I think my PEG tube had a bell cup or something that held it in place on the inside. I had asked my doctors prior to getting it pulled how much pain was involved. The chemo doc said it would feel like a punch.

Not that I'm advocating this, but I was SO uptight and nervous about getting the PEG tube pulled that I made sure to take a valium and a pain pill before the appointment. Normally, I get by just fine without any sort of pain or anxiety medication on a day to day basis, but when facing a procedure that might be painful, I try to make it as comfortable as possible.

I shut my eyes real tight and couldn't believe the PEG had been pulled. It was a real victory of sorts as I don't remember being uptight or in pain at all.

Being a person that dislikes having to take pills except in the matter of necessity (I have to talk myself into the daily dose of Iressa) I don't think I could even take the deep massage they give me at physical therapy without pain relief prior to going in. Therefore, I'm admitting to the fact that I'm a major chicken when it comes to pain.

Good luck with the removal. I felt like a whole new person when the tubing was removed. It was like being released from the tether!

Jen