Post Surgical Side Effects

On 1/10/2008 Strong4him wrote:

To be totally honest with you, my husband's whole life changed after the surgery.  He was a big guy about 6'1" and 250 lbs. before he had the surgery and now he was so excited last night because he weighed 188 lbs.  He struggles everyday with his food and weight.  He is no longer hungry so he has to remind himself all the time that he must eat.  He still gets weak at times and he feels full quickly too.  His surgery was Feb. 07 so it has been almost a year now and he is getting used to it.  Really there is no other choice.  Everyone is very different, but a lot of what my husband has gone through is pretty normal I think.   

But the great news is that his last two CT scans have both come back clear!

I wish your Dad luck with his surgery.   The healing is long and painful so just help him out as much as possible.  Any other questions I can help with just let me know. 

-Becky

I am new to this site and just keep reading!!  My father is 62 and having an esophagetomy on Friday.  He is very lucky to have Stage I, he lesion was really found by accident.

My question to you is what to expect immediately post-op. I must say I am so scared.  I am a RN and my sister a surgical resident, so we both have experience with surgery but both know that things are just so different when it is a family member.  Any tips that may help me help my Dad.  Any tips on things that we might be able to avoid from your experience.  How long was your husband in the hospital?

Congrats on the clear CT scans, that is why we decided on the surgery.  Although there are other treatments, it seems surgery is the only way to become cancer free!! 

Thank you for any help!!

Laura 

Laura,

I am glad they found your Dad's ec early.  As far as immediately after surgery, to me it was horrifying.  As much as I told myself I would be fine, it was still a shock to see my husband laying in bed hooked up to so many things and holes and tubes going every which way.  Once the nurse explained everything to me it was much better.  The one thing that was horrible right when he woke up was his dry mouth.  It was so bad that he was kind of angry that he could not get a drink.  (Normally VERY laid back).  The only thing he could have was a cotton swab to wet the inside of his mouth.  He was in surgery for about 7 hours.  The next day he was up walking around.  Amazing!!!  He was in the hospital for 11 long days.  When he came home it was much better, just to be around our kids.  I don't know if I gave you any info you needed, if I can help anymore let me know.  Best of luck to your Dad.  The day of the surgery will be so very long for your family.  Bring lots to keep you busy.

Good luck

-Becky

Dear Steve,

Congratulations on your recovery and more importantly, your outlook!!  I have a very close friend who will be discharged in the next 2-3 days after undergoing a esophagogastrectomy.  We are all concerned about his nutrition.  Given that he was very active pre-operatively, I was particularly impressed with your post-operative activity levels and I would love to know what types of energy/nutritional products you use to sustain your day-to-day needs as well as the added rigours of working out. 

For all who read and have been affected by this type of surgery, I would appreciate your comments/feedback as to what types/styles of foods got you back on track and off the feeding tube after sugery and what things should be avoided as well.  Thank you all and my sincerest wishes for optimal recovery and enjoyment of life.