Stomach PEG removed - no pain during operation

I was in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, this morning, to have my stomach feed tube (PEG) removed. As I was sedated it was totally painless. My worry beforehand was totally unnecessary.  I think I fell asleep as, apart for the initial things on the op trolley (being sedated by cannula into the back of my hand and insertion of my mouth guard) I was unaware of everything until I was recovering afterwards. Another stroke milestone for me. Still get giddy when walking, tired and speaking is hard work. Unthickened drinks are not easy. But I can eat most foods, all by mouth and, gradually, things are getting better.

Stomach PEG coming out soon (stroke)

Having seen the dietician nurse in clinic at Addenbrooke's today, it is now likely that my stomach PEG will be removed "in the coming weeks".   Just how it comes out will be decided shortly.   It means that the water I currently inject directly into my stomach will have to be by mouth soon. As my swallow of liquids is still not that easy, this will be non-trivial, but do-able. Regarding alcohol, the dieticians could see no reason why the odd glass of wine should be an issue, but they suggested I discuss with my GP in case it is linked to the pills I take. I doubt this.

Not H.Pylori

One of the surgery doctors rang to tell me the lab results are back and I do not have an H.Pylori stomach infection. In a way this is bad news as if I had been, it would explain the symptoms and antibiotics should have cleared it. Now I have no idea what is causing my stomach discomfort or bad breath. More tests, more unknowns, more waiting.

Stomach issue - being taken seriously

At last, as our normal doctor was away, I saw a different doctor today and he has agreed we do a test to see if my stomach has the harmful bacterium H.Pylori. It will take 3-4 weeks to do the test and get results,but at least we are looking for the why. If it is present there are antibiotics to clear it. The normal doctor has been good, but this new one seemed keen to help get to the bottom of this issue.

My stomach is just one of my post stroke issues but the one that is distressing me most.

Stomach problems (stroke)

This week I have one main objective: to get to the bottom of what is causing my stomach discomfort. I have had this discomfort for several months now, along with bad breath.  My GP has tried all manner of medicines without any success. I am becoming convinced I have some bacterial stomach infection and the GP needs to understand the source and treat that, not the resulting discomfort. Reading about strokes, long term stomach disorders don't normally appear as issues. I think the GP has to get to the bottom of this. If he can fix this with antibiotics I'm sure I'll feel so much better.