Peg Insertion.

[Paulpwtierney]

Procedure went smoothly but apparently when I came to I was loud/distressed and confused. I was sedated and then made the mistake of eating too quickly and suffered extremely painful cramps. I was admitted overnight and suffered through the night with more painkillers. I was discharged the next afternoon but still could hardly walk and was distressed/confused. The nurses downstairs thought I was some escapee . I wasn't making much sense and looked like I should still be on the ward. I am only today looking at the tube but I made the mistake of asking the oncologist what stage I was. She didn't want to tell me but finally told me Stage 4. She stressed that in head/neck cancers stage 4 is treatable but it will take a high dosage of chemo. She told me I am P16+. Fun times ahead.

[Jules2]

Paul sorry to read you had a torrid time after getting your peg. It is a good thing to have one prior to treatment in case you do need it. Not everyone does!! Have you considered any alternative therapies to compliment the medical treatment that you will be having? Things such as meditation can help with stress. I used to use it for my first cancer, but of course it is not everyone's cup of tea. Julie

[Paulpwtierney]

Thanks Jules. The oncologist is convinced I will need it and quite possibly from early on due to the severity of the chemo. I am glad it was put in early as if it was put in same time as the chemo I would still be in the ward. I cannot drive now and need assistance with everything. I am totally dependant on others. I wait for my wife to attend to my needs like bath time , eating , toilet etc. I do try meditation etc but at the moment am limited to basic things. I am recovering slowly from PEG and hope to be mobile by Saturday.

[Jules2]

Paul ... I was on a nasal gastric tube before my peg and the peg is way easier. Hang in there with it all!! Has anyone talked to you about oral care while you are having treatment? I used to use bicarb and salt water wash which seemed to help.

[Paulpwtierney]

The oncologist said the nasal tube is the preferred option but in my case PEG is the go. I am slowly recovering - pain in the shoulders from the anaesthethetic was intense but has now subsided , first bowel motion post PEG today. Just tired and moving slowly but definitely on the improve. No - no-one has mentioned bicarb and salt. I am still coming to terms with being Stage 4. I have a lot of appointments next week . Does the bicarb and salt help the pain in your throat ?