NG Tube and Catheter - Pain for LAR? Advice please

[Bev G]

This is so weird that I can't remember if I had an NG tube after my colon resection or liver resection. I would think I would have had one after the liver resection, as it was a very long open (way open) abdominal surgery. It helps that I'm always completely amnesic for three days after general anesthesia .

Anyway, just speaking as a nurse, if anyone has to get and NG while they are awake, it may help if you ask your nurse to put the first 6 or so inches of the tube in a cup of ice before inserting it, and second, remember, even though you won't feel like it, to swallow, swallow, swallow while it is being put in. Ask them if you could have a few tiny sips of water while they are putting it in. This makes it significantly easier to get the tube down, and will distract you in the process. Taking any of these tubes out should really be no big deal. The catheter has a balloon that it inflated after the tube is inserted (which is what keeps it in the bladder), once that balloon is deflated by your nurse, which is done by aspirating from a tube within the tube, the catheter will basically fall out on it's own. Easy-peasy. NG tube removal? Count backwards from 10 slowly--the tube will be out long before you get to ten. JP drain, same deal. You'll do fine!

Best of luck,

Bev

[pstolarski]

I had a catheter which was put in while I was under for my right hemicoloctomy. Had no pain when it came out and it was quick. Weird thing was one or two times later when I urinated, I had air come out . That was really strange! I told the nurse and she said that it happens sometimes.

[greens]

Any of the males here found catheter in penis painful.

Obviously dont feel anything whilst inssertion takes place but if you are not awake how do they know its reached the bladder?

Anyone found it painful passing urine through the catheter?

The bit Im really worried about is having the cateter removed...how much fun is having a tuce removed form up your ....

Or am I focussing on the wrong thing?

Best wishes

Charlie

[Gaelen]

Any of the males here found catheter in penis painful.

Obviously dont feel anything whilst inssertion takes place but if you are not awake how do they know its reached the bladder?

Anyone found it painful passing urine through the catheter?

The bit Im really worried about is having the cateter removed...how much fun is having a tuce removed form up your ....

Or am I focussing on the wrong thing?

Greens, I'm not quite sure how it's possible to focus so tightly and with such concern on the parts of the surgery and treratment process that are, frankly, the least consequential.

No, you won't feel a catheter being inserted, and your docs will know it's in the right place because they use tools to visualize the placement (and it's not their first day.) Urinating through a catheter is seldom even noticeable, much less painful. Yes, removal is uncomfortable - for about a minute.

And in the big picture, are you "focusing on the wrong thing(s)?"

What do you think?

[HildaC]

I was quite worried that I would have a NG tube, but I didn't. I think many docs will try to avoid them if possible.

I can also tell you that the removal of the JP drain was no big deal. No pain at all, just a really odd sensation as it was pulled. It was over within 5 seconds.

Can't speak to catheter issues for you, as I'm not male. . I had no trouble with mine.

Same here, 100%.

[PGLGreg]

Any of the males here found catheter in penis painful.

Obviously dont feel anything whilst inssertion takes place but if you are not awake how do they know its reached the bladder?

Anyone found it painful passing urine through the catheter?

The bit Im really worried about is having the cateter removed...how much fun is having a tuce removed form up your ....

Or am I focussing on the wrong thing?

Best wishes

Charlie

I see, reading above, that Gaelen thinks it inappropriate to focus on your penis. Well, she should worry. A few years ago, I happened to find myself in the ER right next to a guy who was having a catheter inserted. He was bellowing in pain, so I think insertion can be trying. My catheter, though, was inserted when I was anesthetized, so no problem. I had one in for 9 days, and there was no pain at all, and no pain at all when it was finally removed.

[waw4]

Any of the males here found catheter in penis painful.
Obviously dont feel anything whilst inssertion takes place but if you are not awake how do they know its reached the bladder?
Anyone found it painful passing urine through the catheter?
The bit Im really worried about is having the cateter removed...how much fun is having a tuce removed form up your ....
Or am I focussing on the wrong thing?

Best wishes
Charlie

Charlie,
No problems for me with insertion, use while inpatient, or removal as outpatient.
(Now the removal of urethral stents I didn't like at all.)
You will want to keep the insertion point clean with a wash rag and warm water.

I was overly concerned about the bag's location when getting up or into bed, but I never experienced any pain, about which I had been apprehensive.

My guess is the catheter and NG tube are going to be among the least of your concerns.

Best wishes with it all!