I am sorry that becoming a "tubie" is a part of your new normal. I too am on a permanent PEG, five years this month. I hope that, once the shock and disappointment you feel at having your world turned upside-down have abated, you will find that living with a PEG is not so bad. I enjoy preparing food for myself ~ the textures, smells, chemistry of blending. I still relish having meals with friends and family, whether at home or in a restaurant. I do use a syringe and bolus feed, which allows for ease of movement and travel.

I note your dx of COPD: I have the chronic, progressive lung disease Bronchiectasis. Aspiration for those of us with lung disease, as you know, can be deadly. Let's keep on living! A PEG introduces a new challenge, as much emotional as physical. As I have followed your posts I have come to know a guy who can continue to "live life LARGE."

The Inspire website has a great online support community for those of us with feeding tubes, and there is plenty of good information elsewhere on the web. Let me know if I can he of help.