Ivor Lewis Surgery

Hi , please don’t feel selfish, your reaction is perfectly normal. I understand your fear; it’s horrible waiting, unable to do anything. Can you sleep during the op and get a taxi to the hospital if you’re still sleepy and shouldn’t drive? Good idea to ‘get him as fit as possible’, that will help him so much. Spouses usually are allowed in itu so long as they are well (no virus). 

Hugs,

Hi Judy I had op in July 19 my wife was the same as u she was allowed in intensive care next morning to see me I was given all clear 18 days after op and feel great now able to eat anything and do as many holidays as I can hope all goes well for your husband good luck for the future

John

Thank you so much for replying to me. It’s so good to talk to people who understand. My friends just say. At least he can have the op now and you’ll both be back out on your motorbikes in a couple of months.  But they just don’t realise what is involved. That is a good that you can go into itu  though so I’m happy about that. 
Judy xxxx

Oh John I just can’t wait until we get to that stage. I want him to be well so we can continue our wonderful holidays. I want us to ride along Route 66 on Harleys. It will give us something to look forward to. 
Can I just ask did your wife stay at home on the operation day then come in the morning? I just don’t know what to do. We live in Bedfordshire and his operation is in Hammersmith. So I’ll try and get accommodation there. I was thinking I can go with him on the day then come home. But I don’t think I can sleep here without him. 
Thank you so much for replying to me 

Judy xx

Hello Judy

My husband had the Ivor Lewis surgery in January 2019.

I found the day of the operation very nerve wracking and long. However, I didn’t stay in the hospital that day as I felt personally it would have make me feel worse. I had a relative staying with me at the time so I went home when my husband was taken off to theatre and got some rest myself as it is such an exhausting time for everyone. The consultant phoned me when the surgery was over and confirmed all went as planned. I was in the next morning first thing to ICU. I guess I was lucky to live very near the hospital he was treated in.

Every good wish to you both.

L

Thank you for replying to me. It really does help knowing what others do in this situation. It’s going to be the longest day of my life so far.  I wish I could be put to sleep with him and wake up a couple of days later when hopefully it’s all over and we can take the rest of the journey together. I feel so bloody helpless. 
I really do appreciate you contacting me 

Judy xx

Hi Judy the hospital told my wife not to stay in the hospital during the op because u all my be able to c him till next day  Iwent at 9 in the morning after op in recovery then to itu got there 2 in morning as soon as they knew I was ok they rang her to say everything went well even though she kept ringing them to c how I was good luck with everything hope it all goes well for u both

John

Hi Judy forgot to mention u will get on route 66 together I have had 4 holiday's since July and 3 more booked before may try not to worry if he is like me it will take a while to get over op then things get easier

John

Hi Judy, I had the Ivor Lewis surgery at 08:00 my wife stayed in the hospital for a couple of hours then went to visit her mum and sisters who were only a 20 minutes bus ride away from the hospital. She came back later nearer the end of the surgery. I told her beforehand to do what she wanted to do, what would be best for her. So I think you should suit yourself and do what makes you feel better about the day, whatever you choose to do  to get through the day is all that matters. I said to my wife that I wouldn't know what was going on anyway. So plan to make it as pleasant as possible for yourself,be kind to yourself. Kind regards Frank.

Hi Judy,

My husband had the op on 7th Oct 19, our Son drove him to hospital on the day, it was a very early start, I chose to stay at home because tbh wandering the corridors would have driven me crazy. I was kept up to date by the hospital, so I knew when op  started and surgeon called to say all went well and when he went into recovery,, I was given a phone number I could call to check progress overnight and was there early next morning, I was so nervous about seeing him, but I arrived to find him sitting up and smiling, it really was a relief,  the visiting hours tend to be more relaxed and I spent many hours there watching him sleep! But it was comforting to know that I could play a part in his immediate aftercare, making sure he had ice cubes to hand, throat spray etc, once he was moved out of ITU I was able to assist in lots of ways.  Like I said before, staying at home on op day worked for me, I couldn't settle on doing anything productive and I ended up watching trashy reality tv but al least I had home comforts. Whatever you decide, I wish you both well, it  is a huge hurdle but once done at last the recovery can begin. Good luck XX