Rig fitting

Hi Abrn

I didn't have a rig but I didn't have chemoradiation.  I had a neck dissection and robotic surgery to remove the tumour followed by radiation. 

I know there are others on the forum who did have chemoradiation and no rig.  If you elect not to have the rig you run the gauntlet of being able to eat enough calories in order not to lose too much weight.  I was threatened with a nasogastric tube towards the end of the radiation treatment due to weight loss but just about managed not to lose too much more.

I wish you all the best and I'm sure you're not a wimp!

Linda

Yes me

i had a nasogastric tube. 

Painless if unsightly. 

I vomited it up once and had to have it replaced but it really was no problem

i took it out myself when I was eating. 

Hi Abrn

I had a PEG which is similar to a RIG.  However I do know several  people who have managed without one.  It all really depends on individual circumstances and what the medical people think best in each case.  I was very apprehensive about having one put in, but I was very glad that I had it done and I'm sure it helped me have a good recovery.  xx

Hi

OH had a rig fitted and its definitely been worthwhile as he cannot chew anything and soup is simply not enough to keep him going. Meds and protein boosting drinks now going down the tube, plus water cos he can't stand the taste of any drinks other than tea and coffee. 

One of our new friends at the hospital didn't have a rig and struggled with weight and nutrition, so we'd deffo recommend

Good luck with your treatment

...ricoshay x

Hi

Thanks for your reply I think it's the whole getting it fitted. 

My diet is full of protein smoothies but also aware things might change 

OH had a PEG. Didn't want it, but was very glad to have it. The process was extremely easy, and he did get to the point with the radiotherapy where he could only swallow water/very neutral, cool drinks. Anything at all acidic was too painful. Plus - and this is important - he could not swallow some of his medication, even in liquid form, so the PEG was essential for that. If you are a wimp (and I am sure you aren't really) please think about how you will manage pain medication if you can't swallow very well...

I'm a wimp and had a peg, if I can do it anyone can, it was a pain but as has been said very useful for the meds for chemo and the drinks that are not nice and very sweet (I have problems with sugar after radio) the worst thing was the clean and turn every day, not painful or anything just a chore though I don't think you do it with a RIG.

Hi.

Trust me I'm a wimp 

It's the whole procedure of getting it fitted and flush and food I think I will struggle with 

Hello Abrn

I had the PEG but I believe it is similar.  The fitting was easier than I expected, it was over in a few minutes and I didn't feel any pain.  I struggled a bit getting used to using it but the hospital were very good and arranged extra training.  I used to get in a pickle at the beginning as I'd never used a syringe before, but we practised filling and squirting it with a bowl of water which helped. Once you get the hang of it then the flushing, and putting the food in, is very simple.  So don't let the practicalities of it all put you off.  If a RIG has been recommended for you then I would definitely have one. xx

The fitting for my PEG would of been something I didn't know about as I was out (would of been but I couldn't open my mouth enough) in the end they did it when they removed the first opturator so I was well sedated that time and the removal was the same, I was well out and came around in another room. I'm not sure if it is the same with a RIG but the peg fitting would of been, was painless. The food and flush is just pushing a syringe in, the overnight was just sleeping slightly propped up so also easy.

On the wimp side the needle was and still is my biggest problem after all of them I have had (I am lucky as I have good veins) I still have to ask them not to say anything and don't look, almost forgot I have a problem with scares as well and I have some good ones now so I must be a bigger one than you and I survived lol.