 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | My gastro doc told me he wanted me to go for one full month without using my peg before he would even consider removing it. I know having a feeding tube is no fun at all but it does serve its purpose. Its much better to go slow with removing it than push to have it out only to find out how much depends on it. If meds are being given by peg then also consider how that will be done once the tube is gone. Start taking meds by mouth to ensure it can be done. Also remember a minimum of 48 oz per day of water? Is that something that can be accomplished every single day? If its not then dont rush to have the feeding tube removed. Dehydration can sneak up on you so quickly and land the patient right in the hospital. It happened to me so thats why Im trying to make sure all angles are considered with the peg removal.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
