03/05/2025
Let’s talk venting and draining G-tubes!
If someone has a G-tube or a GJ tube, that means that their feeding tube gives them access to their stomach.
G-tubes or the G portion of a GJ tube- can also used for venting and draining stomach contents. Venting and draining can help with symptoms of bloating (releasing extra air), nausea and stomach contents. Venting the feeding tube is typically done with a syringe, and draining a feeding tube can be done by either connecting a drainage bag to the extension of the tube and letting gravity do the work, or manually using a syringe to pull out the stomach contents.
Typically you are instructed by your doctor or gastroenterologist as to when the right time to vent or drain would be, and if that is appropriate given your situation.
For example - In my particular situation, I am receiving all of my nutrition through the J portion of my GJ tube, bypassing my stomach (the problem area). I am highly encouraged to vent and drain from the G portion as needed for symptom relief, as well as engaging in what is called “pleasure/comfort feeding”.
Pleasure feeding is engaging in eating/drinking to have a sense of normalcy in social settings or whenever I want! This allows me to engage in eating certain things of my choice that I will be able to drain the contents of after eating- so I won’t have to experience severe pain, nausea, vomiting.. etc
As much as I wish I could eat and drink without getting extremely sick and dealing with severe side effects, I am so grateful that I am able to engage and enjoy social situations surrounding food without having to pay for it. This may be NEW news and bring even more of an understanding to my own family and friends circle!
Yes, this takes a little bit of planning and you have to be fairly cautious on the choices of food, as not everything drains easily from the stomach and you may have to work at it manually with a syringe. Depending on the quantity of what you’ve eaten or drink, it may take a little while to drain, but otherwise it can be fairly quick and simple. I carry around extra syringes in all of my purses and backpacks so that I’m prepared on the go - as I don’t always remember or have a drainage bag on me.
As always, if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to send me a direct message or comment below. Hoping to make some more informative posts with real demonstrations, tips and tricks in the very near future. 💓
