Anyone Ever Used Silver Nitrate Before?

D., my 1-year-old daughter also has a g-button and I have used the silver nitrate sticks on her, too. She also fussed when I did it and not in the doctor's office. I would recommend someone hold your son very still while you CAREFULLY touch the granulation around the button in tiny little motions. It may take longer but the slower you go the better chance that you'll only touch the granulation and not the skin. You can't do it by yourself - make sure someone helps you and that the room is well-lit. Also, you might consider not using the gauze and just letting it air dry, which might feel cooler for your son.

I didn't have to do it that often and Sophie's granulation eventually went away. Don't beat yourself up about it (or the way that stupid doctor made you feel). Getting used to a g-tube takes time and practice. You're a great mommy!

D.:

I know how stressful you are, fearing to harm the precious gift you have in your hands, a son who depends on you, a son who is everything for you.

Just relax, don't blame yourself never about the silver nitrate incident. Years ago, I had some "builts" in my left arm (I was living in Guatemala then), and the pharmacist recomend me to treat them with silver nitrate. I accidentally dropped the stick, and well...I had several "burns". Everything look horrible but after days or over a week maybe, everything came normally again. I don't have any single mark and the "builts" also dissapear.

Hug son Jacob for me and you'll see that every single mark of the burns will be erased in few weeks.

ev

Silver Nitrate is usually not something you prescribe so I'm surprised you were sent home with it. It's considered a "procedure". Cauterization (sp?) However, when I was younger and wore braces I use to get mouth sores constantly. THey hurt really bad so my uncle who is a doctor gave me a litte envelope with 3 or 4 of those swab things you're talking about. I would use them for mouth sores. I don't remember them hurting but it does in fact "sear" the open wound. I loved them...I wished I had them for my daughter when she wore braces but my uncle has long been divorced out of the family!

My daughter is 14 months old with a G-Button/Tube also!!! Wow, other moms that will understand the medical jargan. When we had this tissue pop up after a replacement of her G-Tube, her pedi GI thought of it more as a infection and not just graular tissue. She was placed on heavy antibiotic for 14 days and it cleared up. Since then, nothing has showed back up. I have heard that some buttons have more problems then others (like the Mic Key, since it can leak and has to be changed frequently has a increased chance of more granular tissue that what my daughter has, a Microvasive Button). We were sent home with some Silver Nitrate after her 2nd button was put in, we have never used it though, haven't had the need to. Anyway, I would love to speak with other moms that understand this issue, along with others. Feel free to send me a message, if you would like to talk.

M.

It was used on my daughters belly button after the cord fell off because it had not closed completely, but my pediatrician did it, not me. If I had to, I would take him to th ER if your Dr is unable to help you. I wouldn't take any chances.

I did a double take on your question. Silver Nitrate is some serious stuff and I can't imagine it in inexperienced hands! Think pure acid on a stick! I agree with your doc. Just take him in.
He has been through enough already. Tattooing doesn't even come close to the damage this stuff can do. Infact, I would get it out of your house completely!
C. S.

D.. I feel for you. I used to work for a podiatrist who used the Silver Nitrate Sticks after she would remove an in-grown nail. Now this would obviously be a small spot & the Silver Nitrate worked to cauterize the area and stop the bleeding. They can burn a little & MUST be used properly. I would return to the Surgeons office & ask them to train you properly how to use them. They are not hard to use, but someone SHOULD have confirmed that you were comfortable using them before they sent you home to use by yourself on your fragile little angel!

LOVE him & cuddle him -- things will get better.