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Original poster

Dreading a nasal-gastric tube being put in!!

17 replies

Tarchie · 26/08/2019 18:28

I’m having a 24 hour acid reflux test tomorrow and I have to have a naso-gastric tube inserted. I gag at the slightest thing anyway so I’m dreading the prospect. Reading online, many people have described how horrible an experience it is. Please can someone reassure me that I’ll cope. I’m struggling with great anxiety about some awful family worries anyway, without this as well.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tarchie · 26/08/2019 18:48

Anyone??

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 26/08/2019 18:59

No real help to you but my DC3 had an NG tube for her first year (changed monthly or more if DC3 pulled it out, which she did a lot)

MIL is a retired nurse and she was signed off to pass DC3's tube. She said she found it much easier to pass an adult tube because she could explain and communicate etc.

Sorry to ramble, my point is nurses are trained to not only pass the tube but to make you feel comfortable and reassured.

It's a really quick process and much easier to remove.

Don't Google any more!!!

Thehagonthehill · 26/08/2019 19:03

When I trained as a nurse we practiced on each other so we knew how patients felt.
It's not great but not painful and you might gag but only for a second and the nurse will talk you through it.
It is not as bad as avid reflux.

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Joans3rddaughter · 26/08/2019 19:07

Have some tissues ready to wipe your eyes as it csn make your eyes water. The key is to swallow, swalliow and swallow again. It will be over very quickly. Good luck

EntirelyAnonymised · 26/08/2019 19:11

Yes. Keep swallowing.

Original poster
Tarchie · 26/08/2019 19:17

Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease. I’ll certainly follow the suggestions given. I think my ongoing severe anxiety about other issues is making me dread the procedure tomorrow. I just don’t feel mentally strong enough but I know I have to at least try.

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CPParenttoDD1234 · 26/08/2019 19:18

I used to pass these all the time. Ask for a drink. It tickles in the nose but if you keep drinking threw a straw goes down easily - good luck

Southwest12 · 26/08/2019 19:35

Take a straw in case they don’t have one, just keep drinking as they put it down and it’ll go down fine. It’s not pleasant but it’s not as awful as it sounds. I’ve had three now for bowel obstructions. Christmas Day 2017 an NG tube was my Christmas present from the NHS but by that point I was desperate for it and had wanted it for two days! Hope it all goes well.

Punxsutawney · 26/08/2019 19:42

My Ds had this test done last year. He was 18 at the time. He had really struggled with having an endoscopy but said this particular test was not a problem at all. I was really surprised because the endoscopy had been so difficult for him but this one caused no issues at all. It was an interesting test as it proved how severe his reflux is.

Original poster
Tarchie · 26/08/2019 19:56

The hospital ask that I bring in a sandwich so I presume they suggest I eat something but food will be the last thing on my mind. So I’ve got tissues, straws, sandwich to take in but I’m having trouble finding my courage!! Thanks for everyone’s kind messages.

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SierraNevada · 26/08/2019 20:18

My strategy for getting through any invasive procedure is to consciously think about relaxing my muscles. The first thing you instinctively do when you’re having something done is to tense everything up. If you consciously focus on making sure your fists aren’t clenched and you are breathing evenly and just letting whatever is happening happen, it can be helpful. Follow the tips pp’s have given a s it will be done before you know it. The fear of having something done for the first time is hard because you only have what you think it will be like to go on. Often it’s not as bad as you thought it would be. Good luck on your mission.

Original poster
Tarchie · 26/08/2019 20:30

Thanks Sierra for the wise words. I shall do my best.

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StillMedusa · 26/08/2019 21:02

Not me but I watched my DD1 (adult) having one earlier this year and she had a drink and a straw and just kept swallowing, and it went down fine.
(Of course they failed to remove the guide wire for 5 hours which was rubbish but hers was to be in for a few weeks so it may be different for a short term thing)

Second time she had to have it passed (as hers came out in the night) it was even easier.

Good luck :)

PeanuttyButter · 26/08/2019 21:13

I perform and analyse that test for a living.
95% of patients go away thinking it wasn't as bad as they thought it was. Are you having manometry first?

Original poster
Tarchie · 26/08/2019 21:29

No Peanutty I’m not having the manometry. The Consultant hasn’t suggested that yet, if at all. Does every patient manage to cope? I couldn’t even handle the endoscopy with sedation, I kept tugging at the scope and they had to abandon it. Yet I’ve had other invasive procedures (not gastro) and coped ok.

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Thehagonthehill · 26/08/2019 21:43

If you eat and drink as the tube goes through you won't be able to tell the difference swallowing each.Putting it in doesn't take much time at all and it a tube is much smaller than an NG tube..
You will be fine,you will be stronger than you think you are and are supported all the way.

Original poster
Tarchie · 26/08/2019 21:48

Thank you Thehag for the reassuring message.

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