Surgical Post op visit questions

LauraandLarry
LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
edited April 2013 in Esophageal Cancer #1

Yesterday was Larry's post op visit. Good thing too as he was not able to swallow any liquid by the time we got there. Surgeon did 3 dilations. What a relief. For the first time since surgery Larry was able to drink small glass of water and swallow consecutively. He wanted me to ask for experiences with dilations. How long did yours last? How many did you need? He knows some people never need one and others many, but he still wanted me to ask. Also feeding tube is out! I was a little surprised, but it was getting infected and surgeon said he is barely using it anyways. He also explained that he doesn't recommend scans for the first 6 months due to inflammation from surgery, only xray. He said there are too many false positives during this period and the emotional trauma is not worth it, unless there are any new symptoms. Also how long before you were driving a distance on your own? Larry is afraid to due to dumping. He is afraid he will get somewhere and not be able to get back. The dumping wipes him out. It is so hard to see him so fragile and afraid.

Comments

  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #2
    I've had 4 or 5. None were

    I've had 4 or 5. None were 100%, but the last one 2 yrs. ago was the best. I can almost eat normal.  I have gotten in the habit of small bites and chewing extra long. I had one bad episode in August that lasted for 5 hours and a trip to the ER, before it cleared. Even so I don't want another dialation unless it is really needed, because this one was more of a success than any.

    Dumping is a real problem, but I live in a very populated area with lots of restrooms. I learned fast the clean ones. My problems are pretty predictable now, so I can control my situations better. If I'm going out to eat breakfast I eat a peice of toast two hours before going and then I usually will be ok when I eat again.

    My problem with driving was my strength. It took me a long time to regain it, but I was driving around locally by two months. I know it's hard to think of being normal again, but that day will come, it just takes time.

    So glad he has the surgery behind him,

    Sandra

  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #3
    I've had 4 or 5. None were

    I've had 4 or 5. None were 100%, but the last one 2 yrs. ago was the best. I can almost eat normal.  I have gotten in the habit of small bites and chewing extra long. I had one bad episode in August that lasted for 5 hours and a trip to the ER, before it cleared. Even so I don't want another dialation unless it is really needed, because this one was more of a success than any.

    Dumping is a real problem, but I live in a very populated area with lots of restrooms. I learned fast the clean ones. My problems are pretty predictable now, so I can control my situations better. If I'm going out to eat breakfast I eat a peice of toast two hours before going and then I usually will be ok when I eat again.

    My problem with driving was my strength. It took me a long time to regain it, but I was driving around locally by two months. I know it's hard to think of being normal again, but that day will come, it just takes time.

    So glad he has the surgery behind him,

    Sandra

  • Dad'sfight
    Dad'sfight Member Posts: 155
    #4
    Laura, I missed this post. 

    Laura, I missed this post.  Is he doing better now?  Did they put him under for the dilation?

    This has me worried, was it symptoms, Or did the doctor see something and tell you guys it needed to be done? I feel so bad for Larry, but I bet he was happy to get that j-tube out.  I guess it's one less thing you have to push on him, and one less thing you have to worry about. I'm glad your doctor didn't mess around, especially since it was showing signs of infection.  I can't describe in words the horrible open wound my father had from the infected j-tube.  That's why I'm just paranoid about the one he has now, and he hates when I keep messing with it.  Say's it makes him uncomfortable. I asked our surgeon about inflammation showing up on scans from surgery, but he said there could be some but it's important to do it anyways because of it showing up in another organ or lymphnodes. He told us that if it shows anything in the esphogas, he's going to scope regardless, even if it could be inflammation.  I've learned that no 2 doctors treat the same, if your gut say's you don't like this idea, then push for what you want. I don't know what's right, like you because we've never done this before.  Praying for Larry to slow down on dumping, poor guy.

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