PEG tube question

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Linda C.
Linda C. Member Posts: 107 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Planning on having my PEG tube removed in a few weeks.  How long does it take for the stoma to close up?  Can food leak out of the unhealed stomach hole before it heals?  I am diabetic and slow to heal so a little scary to me.

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  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
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    Free fill-up with every popped PEG

    Linda,

    In most cases immediately.  I read the procedure for  replacing a PEG and they mentioned how quickly it can close.

    For me, it was “pop” little gush of belly juice and it was over.  Very little pain and even littler leakage.

    That is not to say there can be complications, some H&N members have problems, just not me.

    Matt  

  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    #3
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    It just....

    Ain't no big deal.  With all the other stuff you've been through, It really isn't a problem.  You will be thrilled that it is gone.  Months afterward, you'll still be taking your shirt off over your head in a way to keep from messing with the ole peg tube.  Old habits are hard to break.

    Larry

  • MikefromWinthrop
    MikefromWinthrop Member Posts: 31
    #4
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    going in Thursday to see the

    going in Thursday to see the Gastro doc to check it, going to demand it be removed, have not used it for a month, get's in my way at the gym

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #5
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    I'm dying to get mine out

    I'm dying to get mine out also and haven't even used it. Saw the chemoe doc today and she said she would call the rad. doc to possible get it out soon so I can get back to the gym!

  • Sprint Car Dude
    Sprint Car Dude Member Posts: 181
    #6
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    Just a quick pop

    Just a quick pop, a little pain and a guaze pad for a day or two. Now I am just left with my bullet hole to the abdomen as friendly reminder of worse times.

  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,030 Member
    #7
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    Depending on the time of day

    Linda, 

    As the others mentioned, it is quick, a pop, a sting and you are done. My appointment was scheduled for 2 PM and I normally don't eat lunch. So, already looking to have a nice dinner, I was told no food until tomorrow, I was bummed. I just wanted to give you a head's up on the food thing. As mentioned, my 2nd belly button healed fast.

    My Best to You and Everyone Here

  • Linda C.
    Linda C. Member Posts: 107 Member
    #8
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    Thank you all for the

    Thank you all for the responses.  I guess my concern is due to the fact that I am a slow healer due to diabetes.  I especially liked the tip about no food till the next day.  I think that is wise.

     

  • abjolly
    abjolly Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2018 #9
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    How long was yours in?

    Can I ask how long yours was in? I'm 6 wks post-rx. I have the tube for 10 total weeks. I still cannot eat ANYTHING. Not even baby foods. They want to take the tube out within a week, not sure how I could make it without the tube. You're eating okay?

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #10
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    Get mine out soon

    They are removing mine the same day as the colonoscopy so I'm already going a day and a half without eating so if I can't eat afterwards either I will starve to death.

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #11
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    abjolly said:

    How long was yours in?

    Can I ask how long yours was in? I'm 6 wks post-rx. I have the tube for 10 total weeks. I still cannot eat ANYTHING. Not even baby foods. They want to take the tube out within a week, not sure how I could make it without the tube. You're eating okay?

    my PEG removed at 2 weeks post

    abjolly,

    If you can drink and swallow you can be without PEG.  Eating, where you bite, chew and swallow is the old normal and now you might try other ways.

    I tried to eat from day one (post) and I tried all the time, but I drank 1001 smoothies during the 7 months my taster and brain were in disagreement.

    I recovered to a wonderful “food & eating place” and you should too.

    Matt

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    edited February 2018 #12
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    I will be checking in on you

    Dean54.

    You need to give yourself more credit.  You are still here after the “fun, fun, fun” treatment and if you can drink and swallow you will not starve to death.  There are a couple of H&N members currently putting the screws to their proposed recovery, but you shall not be one of them.

    Now, prepare to be a happy, smoothie (if necessary) drinking H&N member.  I loved my time on the smoothie train, really!  I haven’t had a smoothie in 5 years and as I get more time under my belt, the whole pre / post cancer scenario is just a chapter in my “Life Book”.

    Matt

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