Peg Tube

My husband had a Peg tube inserted 6 days ago, he is undergoing radiation and chemo, he had a laryngectomy last Dec. however the cancer progressed and now more treatment is necessary. He already speaks with a prosthetic TEP. Since he's had it put in he's been in pain with increased bloating and cannot use his prosthetic voice as that pushes more air down into the stomach. Has this been the problem with anyone else when they've had a Peg tube put in ?? if so how long until it becomes more comfortable? He is using Boost Plus, he can also drink and eat soup etc. but when/if the throat gets worse it's there for him.

On 7/14/2008 Caregiver Michele wrote:

My husband had a Peg tube inserted 6 days ago, he is undergoing radiation and chemo, he had a laryngectomy last Dec. however the cancer progressed and now more treatment is necessary. He already speaks with a prosthetic TEP. Since he's had it put in he's been in pain with increased bloating and cannot use his prosthetic voice as that pushes more air down into the stomach. Has this been the problem with anyone else when they've had a Peg tube put in ?? if so how long until it becomes more comfortable? He is using Boost Plus, he can also drink and eat soup etc. but when/if the throat gets worse it's there for him.

 

Mine started feeling better after about 10-14 days.  He should notice an improvement in a couple of days.  Have him continue to swallow during treatment, even if it is just water.  I made the mistake of not doing this and my esophagus closed.  They had to go down my mouth and up my PEG tube hole to stretch it, and they gave me a new tube.  It's just as sore as the first .  So have him try to always swallow something.  It will pay off in the long run.