2 1/2 months post op

paul61 said:

It is very common to have narrowing after surgery

Louise,

It is very common to have some narrowing at the anastomosis (where what is left of the esophagus is joined with the remainder of the stomach). Frequently, a small ridge of scar tissue forms at the junction and causes difficulty swallowing, and coughing while eating. Some people have only one or two “stretches” and some people have many over a number of years. Most Ivor Lewis patients encounter this issue during the first year after recovery and seldom have a problem after that. It just depends on the person. Gastroenterologists are reluctant to attempt to expand the area very much at one time because shortly after surgery that area is prone to rupture if stretched too much. When I had my Ivor Lewis surgery it was a year before I felt more like myself again and two years before I began to regain some of the weight I lost. It takes a long time to recover from this surgery so “one day at a time” is the plan.

I hope your Dad will be feeling better soon. I think his gastroenterologist is just being careful to insure there are no issues.

Best Regards,

Paul Adams

McCormick, South Carolina
DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009 - Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009
Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU - Four Year Survivor

 

Hi, I was stage III T2N2. Went through the pre/op chemo and radiation and then transhiatal surgery in September 2012. I developed a leak and infection at the upper reattachment that scarred and narrowed and was nothing by mouth ( all j-tube ) for three months. A normal throat size is 18-20 mm. Over two years I had thirty dialations ( stretches ) before getting it to hold at 6-8 mm. Before all this started I was 240# ( to heavy anyway ). I went to as low as 176# but have been at 196# for the last six months. Doctors say my throat is scar tissue on top of scar tissue and the reattachment is to high up to redo. My diet is mostly soups, spaghetti, soft moist, nothing sticky. I have learned to use a smaller than normal spoon and fork. Eat with no distractions, conversations at meal time etc. Set the silverware down between bites and go slow. Even at that I get food stuck and it comes up several times a week. Now the good news. Still no signs of any reoccurence and my eating difficulties are still way better than that j-tube was for me. Things I have learned are eat small portions or do not meals at all so much as just continually snack every half hour sometimes goes easier. Do not sleep flat. Keep yourself elevated. ( I have the head of my bed up 10" ) Expand your food choices slowly from things that seem to work. Do not eat or drink within 2-3 hours of bedtime. Wish you the best. Scott