Recovery advice for Stomach and Oesophagus Operation

Hi there,

I am 6 months ahead of you, having had the same surgery as yourself on 29th February. I am also many years ahead of you age wise, having turned 60 this year. My tips would be;

1. You have a very difficult year ahead of you (no point in beating about the bush) and there will be times when you will really struggle with the side effects of your treatment. Recovery is a long and slow process. Even 6 months post-surgery I am nowhere near feeling back to normal. I was warned that this can take a year or more. You will always find very helpful advice and encouragement here from those who have travelled this path before you.

2. Hopefully you will have a good ‘support team’ throughout what lies ahead and you will never appreciate them more than during the next few months. An extra pair of ears to listen to what you are told at appointments, coming up with the right questions to ask and helping you to understand and remember the answers, driving you to chemo sessions and visiting after surgery, etc. 

3. Have realistic expectations of yourself and don’t try to look too far ahead. Appreciate when you have achieved small milestones (such as the first time you are able to walk to the end of the street after surgery or are able to reduce your medication). 

4. Fatigue is going to be a big part of your life (if it isn’t already). I still go for a lie down or snooze most afternoons and it can be very frustrating how little I am able to do before I need to stop for a rest (I used to be on the go all the time). Don’t try and fight it.

Feel free to ask any questions you have. Somebody will always respond. Good luck to you. CB

Hi 

My husband had his two part esophagectomy  ( keyhole /robotic) at the age of 64 .This was in Dec ‘22 .He was a fit and active man for his age prior to his illness and this really helped  He had two thirds of his oesophagus removed and a section of his stomach .It’s without a doubt major surgery and requires plenty of time for recovery .He was in hospital for eight days , three of which were spent in the critical care unit .There were no complications .He had an epidural for four days so experienced no pain whatsoever and when this was taken out he had minimal pain which he could manage with paracetamol.He was up and walking the day after surgery and eating ice cream , yoghurts etc by the third day after surgery .  

Being so young and fit will definitely be to your advantage .As each person’s experience is different I think the advice I would give is ,

Trust your medical team as they really do know what they’re doing .Your surgeon will be highly skilled in this field . 

Follow all the advice they give you after your surgery .

Whilst in hospital expect to wake up with numerous tubes and IV lines connected to your body .These are to monitor your recovery and are no indication that anything has gone wrong .As each tube or wire is taken out take this as an indication your initial recovery is going well and you are nearer to going home .

When you’re home just be kind to yourself and don’t expect too much .but try to be as active as you comfortably can without causing yourself any discomfort .Rest when you need to  .Keep in mind the recovery  is a marathon and not a sprint .

You will have lots of support from your medical team so don’t worry .We found my husband’s  specialist nurse and dietitian to be invaluable in the first months after  surgery .They are there to help with any questions and for advice .Lean on family and friends if you need to as I’m sure they’ll be happy to help and support you .

Finally have lots of patience as the recovery takes time and is unique to each individual.

Hope all goes well for you 

regards J 

Hi. First of all good luck for the 28th. I had my 3-way operation coming up to 10 months ago (31st October 2023).
I found that for the first four days my recovery in the ICU was excellent and I slept an awful lot. The only pain I remember was around my right side/rib area where a large incision was made to deflate the lung to carry out part of the operation. It was painful to cough and I used to hold that side of my body. The pain relief in hospital is very good, but if it isn’t you should ask for extra. On the first day after the op, they will likely have you up and taking your first steps and you will see the Physios everyday. Once I got onto the main Upper GI ward (day five) I used to walk up and down the corridor (with my drips in tow) a few times a day. I was also able to shower myself by this time.

I wasn’t allowed anything to drink for the first day or so but then proceeded to little sips of squash (that was heaven) and then very small amounts of very soft food once I was on the main ward. 

My husband and I were surprised at how well I began to do things. I walked every day once I got home (maybe 20 mins to start with) and began eating a little more. I did have a feeding tube to prevent weight loss, and kept it for about three weeks (only used it at night). I went to Newcastle to see family in the January, then visited Copenhagen in the February, went to Bologna in the March and walked miles, then Majorca for a week in May. 

I hope all goes well on Wednesday. Keep posting if there is anything you need to ask. This forum is fantastic to help us feel we are not alone. Best wishes, Julie 

Thank you all for taking your time to reply to this post, some great advice from you all. A very anxious 2 days ahead before the operation! 

Many thanks, rich.

You'll be just fine fella

Hi Rich,

I had my surgery last year in October. Everything seemed fine but then I developed complications after complications and was out of hospital 1.5 month after the surgery. 

I was one of the unlucky lot for whom things go sideways. 

I'm 62 so way ahead of you in terms of age. I was lucky to be enrolled in the pilot scheme that offers cardio, nutritionist and emotional support before surgery. The aim is to get us as healthy and strong as possible before surgery so that post op recovery is faster and better. A no brainer really. 

You're young and fit, therefore you should be ok in that matter.

This being said, Di not forget it is a massive operation and that important parts of your body have been removed. In addition, you had chemo that weakened your immune system.

Your brain will have to learn a new internal geometry. That takes time. Your body and mind will need time. 

Almost a year on, I'm much better but I still need my walking poles if I walk uphill, or worse, I am stuck in a queue. I find standing without moving extremely tiring. I have yet to get back on my board, go for a swim...I had a JEJ tube, what a pain it was!

I'm back at work. Not full time, I work 4 days per week. I struggle a bit though. I tire easily, am forgetful and fight brain fog. I'm slower in everything I do. 

3 months is a very optimistic target. I know you're young and fit, I hope it will be the case, but I think 6 months could be closer to reality. 

Yet, everybody is different. Best of luck for the surgery, the recovery and all that

Take care

Thank you all again for your great advice. I’m day 3 after the operation now and pain has only just started to be managed. I had 2 attempts at a epidural before they took it out completely. Regardless of that I was up and out of bed yesterday. The doctor said I’m doing really well and the surgeon said Margins was good and everything was still contained in the oseophagus! I am just waiting for the histology report to see if I actually need chemo after? But I think I should have it regardless.

Edit; I haven’t slept a lot at all on the ICU ward it’s rather Manic, I also never neeeded a JEJ tube they’re starting me on oral feeding this coming Monday everything seems to be moving swiftly.

Many thanks again all! 

Hi Rich,

Glad your op went well. They do get you up and moving pretty soon afterwards. I suppose different hospitals do things in different ways but in mine I think JEJ tubes and post-op chemo are pretty routine. The JEJ tube, while very annoying to have, does take the pressure off having to get enough calories in orally for the first few weeks. I’m sure your dietician will give you lots of advice about maximising the calorie content of what you eat. I spent 8 nights in ICU as I had a complication and then a further 8 nights on the ward but it looks like you’ll probably be out sooner than that. Hope you get out of ICU soon. I really didn’t enjoy being there at all. Best wishes, CB

Hi 

Pleased to hear your op went well  .Long recovery ahead but you have youth and your fitness on your side

We’re all rooting for you 

Take it easy 

Best wishes 
J 

This guy is my inspiration, my bro-mo, I always knew he'd smash it outta the park!