Post Oesophagectomy adjustments

I am nearly 7 years post surgery for stomach &oesophagerial cancer stage 4 - I use 3 firm pillows which allows my partner to sleep how she wants and avoids blocks under the bed. 

If inversions (e.g headstands ) are to be avoided - tell your fitness, yoga instructors and your dentist. 

Oesophagerial Patients Association provide small cards for you to share at restuarants and cafe's asking for child size portions if that is an issue. (reverse side ask for emergency toilet access as well)

If you are susceptible to reflux, what I have learnt is:

• avoid eating 2-3 hours before bed
• I am on esoemeprezole, so I take one at bedtime.
• sometimes, depending on what i have eaten, i take buscopan before bed to reduce the chance of burping inducing reflux while sleeping.

I always have with me, pill box with medication & buscopan tablets, and a granola bar for emergencies.

Everyone is different, take things slow and find what works for you. 

Best wishes for your recovery and above all Carpe Diem!

Hi I  am sorry but if you look at my post 'post oesophagotomy ' my husband has yet not had to make any adjustments.   He hasn't got very far after 20 weeks with getting back to eating any food.   He is still on a liquid diet even after 4 stretches.   But I  am very interested in any replies you get.  As this will give us an insight into what comes next.

Overcome, thanks for this.  Its wonderful to hear from someone post surgery. I was wondering if I needed to order one of those special mattresses that can be adjusted. When I've tried to sleep propped on pillows but I tend to find myself further down the bed. How are your energy levels? Mine aren't great now and I was wondering if this improves.

Hi Dinard, try looking at 'smart patients'. There are many survivors and they're happy to share their lives experiences.

I hope eating improves for your other half

Thanks for  this.   I will look.  I haven't seen many people posting after the op.  Always there seems a lot more issues with pre op.  

X

I posted a few weeks ago in response to someone’s question.  I slept at an angle for a couple of weeks after my op in June but fortunately I haven’t had reflux that much at night. Probably around a dozen times when I’ve had a lot of liquid such as squash or water an hour before bedtime, so it works out on average about once a week so far 

Hi Browndog. Had my 4th and last pre-operative chemo session. How long was it between your last chemo and your surgery? Also did you have any problems swallowing due to scar tissue build up? Julia

Hi Julia,

I waited about 8 weeks after the last chemo until the op. Initially once I was eating solids again after about a month I regurgitated quite often straight after eating and think this was a mixture of it being early days and adjusting and me not chewing enough or eating too quickly.  It settled down after about 2 months.

14 weeks on and no issues after eating, although can only eat small amounts as I feel ‘full up’ in my chest and know when I’ve had enough. It’s a weird feeling and can’t explain it fully.  I don’t get full up anymore in my stomach area as it’s not there anymore! Lost 2 stone but ok with that as was quite overweight in the first place.  Good luck x

I'm overweight too, so not being able to eat as much would be a bonus. I'm going to try and get as fit as possible before my operation. Glad to hear your stomach and swallowing probs settled down without needing stretching procedures. Julia