I have to have a ph acid study but I can’t bear the thought of having a nasal gastric tube

[Tarchie]

I have acid reflux symptoms which are not managed well by medication. My gastro Consultant has recommended that I have a nasal gastric tube worn for 24 hours as part of an acid ph study. Does anyone know how easy it is to tolerate one of these? I can’t even cope with GP using a wooden spatula to examine my throat if it’s sore without me gagging and spitting it back out. It’s an involuntary thing and I’m not sure how I’m going to cope with this test.

The thing that gets me through unpleasant medical procedures is to just go along with them. To accept it will be nasty (or that certain parts will be nasty) and to relax my muscles as much as possible when the instinct is to clench up. I tell myself it’s important and will help the doctors work out what’s going on and what to try do about it. Sometimes the only way out of something is through it. Oh and to tell myself in x number of hours it will be over with. I’m sure the medics will make it as quick and as un-awful as possible and the worst part will literally be over with in seconds. Good luck with it and I hope you’ll find it wasn’t as bad as you thought. 🤞🏻

My friend’s teenager has one, he says to drink water as it’s inserted. Once in he’s ok

I've had that test. It's not that bad. It's quite small. They get you to sip water all the way through. Once it's past your throat it's fine. Barely noticed it was there once it was in. Then I was back first thing in the morning to have it removed.

My Mum has had an endoscopy.

She also works in a ward that involves many such procedures.

I think as unnatural as it sounds trying not to panic is key.
M
Hold something in your hand to squeeze if uncomfortable.

I do feel for you. I suspect I may have a hernia/ulcer but dread the thought of one of these!

I've had several NG tubes for feeding during a long hospital stay. They're not as bad as you think - they're not pleasant going in but it's done in ten seconds and it doesn't hurt. Coming out is easy. One quick, straight, gentle pull by a healthcare professional and it's out - 3 seconds of a job! Just don't try pulling it out yourself.

Be brave, you can do this x

Have you had and endoscopy to find the cause of the reflux?

If you really struggle with the sensation of the tube being passed you could always ask if they could use some difflam spray or similar to numb the back of your throat as the tube is passed. That and sipping water is helpful as it assists the tube to go down.