I have a question for those out there who had or were familiar with PEG tube useage and removal. I had my PEG removed yesterday following a total of almost 4 months since installation, now 7 weeks out of treatment. The nurse at my Oncology doc's office at Emory University Winship Cancer Center removed the tube simply by pulling it out. It was a bit painful for about 5 minutes and then felt okay. She applied Neosporin and bandaged up along with instructions to my wife and caregiver as to how to care for over next few days. Later, on our way home from hospital and after stopping for lunch, I begin to notice leakage onto the front of my shirt. The bandage applied earlier by the nurse was saturated. We were in a panic by the time we got home, wife contacted nurse at Emory, etc.. Leaked very little overnight but again started leaking a breakfast this morning and now again tonight at dinner. Plan to contact nurse again in the morning but in meantime just wondering if anyone else has experienced such?

Thanks-
Bill D.

Bill, my husband's leaked "a little" for several days as it was closing up. He said it felt like he had been shot in the gut when they yanked his, but it only lasted a few minutes, and then he was just sore for several days. Hopefully, you will stop dripping and start feeling O.K. quickly.Keeping the area clean is real important. Amy

Bill,

That's pretty common. Both the bit of leakage, and the "5 minutes of pain". My Dr. said there will be a little "friction". Yah, right.

I'll repeat JAM's statement. Keep it clean, and change the dressing. I worked down to a bandaid in about a week or so.

Congrads of getting the tube out. That was a big milestone for me. Keep at it.

Mike

Hi Bill,

I had my peg removed on Aug.3rd. It is still healing. Yes, it leaks off and on as it heals. Remember it is healing from the inside out. I also got a small infection, but it broke and it is doing nicely now.

I just keep it clean and no bandage when home. If I go some where I put a patch over it. I try to let the air get to it so it will heal. I did not use Neosporin because it would start a red rash and itch.

I do not know how long it takes for it to completly close up. I am sure everyone is different. Mine is looking good right now. The hole is getting smaller and smaller. Maybe it will be completely closed in a few weeks.

Hope this was of some help
Take care
Diane

Hello. I actually had 2 G-tubes since my diagnosis. One was placed at the time of diagnosis and removed soon after my treatment was done. The second came after struggling with malnutriition for months. The first tube was healed days later, but the second removal was not near as pleasant. The pain went away fairly quicly, but it leaked horribly at first and took about 3 weeks to stop completely. In the first few days, all I could do was lay on my back and be very still. Any movement opened it up, but don't fear! I had 3 infections, and it took a little while, but it healed beuatifully. I lovingly call my scar a "Second Belly-Button." I recommend Surgical pads for the drainage when your'e up. Theyr'e somewhat bulky, but it's hard to soak them. I'd leave it open at home though.

I just have to add my two cents. Being the "good" sister I am, I read that the pegs could deteriorate and should be checked. When David (my brother) got to MD Anderson I told them to be sure to ask about that. They noted his was a very old type of peg and thought they should go ahead and replace it. I had NO idea they just jerk it out. He could not speak, but wrote a note and had my sister relay it over the phone. He said, "When I get home, I've got a size 11 boot waiting for your butt." Fortunately he forgave me (I think) after the pain subsided. When will I just learn to leave well enough alone? By the way, tomorrow would have been David's 34th birthday if he was still with us. We will celebrate by taking his little girl fishing. I just want to say Happy Birthday to him. I know he's not on the web, but it's the closest I can get.
Love you all,
Tonya