There are a lot of letters in this world, and nobody explains them all at once. Here they are in one place.
Through the gut (enteral)
Nasogastric (NG) tube
A thin tube through the nose into the stomach. Usually for weeks rather than months.
Nasojejunal (NJ) tube
Through the nose, past the stomach and into the small bowel. Used when the stomach does not empty well or feeding into it causes problems.
Gastrostomy (PEG, RIG or surgical)
A tube through the tummy wall straight into the stomach, for longer term feeding. PEG and RIG describe how it was put in: with a camera through the mouth, or with X-ray guidance.
Jejunostomy (PEJ or surgical)
A tube through the tummy wall into the small bowel. This is the J-tube I started with.
Button devices
A low profile version of a gastrostomy that sits flat on the skin, with a tube clipped on only for feeds.
Into the bloodstream (parenteral)
PICC line
A line put into a vein in the arm, with the tip near the heart. Often used for shorter periods.
Tunnelled line, such as a Hickman line
A line that runs under the skin of the chest before entering a large vein. The tunnel and a small cuff help to hold it in place and keep germs out. This is the most common line for TPN at home.
Implanted port
A small chamber placed completely under the skin, reached with a special needle.
Remember: which method is right depends on your gut, your veins and how long you are likely to need it. That decision is your medical team's, made with you.