Stent fitting

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Hi my mum has a appointment for next week for a oesphageal stent.

Was to apprehensive to have it done last time.

Mum can manage to get juices and fortisips down but is struggling now with yoghurt.

I'm worried about the discomfort it may cause but ultimately she would really like to eat once more.

Any helpful advice would be greatly received.

Sending care to you all xx

  • Hello   I have just come across your post and noticed you have not had any replies. I can't answer your questions regarding the stent as I have a different cancer. By me responding it will "bump" your post back up to the top of the forum. Once there I hope it will be seen by forum members who are on a similar journey and who can answer your question and re-assure your mum.

    Another option for you - however I am not too sure how quickly you will get a reply - would be to post your question in our Ask a Nurse forum. There you will get an answer from a Macmillan nurse as to how the procedure goes.

    If I can do anything else for you please let me know. I wish you and your mum all the best for her appointment and I hope all goes well.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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  • Hi Ollie1,I've had a stent fitted due to constriction of my oesophagus. The op itself is quick and painless,although I was in hospital most of the day. I was eating small amounts of soft food same day,yoghurt,jelly and drinks. I still have to be careful to eat small mouthfuls and take time eating but the difference is fantastic. I'm now up to cereals with hot milk to soften them,pasta meals,cottage pies,fish pies etc. There are certain things that can block the stent but they give you information on what foods you can and can't eat. Anything I want to eat that is too lumpy,I can mash or blend down to suit. 

    Tell your Mum not to worry,it's the best thing they did for me . All the best to you both .

  • Also,my op was under sedation and I didn't feel a thing x

  • Thank you so much for your reply. This is so reassuring. My mum is desperate to eat has not eaten since July. Only able to get fluids really down.

    She has been looking at the guidance of what she may be able to eat and is excited.

    Be so lovely to see her have something.

    They say she has to stay in over night due to deep sedation- she's not keen but knows that if wants this done will have to stay.

    I'm glad it all went well for you and your eating is going well.

    All the best yo you too xxx

  • Also may I ask about reflux ?. Mum's tumour is at the stomach junction and I have read that this will cause reflux when stent fitted.

    Currently she does not suffer with this. 

    Xx

  • Due to where my tumour is,I find I have to sit upright to eat and drink anyway. No lounging back to drink coffee lol . I do have a wedge pillow to sleep at night and that helps against reflux

  • My tumour is about the same place,right at junction of stomach and oesophagus 

  • I also had a stent fitted and it has made a huge difference. I was at the stage where I couldn't even swallow my  saliva! I am now eating most foods providing I make sure they are moist. Gravy and cutard are the easy answers Yum. The only thing I would mention is that it is taking a long time for the stent to embed itself in my oesophagus and that has been very painful. I am still taking painkillers to control it. However the trade off is worth it 

  • Hi that's great the stent has made such a difference, and able to eat most foods. 

    Mum managed reasonably well had pain for about a week - hospital just sent her home on one paracetamol 4_6 hourly.

    Her eating has improved in terms of going from fluids to eating solids.

    However her appetite seems to have vanished, so eating less calories then before bless her.

    She did try yesterday to eat more tho which is good.

    Hi hope your pain improves.

    Xxx