Post Op - Swallowing

Pleased to hear that you have had your surgery and you are home. Even better that the histology was clear.

Not so good that you are in pain and having difficulty swallowing. Have you to continue with your breathing exercises? Presumably they have given you some pain medication?  I was taking tramadol for some weeks to ease the chest wound pain. Exercise helped.

some people do have swallowing problems post op and need a stretch. But not sure when this happens. Have you still got a feeding tube in place?

You are less comfortable than anyone would wish you to be but I doubt that there is anything to be too concerned about in the long term.

Keep in touch with the specialist nurse about your problems, they should be able to offer some help.

I hope you are soon making progress. It is a long road to full recovery so don’t get disheartened.

Hi 

Thanks for your reply. Wise words!

I am hoping that the swallowing difficulties are down to post op swelling etc, it’s what the surgeons say. I have a clinic meeting in 2 weeks to review since the op, I will mention the swallowing for sure if it’s still blocking.

I’ve not heard of the ‘stretching’ for swallowing. I’ve heard of Stents, which seem very negative. 

I never had a feeding tube fitted. Is that unusual? Always went straight to liquid and am supposed to be trying soft solids (cottage pie) next week?

I’m coming off Tramadol. I ran out and had a funny episode where I felt like I was coming down. So I’m gonna try codeine and paracetamol. I do have morphine too.

 Thanks a lot for your advice, I hope you are at a good stage with yours.

My husband came home on day 8 which was Tue he is doing really well apart from a tickly cough and pain from stitching in his back 

Wow! I’m glad your husbands operation went well. I too left on day 8. The stitching hurts on my back too, especially as I sleep on it propped up at night. It’ll get better, does everyday.

All the best to your husband and yourself Stalis

hi have you had your stitches out yet are you getting stronger everyday do you have to have post op chemo

Hi, I had stitches out yesterday actually where my two chest drains were. All other stitches are disovable. They say 6 days after they go in, my local GO removed them.

 Every day I’m walking a bit further and sleeping less, if that helps? 

I’m not having any post op chemo but they are offering to give me immunotherapy. Not sure yet what that involves. Less harsh than chemo.

I had 4.5 weeks chemo- radio, is that what your husband had?

Hi no he had flot chemotherapy he has staples in so they have to be removed