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06/07/2007: "Ouch!"

This past Tuesday we went to the local hospital to have my feeding (peg) tube replaced. Every time I have my button replaced, I get very nervous so I took my “stay calm” pill (Lorazepam). It definitely helps. The weather was cooler that day so I wore a long sleeved shirt and long pants; good choice! It was cold in there! Two nurses made me comfortable with warm blankets and friendly chatter. They all seemed extra caring and nice that day which really helps. They took my vitals and asked for my medical history. Chris knew and answered for me. He always makes a copy of my medicines for every doctor’s appointment. They are always so happy when he does that since my list of meds is quite long.

It was 2:00pm the man of the hour is right on time. Dr. Yenchar is the surgeon who has replaced all my feeding (peg) tubes so far (4 and counting). My chair tilts back far enough that I didn’t even need to get out of my chair. He used a numbing jell around the button (he never did that before), grips it, pulls, and pops it out. I usually never look but when he was pulling, the area around where he applied the jell starting burning, so I looked and saw blood and what looked like a cherry with a stem. He then says we’re done just as he puts the new one in. I have to be honest that it hurt. The paper work took longer than the procedure though. The doctor then said that he would see me in about two years. I have been averaging just over two years per button, which is very good from what I have been told. Two years is just enough time to get prepared to do it all again.

Another life lesson learned:
When typing a letter, especially when using an on-screen keyboard, SAVE OFTEN! It can be a bright and sunny day and the freaking power goes out and wipes away hours of typing. (Ouch!) ……..Debbie


This is what the PEG tube looks like and that rod is what the doctor uses to take the old one out and put the new one in.