Question:
Does everybody's feeding tube hurt so much?

I had my surgery on 4/12. I still have my feeding tube to pump iron through because of being anemic since surgery. My question is- is it normal for it to hurt so much? Sometimes I barely notice it, and sometimes it makes me actually cry it throbs so bad! Its not infected looking, but I do have to change the gauze a couple times a day from the drainage around it. I have to keep it in until May 9th, so I still have 10 days to go. Any other people have this problem? Other than this, I feel great.( My incision is doing nice. It came open a little in the middle and bottom, but not much, and the doctor said it was fine.) thanks!    — Christy B. (posted on April 29, 2000)

April 29, 2000
Hi Christy: The tube is passing through raw tissue, which can really cause some pain, especially when the tube is manipulated in any way. I know that mine hurt more as time went on, but it wasn't in as long as yours will be. BEWARE! Take some pain meds before having it removed. It really burns, but it feels so good to have it out.
   — Jaye C.

April 29, 2000
Christy - my nurse told me that there is one suture holding in the tube, and thats what hurts - expecially when the tube is hanging, moving or swinging around. I started tucking it inside panties, taping it in place, etc. so that it would stop pulling on the suture.
   — Toni B.