Having a PEG
Date issued: July 2022
Review date: July 2024
Ref: C-505/PP/LDT/Having a PEG
PDF: Having a PEG final July 2022.pdf [pdf] 1016KB
Eating and drinking
When we are well we are usually able to swallow the foods and drinks that we need to keep us strong and healthy.
Food goes from our mouths, down our throats into our tummies, to be digested.
When we are poorly we can:
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Find it hard to swallow properly
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Don’t feel as hungry
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Do not want to eat
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Not eat or drink enough to keep ourselves healthy
What is a PEG?
A PEG is a special tube that goes into your tummy.
It is not a peg that you use to hang up wet washing.
You need a PEG so food and drink will go straight into your tummy without you needing to swallow.
The hospital staff will talk to you about having a PEG if you:
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Are poorly and your illness means you cannot swallow properly
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Have stopped eating and have got very weak
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Are at risk of choking when swallowing
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Need more food and drink than you are managing to swallow
Having a PEG put in
You will need an operation to have your PEG put in. You will asleep when this happens.
The PEG does not hurt.
It could get caught on clothes or bedding until you get used to it.
Please do not worry; you cannot pull your PEG out and it will not fall out.
If you need any medicine it will be given to you through your PEG.
Seeing a dietitian
You will be seen by a dietitian.
The dietitian will talk to you about:
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Your special food
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When to have your special food
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How much special food to have
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If you are able to manage small amounts of food and drinks in your mouth called tasters
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What to do if you have any problems with your PEG
Looking after your PEG
You, your family, carers or support workers will be given all of the things you need to look after your PEG.
You will be given:
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Equipment
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Your special food
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Training on your PEG and how to keep the skin around the tube clean and healthy
When everything is okay you will be able to go home.
Questions about having a PEG
1. Is it temporary or permanent?
The hospital staff will tell you if your PEG is in for a short time (temporary) or whether you will have it for the rest of your life (permanent).
Your peg is:
2. Will I ever be able to eat food in my mouth again?
Depending on why your PEG was fitted you may be able to have small meals or tasters of food in your mouth.
You can / cannot have tasters.
You can / cannot have food.
You can / cannot have drinks.
3. Do I still need to clean my teeth if I am no longer eating and chewing?
Yes it is really important to keep your teeth, gums and tongue clean and healthy.
When you get home
The dietitian will come and visit you at home.
They will check that the skin around your tube has healed.
The dietitian will also make sure that you and whoever you live with are happy and know what you are doing.
Most people do not need to eat or drink anything through their mouth when they have a PEG.
If you have any questions or worries about your PEG please call your dietitian.
