For me, the PEG tube was the hardest part of my treatment.The only time I had to take narcotics was the week after the tube was placed. I complained somewhat about it, bacause it did hurt alot. They loosened it after a week, but I always had some degree of discomfort. It also caused acid reflux and loss of appetite. I was determined to get that thing yanked as soon as possible. When I went for a check up two weeks post-treatment I even considered putting fishing weights in my pocket to appear as if I had gained weight and so they would remove the tube. In the end I did not use the fishing weights but I did get weighed with my cowboy boots ON! LOL

Hmm, my "yank" hurt only about as much as removing a bandaid from a hairy leg, bled a small amount and healed quickly. I wasn't warned about carbonated drinks, but I didn't drink any; even if I'd had the urge, I was aware there was a hole healing in my stomach, so likely I wouldn't have, but you never know.

I now have the second belly button (both Innies) and also regard it as a badge of honor of sorts.

Towards the end of my use of it, I realized I could push it in or pull it out a little for better flow through it (There's a stopper on the end of it so it won't fall out; the stopper is obviously effective, because when he yanked on the tube, the grommet came out with the tube because the stopper was there.

I am putting Mederma on my "dimple". We'll see what happens.

I had mine taken out in November. Felt like they were ripping my insides out with it!! I have a significant little scar there (my kids call it my second belly button). But my doc just had me keep it clean and covered. I didn't have any problems with infection or anything. In fact I traveled internationally three days after having it removed and had no trouble....

best of luck