I had my PEG placed Thurs the 17th. I had been in a lot of pain and on Tues while at Chemo appt Dr wanted me to speak with the surgeon who placed it. After ruling out all other possibilities thru a CT, he said that the tube was too tight. So he loosed it...the worst pain I had ever been in. Well things were looking good for a day or two until I noticed that the T stopper on the end had caused a flesh wound. I have kept gauze under it & very clean. I am not sure what the best way to heal this flesh wound is. There is still a lot of irritation around the stoma because of it being too tight. Anyone have any experience like this? If so how long did it take to heal and any tips? I start chemo & rad this week & will be letting both docs take a look.


Thanks

Hi Shaylynn

My partner Steve got an infection at his peg site and the doctor's had to release it as well, like they did yours. His was released because an abscess had developed under it but either way it was too tight. He was in agony when they loosened it. When they released it this caused the stomach acids to leak through around the wound causing him severe burns. His peg was done in week 2 of 7 weeks of treatment and we are now 4 weeks post tx. He still has alot of scaring and is on stomach acid reducing medication but apart from that he has healed up well. I suppose I just want you to know what to be on the lookout for just incase as I would hate for someone else to go through this. Luckily this was a rare occurence. Basically we do the same as you do though, just keep it clean and keep guaze under it. All going ok now. Hope it all works out ok for you. We had our share of problems with the peg but it didn't take long for us to realise just what a godsend the peg is.

Wendy

I wish I could help or provide advice on your PEG problem. Instead. on the theory that misery loves company, let me comiserate on just how much I hate PEGs. PEGs are problem prone. My first one was too small and to top it off leaked at the connection to the y-extender. I had to have it entirely replaced with the whole fluroscope/operation room procedure within three weeks. For the second one, I waa told to keep antibiotic cream around it but all that ended up doing was staining all my shirts and t-shirts (until my wife made a little custom chest protector like a half slip). To top it off, the antibiotic cream caused a major yeast infection on the insertion side that I now sprinkle Nystatin powder on.
The doctors don't seem to take this issue seriously enough and the dept at my CCC which inserted mine does not even do follow ups. My suggestion is to bring it to their attention each visit and insist on some relief or remedy. It should not hurt nor be too tight.