Heartburn and reflux after esophagectomy

I had surgery in August and didn’t have any problems for a few months, I still have problems now. It causes a very dry annoying cough. I also take Landoprazole, but I take Gaviscon Advance after every meal as well. I keep telling myself, at least I’m here!! 

Dear all I had Ivor Lewis surgery in 2013 I still take omerpresol or lansoprezol and gavis 40 mg day and night do not drink fizzy drinks I was advised stop eating by 6pm sleep propped up high you will get used to it don’t sleep on left because that can cause aspiration phuenoma next it never goes away properly so do the best you can this is a brutal cancer it’s a fight all the way I personally wish you all the very best xx

Hi SJPD

I thought I was a special case until I met with my consultant last month

I I had my eosophagectomy in May 2024 and still suffer with reflux and the persistant cough I mentioned this to my consultant last month only to be told it’s normal and probably 90% of patients have the same 

My only real concern is my weight loss it doesn’t matter what I eat I’m still losing weight so now I’m back in the hands of the Dietitian and if there isn’t any real improvement it’s back to endoscopy and ct scan to see if there’s anything wrong 

I’ll keep you all posted

Best wishes 

Alasdair 

Hi Alasdair. I presume you are already taking Creon or Nutrizym to try and  counteract your weight loss?  Also on the cough situation I have had a massive improvement since I had the pylorus stretched earlier this year. Just thought both things might be worth a mention.

Hi Geo

i had Ivor Lewis surgery almost a year ago. For the first couple of months I was “fine”,  but then I started with reflux and the dry cough. I’m led to believe this is the norm and just something we have to cope with.  Lansoprazole or similar, on prescription helps along with Gaviscon and sleeping in a semi sitting position.  I also have problems with a Globus lump in my throat. After scans and X-rays I’m told it is just muscular and have now been given exercises. This was caused by the feeding tube irritating my throat and the muscles contracting! 
it is a pretty intense recovery after a major op, but on the whole it’s all good - and better than having the cancer!

Do hope this helps  

best wishes

sheila

Hi Alisdare

I find it strange that we are not told about the possibility of having this cough. I thought it was just me until I found this site. 

I also have a problem with weight loss, although I seem to have stabilised at 50kg now. As I was 70kg when my cancer journey started I suppose that’s not too bad. I take Creon and try to eat snacky meals as much as possible,  but I never really feel hungry. Do you feel the same? I try to eat as many high calorie and full fat foods as I can. 

A good luck on your journey

sheila

Thank you Dods

yes it is a brutal cancer and surgery. I still get considerable pain down my right side and under my arm and across my chest. I am enjoying life nonetheless and am thankful to be here!!

please keep us updated

with best wishes

Sheila. 

Sheila the pain in the chest especially where the lung is as the lung never goes back to the same place after being deflated after surgery so still there after 12yrs you have to put it out of your mind just keep going 

Hi Sheila, 

I hope your execises help the lump in your throat , it must have been very worrying .

My nigthime reflux is alot better now, after changing lansoprazzle to bedtime, better than going for gaviscon in the night!

 Best wishes and thanks for your advice.

Geo.