I had my peg tube in on friday. It hurts so bad! I feel myself getting frustrated and hating this all already. I don't want to give up. I have only done 4 rads and 1 chemo. So many more to go. I feel like I will not have the strength to make it through. I know I have to for my kids but it is so hard. I hope the pain of the peg goes away soon because I am having a hard time with it. I feel like such a looser. I need my strength back. Sorry to both all of you with such a baby complaint. It just knocked me further down than I had anticipated.

Take one day at a time. I felt like givng up everday for any reaon I can find. You completed one giant step to get proper nutrition, and no surgery is easy, so that's an accomplishment, and tje pain will subside. I tried to sty in a comfortable position, not sure if I had pain meds, probably did. Somewhere, deep down, you will find the strength to survive, and be there for your children. If you have any questions, ask.

Theresa, I know this is hard. More so as you have small children to care for.
Do you have family who can help with the kids?
If you need pain meds to help with the PEG pain, take them. Though it shouldn't hurt for too many days.
You now need to tell yourself that you can do this, and believe me , YOU CAN. Take it one day at a time and keep breathing. You can do this. Think positively. attitude is everything in this fight. Tell yourself that you are going to both get through this and you are going to survive. You have so much to live for. I truly hope Family will help you through this and with the kids. Above all, be kind to yourself.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Theresa, my PEG started hurting two days after surgery. I needed oxy to tolerate the pain it was so awful. It took two more days for the surgery nurse to make it to my room. It turned out the PEG had become too tight. They adjusted it, but it tightened up again a few weeks later -- I think as I became hydrated. Getting it adjusted is simple, painless and easy.

It should not be hurting intensely. Something is wrong with the PEG, not with you! What would you tell one of your children who was going through this, scared, in pain, in shock? Well right now you need to give yourself some mother love, too.

Lynn

Its ok to complain here and get those worries out in the open. We understand! We have all been there at some point and know how difficult treatment can be. We have all had our ups and downs and battles with the pain. Please understand you do not have to ever apologize for your feelings, especially here on the forum where we understand what you are going thru.

When I first had the feeding tube placed I felt like I had been punched in the stomach and then hit by a car and backed over too. It was terrible for about the first few days then I began to feel better. I was kept overnight in the hospital for the pain when I first got the peg. If your tube still hurts as much tomorrow, call and get an emergency appointment with the gastro doc who placed it. It needs to be checked for tightness and to make sure you dont have granulation or another reason for the pain.

Hope you feel better very soon!!!

Great advice Lynn.
Being scared is totally ok and completely understandable. I don't think anyone goes through this without those feelings. You can allow yourself some time to grieve and be scared, then put your battle face on and go for it!! We are here to help and to listen and be your cheering squad. Hang in there!!
Kathy

Theresa,

My PEG hurt like a SOB for a week or more after the procedure if I recall correctly, it will subside in a couple days. The Doc told me the younger or more fit the person is, the hard this procedure is on them due to thickness of the stomach muscles. Whether he was padding my ego or just trying to make me feel better I don't know.

If its anything like what I went thru, the next little gastro battle you will have was the stomach trying to pass the small balloon on the business end of the PEG as food. I eventually started using it as my "need another formula" alarm.

I did find it very useful from the middle of week 3 all the way to about 5 weeks post treatment when I could in no way eat. Tonsillectomy followed by rads is not any ones idea of fun.

BONUS: when the opiates and other drugs start causing severe constipation. None of the curative medicine tastes good that fixes that, so straight into the PEG without having to hold my nose.

Thank you all so much. The tube still hurts but not as bad. I am having the doctor take a look at it because I think it might be infected. I have now completed 2 chemo treatments and 9 rads. I am feeling well and still eating like crazy. I came down with thrush and some sores are starting as well as dry mouth but I'll take it. I am still so scared of what is to come. I know it will get bad...I am just trying as hard as I can to keep going and pushing myself to stay well. Thank goodness for this group. I feel so much better when I come here. Thank you all again for your kindness. I really appreciate it!

Theresa

Don't feel poorly about yourself. You have taken a vital step in ensuring the stability oh everybody's life around you. You should be very proud of yourself for doing so. I admire you for your courage and determination. Sure it hurts but it will get better - and so will you because you are brave and strong and willing to make the hard choices and trade today's comfort for tomorrow's better life. Well done!

Theresa, My peg hurt so bad and gastro sent me home without any pain meds, I ended up in the ER with pain meds and they checked it to see that I was put in correctly. Long haul but keep up with your positive attitude it will help