To tube or port, that is the question.

Hi. Sorry to hear your troubles. I had two NG tubes in during treatment. I have a very low gag reflex but even with that I did vomit them both up. They did each last a few weeks though. How long do they want to tube you for? 

I had a PEG tube inserted before my chemoradiotherapy started, relatively simple procedure, spent 24 hours in hospital afterwards. The feeding tube certainly helped my recovery and lessened the stress caused by being unable to get enough calories. I was also unable to tolerate supplement drinks orally, slower pump feeding with tube made a huge difference.

I am not sure but I am guessing i will need supplementary feeding for a while - as in weeks, maybe longer.

PEGs and RIGs can get infected and NGs are easy to replace so maybe that’s the way to go regardless. I couldn’t feel mine at the back of my throat at all. 

Infection is something I am very concerned about as I seem to be doing well on the Keytruda immunotherapy and having to take antibiotics would compromise the immunotherapy.  Can I still eat with an NG tube and or a PEG?

Absolutely. It doesn't stop you eating at all

I had a rig fitted for 7 months and once I got over a few problems at first it was easy to care for and use. It may be best for you with your gag reflux as the removal is so easy through your stomach not your throat. Good luck 

The tube has been the bane of my life since it was fitted last Thursday.  I think I have had one good day since then.  The increased mucous generation it stimulates; the way the mucus hangs around the tube; the sensation of tube making me want to gag; the way it makes swallowing even harder.  I even considered going to emergency and aking them to pull it out.  But the community nurse and doctor convinced me I should leave it in until I get the RIGG port.

I am now worried that I will even be able to tolerate the RIGG ... well actually not the RIGG itself but the feeds than they pump in through it as this seems to be a large part of my problem.  This whole weight loss issue (before C I was over 100Kg and quite fit and strong for my age, after chemo and radiotherapy I was 85Kg now I am down to 75Kg) was triggered by my sudden inability to drink the 'drinkable supplements and get enough other nutrition by mount;  It now seems I am going the same way with the NG tube supplements.  I struggle to 'consume' 5 and on a day like today when I had a PET scan which took several hours away from my feeding times I have had to condense the feeds into a shorter space of time - the result ..... i just started vomiting after the last feed and still have one more to go.

Has anyone been through a similar experience please?  Any suggestions for a solution?

Can you drip feed by pump overnight? It’s what I did. 

Thank you. I will ask tomorrow.  Response rates here are pretty slow averaging a week or two.  If I have to wait that long to get a solution.........