Update - diaphragm hernia

ArchTB
ArchTB Member Posts: 150
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi,

So, Tom's pain in the shoulder was not getting better. He was taking pain killers, which were helping a little but not eliminating the pain completely. So, he went to an urgent care this morning. Spent the whole day there and had a CT scan.

The good news, there does not seem to be anything pathological. No lymph nodes, no cancerous developments.

The bad news - and I am yet to research what this is - is that he appears to have some colon hernia and fractured diaphragm. As I was explained, since Tom's diaphragm was cut during the surgery and stomach pulled up, there is a risk of intestines penetrating diaphragm. Looks like this is what's happening to him, with some herniation of colon. He is going to talk to his surgeon tomorrow, as this condition is likely to need a surgical procedure.

I would welcome any info anyone might have about this condition. I have just started researching it, but see mostly academic articles on specific cases of treatment of fractured diaphragm.

Olya

Comments

  • NikiMo
    NikiMo Member Posts: 342
    #2
    Hi Olya,
    I am releived to
    Hi Olya,

    I am releived to hear that Tom's pain is not cause by anything pathological! I am really sorry that it looks like he will face another surgery. Jeff has a paraesophageal hernia (this is what caused the whole cancer mess in my opionion - becuase it was the source of untreated GERD for years). A paraesophageal hernia is when part of the upper stomach moves through the diaphragm wall. It was extremely painful for him, and once discovered we were told it would be dangerous to leave it untreated as part of the stomach could 'die' due to loss of blood - basically it was strangling his stomach. Now left untreated didn't mean days or hours - it meant months. He had a laproscopic surgery that took about 4 hours - recovery was two weeks.

    I hope that Tom can this taken care of soon and that he is back to hikes, camping, and picnics before summer!

    Niki
  • ArchTB
    ArchTB Member Posts: 150
    #3
    NikiMo said:

    Hi Olya,
    I am releived to
    Hi Olya,

    I am releived to hear that Tom's pain is not cause by anything pathological! I am really sorry that it looks like he will face another surgery. Jeff has a paraesophageal hernia (this is what caused the whole cancer mess in my opionion - becuase it was the source of untreated GERD for years). A paraesophageal hernia is when part of the upper stomach moves through the diaphragm wall. It was extremely painful for him, and once discovered we were told it would be dangerous to leave it untreated as part of the stomach could 'die' due to loss of blood - basically it was strangling his stomach. Now left untreated didn't mean days or hours - it meant months. He had a laproscopic surgery that took about 4 hours - recovery was two weeks.

    I hope that Tom can this taken care of soon and that he is back to hikes, camping, and picnics before summer!

    Niki

    He'd better be!
    Thanks, Niki. Yes, we are getting this thing fixed asap! The surgery is scheduled for Monday. And he'd better be fixed before summer! We have already rented a cabin on an island for August, and there is no transportation there besides walking and biking.

    I hope Jeff is doing good these days. Please pass him our best regards,
    Olya
  • NikiMo
    NikiMo Member Posts: 342
    #4
    ArchTB said:

    He'd better be!
    Thanks, Niki. Yes, we are getting this thing fixed asap! The surgery is scheduled for Monday. And he'd better be fixed before summer! We have already rented a cabin on an island for August, and there is no transportation there besides walking and biking.

    I hope Jeff is doing good these days. Please pass him our best regards,
    Olya

    Sounds like a great
    Sounds like a great vacation!! Jeff and I rented a cabin on an island like that off of the coast of Maine two years ago, Isleboro ME. Although we could have a car, I have heard Isle au Haute off of Maine is beautiful and they don"t allow cars - maybe someday I will get there.

    I would put positive energy out there on Monday for Tom and of course for you too.

    Niki
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #5
    As things go, this is good news!
    Olya,

    I have no experience with this issue, but wanted to add my prayers and positive thoughts. I am so Glad to hear that this isn't cancer and that a quickly scheduled surgery might be the fix. HOORAY for all of the NO's in your sentance above - "No lymph nodes, no cancerous developments". I hope Tom's pain is resolved with surgery and that he heals quickly.

    Your trip to the cabin sounds wonderful! I really like the isolation of the island that you have described. A good place to get away from things. Nick's spirits are always much improved when he can get out under the trees. Helps him "breathe" better. I'm sure you and Tom are similar. Please share some of the cabin joy with us when you return.

    {hugs}

    Terry

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