Rig feeding tube

Goos evening Aly14, i think you have either been told the wrong information or been misinformed by other sources, i have had a PEG/RIG fitted since 2020, you will or might be in some sort of pain for a couple of days along with a bit of discomfort but i would say 80% of feeding tube fittings are very straight forward and after a while, you don't even know its there. Its so easy to feed and flush you just screw the syringe in and dispense of the food supplement normally two bottles per session, next comes the flushing where i normally use a syringe filled with cold boiled water and syringe it through the feeding tube. I feed 3 /4 times a day and flush after each session this stops the tube from blocking up. It is honestly so simple and easy to use, you have to be careful you don't overclean the peg site area just a quick wipe with a baby wipe is what i use. The other good thing is that the tube is out of site as its covered with clothing. 

  Im the same as you and in 2008 i had my first ever operation at the age of 48 , it was to remove a cancerous tumour and fit the peg/rig where it turned out to be a godsend and the time it is in will be kept to a minimum as they like patients to try eating a.s.a.p. My feeding tube has become my best friend Wishing you all the best for the 4th on your fitting day, as Dani said "you have got this " take care.

                                                                                                 Chris x

Thank you so much Chris , I do feel a lot better reading all these comments , I do get myself in a state sometimes ! I’m sorry yours is still in but if it’s helping you I’m glad you have it xx

Hi,Aly14, most has been said already  in the great replies you have had. However I will add my bit, I had a RIG fitted, after about  three weeks into my treatment, I was totally relient on it for approx ten weeks. I looked upon it as a lifesaver, and it took all the worry of not eating away. Just as Chris has said,  you will quickly get used to it being there, your team will tell you how to use and flush it out. Try not to worry.

Regards Ray.

Thank you Ray x

My son had a Rig feeding tube fitted before his surgery for cheek and jaw cancer.  He said it wasn't nearly as bad as he thought it would be.  Obviously it was necessary as he couldn't eat for several weeks.  He soon got used to it, even the flushing it etc.  Just try to take deep breaths and relax.  I know it's not easy but it's what's needed to help you recover.  Let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you x

Macfarlane 

Thank you Macfarlane , it’s my own stupid fault for overthinking ! To be quite honest the feeding tubes aren’t mentioned much on here so obviously not a problem with them , hope your son is well xx

See my other posts. Do not fit a balloon tube only a monarch one. Insist on it. If you are in London i have given all the London hospitals that have it. If your hospital hasnt got it go to another hospital. Ask monarch where the nearest one is. 

Hi Aly

i was dreading having a feeding tube also. I didn’t have one fitted before treatment started. 
mom week 3 radiotherapy I was struggling big time, couldn’t eat, barely drinking, vomiting I was in a state and I knew then I needed a tube. I was really stressed trying to get something down me because I knew I needed the calories etc to heal and get better. When I went to radiotherapy session I asked to see the dietician and they admitted me to hospital to have the Tube fitted (NG) , actually it wasn’t a pleasant experience but didn’t take long and what a relief it was having it, I didn’t have to do force food and drink down now because the tube would take it. I’ve had the tube 4weeks now and yes I’m not keen but it’s the only way I’ll get better as I can’t eat, I can drink bits but not enough to sustain Long term   Like others have said, it’s a life saver 

the nurses will teach you how to manage your tube and there will be support for when your at home. I have a fresenius nurse I can call (they’re the feed manufacturer) and she’s been to see me twice and was really good, once you’ve cared and flushed your tube yourself you will soon gain  confidence and you’ll be fine with it xx

elaine x

Thank you Elaine , I don’t think I could of managed your one ! Thank you for your reassurance, it’s not forever xx

Aly, it’s amazing where you get your strength from when you have to!! 
good luck with it xx