Question:
On a scale from 1-10, how much does having the g-tube hurt?

I am such a big chicken. The only real fear I have for my upcomming surgery is the g-tube. I know I will have one. On a scale from 1-10, how painful is it and using the same scale, how uncomfortable is it??? Help give me a point of reference. Is it equal to having staples removed or being hit by a truck????????    — Margaret B. (posted on May 9, 2001)

May 9, 2001
hi there, they put it in while your out usualy and you don't even feel that part, and when you wake up it is a little uncomfortable, but tolerable,and when they take it out it happens so fast it isn't to bad, just feels weird, but you will most likley be on pain killers so don't worry it won't be that bad:)
   — sandra M.

May 9, 2001
I had mine for two weeks after surgery. I wouldn't say it was as much painful as uncomfortable. I found it really helped to put it so it wasn't pulling and tape it in that position. It also helped to keep it dry and clean. It is nothing you can't handle and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
   — Helen C.

May 9, 2001
I just had mine removed today. I am 3 weeks post-op. In the hospital 10 days and sent home with g-tube for 11 days. The whole time it was in it was just an aggravation never painful or even uncomfortable. When they took it out today, I was worried since it had been in for 3 weeks, but I didn't even know when she pulled it out. No pain at all. Randy Lacy
   — Randy L.

May 9, 2001
I had mine for three weeks after surgery, and for pain, I'd say it was 0-1 on a scale of 10 and a 3 for aggrivation factor. I just had to tape it to my body so it wouldn't pull and forgot about it most of the time, except for the tube feedings, but that was mostly at night. Good luck.
   — Maria H.

May 9, 2001
I am 6 days post op and only had the ng tube for my 4 days in the hospital. I have asthma so I found it very hard to breathe with the tube but it was more uncomfy feeling than pain. Pain level I would say is a 1-2 but discomfort maybe a 5.
   — Susan B.

May 9, 2001
Margaret, For me it was not too bad. Not necessarily painful, but annoying. The stitches that held it on pull sometimes, so it helps to keep it taped to your body, and when the end comes off you have all of this stuff leak out! It is so embarassing, especially in public! When they took it out it didn't hurt at all, but felt really strange! I was so happy to get it out though. I felt like I was finally free! The muscles hurt a teeny bit after removal, Over all on a scale from 1 to 10, I would say the pain factor is less than 1, with a 7 in annoyance factor! I hope this helps!
   — Kim B.