I had pain and nausea the first day or two after mine was placed. I really hated that thing, but was so glad I had it! I still use an elevated pillow to some extent whenI sleep. I was so glad when I had the thing removed, because by then I had been back to work for a month or so, and it sure limited what I could wear. I alwasys had to have pockets.

Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.