Hi Phil,
Sorry to hear about your pending decision and swallowing challenges. I have been on a g-tube since my botched operation over a year ago.
I have silent aspiration when i eat and cannot drink any thing now after radiation without coughing. I hate to say permanent as I am hopeful. I still eat some to keep the muscles at their best. And am very careful about a clean mouth before eating so if I aspirate it does not turn into pneumonia. Get a tongue scrapper to make sure.
Life with a peg removes the stress around trying to get enough calories in and reduces risk of pneumonia since you are eating. It is tough to watch others eat and not participate. .. times like Thanksgiving and Christmas can be depressing. Maybe some type of combination would work for you.
Peg tube cleanliness is important as they tend to leak a little. This isn't too bad but should be watched to avoid infection. My first one had the tube extender attached and got pulled on clothing when I jogged and after a restless night in bed. There will also probably be extra tissues that grows around the peg as your body tries to heal the incision around the peg which can bleed. I exchanged my original one for a miki (spelling). These need to be changed out periodically...no big deal. 2 minutes process. I have heard that tubes may cause damage to the stomach lining but low risk and I had no choice. Be sure to ask you doctor. Major downside...no submerging in water...no baths or swimming due to risk of infection. Showering is ok.
Hope this helps,
Donna