Peg tube insertion

Hi Purky. I didn’t have a PEG but I’m sure others will be along to help. I just wanted to say that Buscopan helped a good few forum members here and if you are on an opiate patch for heavens sake make sure you take laxatives too. 

Hi Purky,

I had similar experience, due to the air pumped into the stomach. The only good thing was that the Abbot nurse told me about it so I knew that this might happen. The pain was excruciating and I couldn't get out of bed, I was given co codamol that helped a bit. The problem was that I couldn't walk because of this and because of the incision pain, and moving would help to release the air. They said drinking mint of ginger tea may help. I think my eased after couple of days, although I needed 5 days altogether to be able to move around without help.

I am waiting now for PEG removal which will be done the same way and I am not looking forward to it. I read that some exercise in bed such as the bridge can help.

You should feel better soon.

I had a PEG inserted...5/6 days of moderate abdominal muscle pain, well managed by meds...removal was relatively painless.

Hello, as a fellow wife I can only tell you about my hubbies experience,he felt just as Micky55, he had it fitted in the morning and home for T time. Don't be a hero,ask for painkillers and hopefully it's a little more manageable. If the pain last for a longer period of time,let your medical team know. Hope you feel better soon. Fellow wife Mel  x

I found my peg painful too. It was put in too tightly and it was a week before a nurse looked at it and worked it out. I had to have antibiotics from my GP as it was inflamed. I'd get it looked at it I was you. 

This happened a week before my treatment started, which made it stressful as if I had an infection the treatment - radio chemo would have had to be delayed. 

Once it was loosened off it was fine and when I had it out it was painful when they pulled it out bit that pain didn't last for long. 

When I had it done the nurse said - its no problem / one guy had it done on Friday and got married the following week. This made me feel as if I was being a whimp. But everyone is different and I wish id sounded the alarm sooner - as I thought I should grin and bear it - but in fact it had been put in too tightly. Which apparently is common as when it's put in you are horizontal and then when you stand up its too tight. 

I hope you get it sorted, if it's very painful - it shouldn't be. 

All the best 

Rachel 

It does not help at this stage but my PEG did not cause me any issues.  I suspect it is trapped air or the clip in the tube is too tight.  My hospital sent me home an hour after it was fitted with a bag attached to the tube to let the air out.  That was a good move.  I had a check the following morning to make sure all was OK.  Again I am sure that helped.

Going forwards make sure they teach you how to manage and feed with the PEG.  Better to be prepared that to be in a crisis when you need it at a weekend...  Also ask about a pump and bagged food rather than just syringing in Fortisips as that can be quite messy.