 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | PEG tubes are removed right in the doctors office. Most doctors will want to make sure the patient is able to sustain themselves without using the tube for a month or more prior to removal. They must maintain their weight while not using the tube. Better to hang onto it and not need it than to have it removed and end up getting another one a couple weeks later.
To be honest, this is going to hurt (only a very brief flash of pain). The doctor will give one big pull, yanking it out then quickly cover the opening with gauze putting some pressure on the site. For me, it hurt like heck for about a minute (it took my breath away!) and then I felt instantly better and was able to stand up nice and straight for the first time in many months.
Good luck!!!
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  | 
