In remission after Ivor Lewis surgery but now post surgery problems

Sorry for the delay in replying; I did compose a reply but lost it upon logging in!

I had an Ivor Lewis in 2014 and have experienced hypoglycaemia episodes infrequently ever since. These have been investigated (though I politely declined a 72 hour fast!). Reactive hypoglycaemia is common after Ivor Lewis or gastric surgery.

Endocrinologists want to exclude an insulinoma which can be diagnosed by doing a 72 hour fast but to my mind it is like believing there are zebras about when hearing the sound of horses’ hooves.

I wore a transcutaneous glucose monitor for a period and kept a food and exercise diary the results of which seemed to satisfy everyone. The DVLA were happy for me to continue driving

I can usually tell when my glucose drops below 4.0mmol/l and take action – to eat four jelly babies, and 10 minutes later I’m back to normal. I have learnt what foods and exercise combinations can trigger these episodes but still get caught out, so never venture out without a supply of jelly babies.

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Hi Brent

You say "I can usually tell when my glucose drops " - what are your symptoms when this happens?

Norman

With a glucose of less than 4.0mmol/l I can get lightheaded, feel a bit shaky, feel apathetic/difficult to make decisions.

I used to check using a finger-prick glucose meter, but now I trust my instincts.

The meters are fairly cheap (Amazon), but the strips have a limited life (less than a year).

As an aside: I just passed 3,200 days cancer free

My partner has dumping syndrome he hasn't had any seizures but he gets weak dizzy sweats cold hands and has to have sweets or maybe Lucozade or fizzy juice to help stop it, I also find it very worrying but apparently this is an after effect from the surgery unfortunately.  Also cant be too far from a toilet at anytime so cant go back to work either x

I suffer with dumping syndrome and experience all the symptoms you describe your partner has. It’s a horrible feeling. I believe it’s more likely to happen if I eat too much, or too quickly. I try to meet the right balance but it’s weird knowing when you’ve had enough when you haven’t got a stomach anymore! I had my operation on 1st August this year, so early days I guess! 

Yes I thought it was when he ate too much we are still trying to figure it out, he had surgery in May this year, I dont find theres much help following surgery and chemo its more of  "you gotta figure out what works for you" ...and off you go to deal with it.  We were never even told about dumping syndrome I found this out through the internet.

Oh it’s such a shame you haven’t had the help following your husbands surgery. I really can’t complain, everyone has been so helpful and informative. I came away with loads of helpful information. Thank goodness for the Internet then! 

Something I’ve just remembered, it’s best not to drink and eat at the same time. The fluid makes the food pass down more quickly and cause the dumping syndrome! 
(I know this as I’ve just stupidly done it myself)!

Brilliant news cancer free Brent. I also had Ivor Lewis 2019 and all good except for the little phases of shakes sweating and feeling hazy and can't function well for short periods. I will take yourdvice and try the jelly babies or similar at least I will enjoy the experience  

• Do you not get a full up feeling in your chest though? I had the op in June this year and obviously don’t feel full up where stomach used to be but feel it further up in my chest and I know if I’ve had enough as I will feel like (and often did in early days), throwing the food back up straightaway? I think because of this I can’t overeat so hardly get the dumping?