Hi, I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer Nov 2021. After surgery to remove 2 tumours from back of mouth and under tongue I was recovering well until starting radiotherapy. 8 sessions into prescribed 30, the side effects started. A week later I became unable to swallow liquids and was hospitalised for 2 weeks during which a NG tube was fitted. That was the beginning of March 2023 and I still need a feeding tube. Despite following all the exercises, I am unable to eat anything other than small amounts soft food covered in sauce. I have been told the radiotherapy side effects could last 6 - 9 months or more. As I see no improvement its become quite depressing. However, it is what it is and moving forward it has been recommended that I move to having a RIG fitted for feeding. My consultant says the only downside to this is it may impact on intimacy. Without sharing details (!), does anyone else have good/bad experiences of RIG feeding? Apart from Consultant’s comment, does this show through clothing? Any hints and tips most welcome.
