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