Question:
How big is the NG tube? Straw size? Pie Size?
The tube part really scares me. I hope they remove it quickly! — [Deactivated Member] (posted on August 10, 2001)
August 9, 2001
The tube is small, smaller than a straw. It is about the size of the ink
tube on the inside of an ink pen (maybe even slightly smaller). Plus it is
soft so it is flexible. It is annoying but not painful. It made me feel
like I was just starting to get a sore throat, though some say that they
could not even feel it. Do not worry. It is a minor part of the surgery and
a temporary one too. Good luck.
— Sue B.
August 9, 2001
The tube is pretty small. I don't even remember what it felt like when they
took it out so it must not have been too bad!
— georgiacarol
August 9, 2001
Well, I would start by saying that I didn't even feel the NG tube while it
was in. It's no problem, and I don't think I even consciously knew it was
there. BUT the taking out of the NG tube is a different story. I'm not
trying to scare you, but I don't want to make it all flowery either. I've
had an NG once before, and so I dreaded this part the most believe it or
not. When they pull the tube out, it kind of tickles at first, because
like the others say, it is a thin tube. But the end of the tube is kind of
bulbous, and that part hurts. Me, at least. I don't know, maybe I have
smaller nose holes than others! Hehe. I don't know if you saw the Arnold
Swartzanegger (?) movie Eraser, but they pulled a computer chip out of his
head through his nose, and that looked like this felt. My nose hole even
was split, and now I have a little scar there. So, I'm sorry if this
worries you, but I just want you to be prepared. The good news is, its
over in a minute!
— Tracy L.
August 10, 2001
Hi. I think they come in different sizes. Mine was pretty small, If I
remember right, it was like straw size. I never felt it at all when it was
in. But I remember reading someone's post or profile that said theirs was
very large and it really bothered them. I don't know if a doctor chooses
certain sizes for people based on their individual circumstances, or if
it's just a matter of what type the hospital has on hand. Maybe you can ask
your surgeon beforehand to use a small tube & see what he says? As for
the removal, for me at least, it didn't really hurt; rather kind of burned
& felt really weird coming up & out; but the removal took only a
few seconds & then it was over. Afterwards, I had one scary-looking,
giant bloody bugger from that nostril (which the nurse said was normal).
Sorry for getting gross there.
— lalasmommy
August 10, 2001
I made myself almost sick over worring about this tube.
But when I woke up from surgery I did'nt have it????
About a day later they pulled my gown up and removed a tube that went in
through my stomach... the tube was'nt in my
nose but near my incision! Maybe you will get lucky and they will have
yours there instead. Sometimes we worry for nothing. ;)
— Danmark
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