my original hospital g-tube travel kit which sits on a shelf in the kitchen.  It is ALWAYS on that shelf and each of the babysitters know where it is and how to use it. (Yes, I’ve accidentally walked off with the travel g-tube kit leaving the babysitter without one.)

I plan on sending one of the g-tube travel kits in her backpack when she starts preschool next month.  It will be taped shut with masking tape so it’s easy for her teacher to open but hard for her to open.

You don’t have to have so many g-tube travel kits.  I just find it easier – never having to worry about it. I didn’t buy any of these supplies.  I just saved up a few essential items here and there until I had enough to make an extra kit.

Do you have miniature g-tube travel kits?  Am I missing any essential items from mine?