Sharond, I am so sorry you have had such a tough time with your PEG. No, it is not supposed to hurt. After a couple of days slight of soreness from insertion, there should be no pain. As far as length, I am pretty sure mine was no longer than 20 inches, which made it easy to hide under my clothing. Any longer would have been completely unnecessary. I do not know what would happen if it were to be shorter. Good question.