Tube Feed Pipe Feeling Anxious

Hi Blacksheep110750, welcome to the group from me. I had a RIG fitted before my treatment, having it fitted isn't painful, it can be a little painful for a few days after, which you can take painkillers for. It really is worth having one if offered, no one can say if you will need it or not. I was really pleased I had mine as I was 100% reliant on it 3 weeks into my treatment, and for several weeks after treatment had ended. 

Ray.

Hi Blacksheep11050

 My trust didn’t routinely fit feeding tubes but I had to agree to a ng tube being fitted if I needed ine By the end of week 3 I needed one It’s hard to explain I went from eating perfectly fine one day to the next being unable to eat sufficient or drink or take my medications. The ng tube allowed me to do all of those and it helped me mange a good recovery. I had it in for a total of 6 weeks it was my lifesaver. Treat it as part of the treatment there’s nothing to fear. Many if us in here have had help some manage without feeding tubes but I know I couldn’t have. My blog below might help 

I too  had  similar spread as you right tonsil soft palate and 7 lymph nodes   

Hazel 

Blacksheep110750 said:

My treatment is only one side of my face , would I get away without it .

Hi black sheep. You are getting a longer dose of RT than the standard 6 weeks. Listen to Hazel and read her blog. You’ll see what 7 weeks of CRT does. I don’t want to alarm you but you should be prepared. The treatment works but it’s tough. If you’re offered a tube take it. 

Hi and welcome from me.  I had a PEG (a RIG is similar).  The insertion process was under sedation and lasted about 2 hours allowing for check in and recovery time from the sedation before I was allowed home.  I had absolutely no problems with my tube and it was not painful.  I even went shopping on my way home from having it inserted! 

Providing you look after it then it should not cause a problem, but will save many problems downstream if you are unable to feed, hydrate or medicate as many of us find ourselves by midway through treatment.  I had mine removed after I had a clear post treatment scan - so around 14 weeks post treatment.  That too was an easy process. From about week 3 I used it extensively for hydration and medication.  On the last day of treatment I went onto pump feeding for around 2 months before I was able to gradually move back to oral feeding.

The end result was, I believe, a better recovery for me and a tiny dimple just below my breast bone (that may vary depending on where they find your stomach!!).

I would strongly advise anyone who is going through this treatment to have a tube inserted ready for action.

It's not so much about the pain itself, but rather the thoughts and the process involved. I find myself not being adept in such situations and can easily pass out. Based on the responses, it appears that the best option may be to have something to assist. I have read your journey guide, which gives me an idea of what I am facing. I am currently working through an action plan, considering options for pain relief, dry mouth management, moisturiser creams, and other measures.