Today I had my PEG fitted. I had it at about 11am and took painkillers pretty much straight afterwards but they didn't make any difference. I was in so much pain by about 3pm we phoned the Hospital and they said to go to my Doctor and get stronger painkillers...so I did. I took them over 3 hours ago and the pain just seems to be getting worse. It feels like I've been kicked in the stomach/ribs, I expected to have some pain but not this much!! I can't even stand up straight because it feels like something stopping me from doing so. Every time I move (even slightly) it just hurts so badly.
Did anyone else experience this much pain? How long does the pain last? Any tips for easing off the pain? (even a little bit!)
Thank you

Hi Hayley- My husband has a PEG. He remembers it being very painful at first. Just make sure you are not pulling on it in any way. He realized that when he taped it down, it was pulling when he straightened up. He has had it for about 5 months now and it is pain free at this point. His was inserted surgically into his stomach and not down the throat because he had just had his jawbone replaced. I don't if this helps, but hang in there and I'll be sending positive thoughts your way. Sue

I was in so much pain from the darn PEG! Like you, I was not expecting it at all. Most people dont seem to have a problem with PEG. It was the only time during treatment that I needed narcotics. Yes, I felt like I was kicked by a horse for about a week. It was too tight and they would not loosen it until a week went by. Actually what ended up working best for the pain was 800mg of ibuprofun, rather than the oxycodone. My nurse practitioner recommended I try it as some patients do better with it. It worked for me.
So for me the pain lasted little more than a week. My nurse also thought because I was thin to begin with, it was more painful for me than for others. You are on the small side as well, aren't you? Not sure why being small makes it more painful. Just take it easy for a few days, Hayley, and the pain will get better! Take care, Teresa

Buzz was in such pain that I took him to the emergency room the day after PEG insertion...doctor checked it, did a scan to confirm proper placement and stated 'some people experience more pain than others following this procedure'. The severe pain lessened over the next few days.
Hang in there Hayley, and know that we are all here for you if we can help in any way. I pray that your pain will go away soon.

Lois

Took 3-4 days for the pain to go away. It will heal, so hang in there.

Haley I have been there and understand what you are going through. I felt that the pain was worse from the PEG after it was inserted than I felt after my neck dissection. My pain lasted 6 days. On that 6th day I was on my way to the Emergency room because it was so bad. The doctor asked me to wait 1 more day, I did and the pain was completely gone! Its a little uncomforatble when I sleep at night because I am a side sleeper, but I somehow get through it. It will be a godsend when you need to use it when your rad treatments are in full force.I know that its hard to imagine now but you will understand in a couple of weeks. There wasn't any pain meds that eased the pain for me. It will be a tough week for you but the pain will end. Feel free to PM me with ANY questions you have. My PEG was inserted 12/31/07 and all the doctors told me was that I would have slight discomfort. They were WRONG. Stay strong and you will get through this I promise.

I had pretty severe pain the first couple of days--yes, even standing up was tough and sitting up from a lying down position was really hard. And I said the same thing you did--I felt like I'd been kicked by a horse. For me it went away pretty fast. The first two days were bad but I remember feeling OK sitting up and standing by the fourth day--it still hurt if I laughed or moved in other ways that used stomach muscles. By the second week I had no pain at all. Hang in there Hayley!

Hi Hayley!

I am so sorry to hear about the pain from the PEG. My Dad was in the same boat as you and it took a few days. Hang in there sweetie.

I have been following your blog... posted on there awhile back. Hope you are feeling well, aside from this latest PEG issue.

Thank you everybody for your replies. Really appreciate them! This morning I woke up and I'm still very sore but not as much as yesterday, I can nearly stand up straight now. I guess I'll just have to be patient and let it heal and deal with the pain, it'll be worth it if I do end up needing it! Thanks again.

Hi Hayley how are you doing? i remember those days, i was in so much pain with my peg tube when i first had it fitted that i cried to have it taken out, of course my hubby wouldnt let me (meanie) but it does get better i forget most of the time that i have my tube i have even gotten up to go the loo while i have feeding on and pulled my trolly accross the floor thats how comfortable it gets..hope your feeling ok

debz