Abby changed Leeyas's gtube/tutorial

This is what the AMT mini one balloon button looks like. 

The balloon is what holds the gtube in the stoma .

Abby did her first gtube change (without any help) on Leeya tonight!!!  I'm so impressed with how well she did.
I'm also kinda laughing inside. She is only 10. So many people (adults) get nervous about Leeya's gtube. Its hard for them to believe that its actually quite simple to replace.
I do get it though. I remember being so scared when Jaxson got his gtube placed. Its almost impossible to screw it up though.
Changing the button still is dreaded. Its a little gross and neither Jax or Leeya like it. They cry. It doesn't hurt, it just feels weird. Typically, I change out their tubes every 3 months (or sooner if they pull it out....I have very active kids)


Here's a little photo explanation on *How to change a gtube*.

1. Get your supplies ready. I have the spare button covered in  lubricant, an empty syringe, a syringe with 4ml water, paper towels, baby wipes (out of view) and the plastic blue tee (its an amt mini one thing). 

2. Insert the empty syringe into the side port of the button.( It actually says "BAL" on the spot, so you cant forget. ) Pull out all the water. 

3. Pull out the button. The hole you see is called the stoma. It is the entry to the stomach and does not need to be sterile. It doesn't hurt, but some stomach contents back out. Kinda gross, but no grosser than a little vomit. That's why we use paper towels. Before inserting the new button, we wash the stoma off good.It does close FAST. If a new button isn't inserted quick, it will close. Which the requires either a painful dilation or a new surgery. Some people claim the stoma wont close for an hour. In my experience, it starts closing up almost instantly.

4. Once you wash off the stoma, stick the new button in. Its seriously THAT simple. Just push the stem with the balloon deflated right on the stoma. You may feel a bit of resistance, but its usually because the kid is tightening the stomach muscles. You cant screw this part up. The only place for the new button to go is in the right spot! I'm sure there is a rare occasion that this hasn't gone smooth for someone, but Ive never heard of it.
Once its in, insert the syringe with the water in it and re inflate the balloon. 

And..................Its over! :) The only thing left to do is kisses and snuggles!