Im back !!!

Hi Glasgow girl, Frances it's so good to hear from you, I had noticed that you had not posted since your surgery. Now I know why ! You really have been through the wars, and then some but it's great news that you have been so strong and fought through all the problems. And  still have a positive attitude, amazing and thank you for sharing your experience with us. Keep on fighting and the eating regime really is trial and error. Anyway keep posting and good luck and kind regards Frank.

Sorry for my late response it’s because I have been covering childcare for my poorly baby granddaughter. Nothing serious, but they won’t have at nursery with a temperature

Wow Frances, you have certainly been through it haven’t you..

Now comes the recovery bit. It’s slow and difficult to find what works for you.

The few things that helped me were

Fitness. Get moving join gentle classes down the gym.

Rest. Napping after a meal helped prevent fatigue and avoid dumping.

Drinking BEFORE eating. Fizzy drinks can be a problem if they are too bubbly. But I find fizzy drinks can go down easier, so I used to dilute Diet Coke and stir it before drinking.

Obviously small portions of food. I felt like I was constantly drinking then eating, waiting a bit before drinking and eating again, all day till 3 hours before bedtime.

And lastly taking probiotic supplements (acidophilus) helped settle my digestion.

You sound as if you have the right attitude to make the best possible recovery. Make the most of the next nine weeks to recharge your mental and physical batteries before the next onslaught.

Thanks Brent.

I was for some reason avoiding fizzy drinks. I'm not sure if it was something I had read . However,  last week I had some diet coke and I had loads of ice in it. It went down so much better than the diluting juice I was having.and I actually now feel I am able to hydrate myself better It just goes to show we need to do what's best for us as individuals and not what we read will be best lol. 

I'm game to try anything that has been  tried and tested.  

Chemo starts again tomorrow and I know it will most likely bring it's own challenges.  I'm hoping this time may be a bit easier as last time I could not eat or drink until the 3rd cycle 

Thanks again for your advice ......

I'll keep the cola bar open !!

Frances x

Hi Frances u definitely been through it hopefully everything will go better for u from now on u definitely got the Glasgow spirit keep going girl u will win good luck I go back tomorrow for another dilation not to bad then Tenerife Saturday will speak soon

John

Hi john 

Can I ask how was it decided dilatation was required? . Is food sticking ? Or is it certain food that doesnt go down?

Or is it the amount of food ?

I'm soooooo jealous you are getting away to tenerife lol.

It's the one thing I miss ...my holidays .. I should be on a cruise just now . I'm hoping mabey February I'll get to tenerife. Hope you both Have a great break 

Frances 

Welcome back Frances - I had wondered how things went for you - what a brave girl you are !!

Keep positive and keep posting .

Best wishes on your road to recovery 

Hi Frances just certain food was sticking mainly meat like steak now I avoid it chicken ok read because of the dough just got back from having it done 2 me time had sedation closed my eyes didn't feel anything it was ok surgeon said shoul not have any problems now hope everything goes well for you and get on the cruise soon u deserve it spk soon

Hi Frances, I hope you don't mind me jumping in. If foods that you could swallow since the surgery start sticking that is usually an indication that the gullet needs to be dilated. It's quite normal due to the healing process. I had mines dilated approximately 8 weeks after surgery, they don't want to risk doing it too soon after surgery in case it causes a leak. You may find that given the problems you have had with the leaking they might want to leave you alone for as long as possible, rather than risk causing more problems. Take care and kind regards Frank.

Hi

I agree !. Despite being almost 11 weeks post op , I'm only 3 weeks into the eating and drinking malarkey. 

I need to be more patient lol.

It takes a lot of getting used to really small portions especially for a "foodie" like I was before. 

I see the consultant again mid December,  at which I imagine we will discuss where I am diet wise.

My plan is to keep a diary of what goes down and what doesn't in advance of this. 

I agree though after 5 surgical interventions I'm best left to heal a good while first .

Frances x

Hi Frances, my wife used to say to me that patience was a virtue. I used to reply  ah canny eat virtues ah want a slice of toast. Yes I had several issues with the food dumping, early followed about an hour later by the sugar crash ( late dumping). I had lost about 5 stones prior to surgery and 3 years later I have gained it all back. I remember years ago at work someone said " when was the last time you were at a fat man's funeral. Lol keep being positive and you will get there, kind regards Frank.