This topic is about using a Mic-Key Button, which is a small, low-profile tube, for abdominal decompression after ileostomy surgery. The person sharing their experience had this device placed by their surgeon to help with venting the stomach and small bowel, aiming to avoid the need for a nasogastric tube in the future. Here are some key points and insights from their experience:

- The Mic-Key Button is primarily used to vent and decompress the stomach and small bowel, which can prevent the need for a nasogastric tube.
- It has a small, unobtrusive appearance, often described as a "beach-ball valve," and can also be used to administer medications or irrigation fluids.
- The surgeon had not used a Mic-Key for this purpose before but decided to try it after learning about the concept.
- The person is curious if others have used a Mic-Key and how it has worked for them.

Additional information and personal experiences include:

- The Mic-Key is technically a pediatric feeding tube, small enough to not interfere with daily activities.
- It helped control severe bloating and could be used to suction gastric contents.
- The person chose this option due to a personal intolerance of nasogastric tubes, which caused severe tooth and nerve pain.
- After placement, they experienced complications such as persistent pain, constant drainage, a fever, and were later diagnosed with a MRSA infection at the stoma site.
- An emergency-room physician removed the Mic-Key without consulting the surgeon, which could have led to serious complications.
- The person is on their third course of antibiotics and is steroid-dependent, which increases the risk of infection.
- They share their emotional struggles, including episodes of depression, but also express gratitude for improved health and family life, emphasizing the importance of support communities.

Advice and insights from the community:

1. Some members had not heard of the Mic-Key Button but found the idea interesting. One member plans to discuss its potential for both irrigation and decompression with stoma nurses.
2. The community encourages posting questions in forums, as members often provide multiple solutions to common ostomy concerns.
3. Emotional and mental health support is important:
- It's normal to feel loss and depression after ostomy surgery, and acceptance can take time.
- Focusing on gratitude for renewed health and life milestones can be helpful, and considering spiritual or peer-support resources may provide additional support.