Post esophagectomy...advice

I had an esophagectomy for a non-malignant tumor 7 weeks ago.  I have had difficulty finding information on the net as well as support.  I am posting here as many of you have experience with esophagectomy.  While I count my blessings every day that it was not cancer (originally thought it was until path came back), I find myself frustrated with difficulties finding things to eat, nasuea, sleeping positions, need for medication to prevent nasuea, choking episodes, and difficulties with consuming liquids. 

I am 36 and was in good health prior to this.  I did not know prior to my surgery that I would have an esophagectomy, but it was necessary as my tumor had gone through the wall. 

If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

I am so sorry to hear that you had to have such a drastic surgery.  My husband has esophageal cancer Stage 4 - not operable, so I have been doing a lot of research on the topic.  The best boards that I have found to learn more about this surgery and recovery are by going to www.cancercompass.com and clicking on the esophageal cancer link.

 While you were fortunate not to have cancer - this site has many active people who care and have gone through the surgery and can provide hope and information for you as you recover.

Best of Luck to you.

 

Linda

Follow up to my last point.  boy did I get lost!!!

I was on another site and thought I was posting to that board, when I realized after my post was sent in, I was posting to the cancer compass board in another window!!

Geesh, my brain is melting.  

Time to go to bed.

Linda

 

 

On 3/23/2008 Kathflan wrote:

I had an esophagectomy for a non-malignant tumor 7 weeks ago.  I have had difficulty finding information on the net as well as support.  I am posting here as many of you have experience with esophagectomy.  While I count my blessings every day that it was not cancer (originally thought it was until path came back), I find myself frustrated with difficulties finding things to eat, nasuea, sleeping positions, need for medication to prevent nasuea, choking episodes, and difficulties with consuming liquids. 

I am 36 and was in good health prior to this.  I did not know prior to my surgery that I would have an esophagectomy, but it was necessary as my tumor had gone through the wall. 

If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

 

hello - finally, I have found someone who has been through this drastic procedure of an esophagectomey that I can communicate with and ask questions!  My husband who is a very healthy and strong 64 year old was diag with High Grade Displaysia 4th stage, the Cardiothoracic surgeon has scheduled an esophagectomey on 9/11. I have read all that I can on this procedure, all it entails and the before, after and recovery time.  But still not knowing what to expect for him - am very scared!

Thank goodness you do not have cancer - whew! It's been 7 weeks since your surgery and you are still having these issues?  Is it that you just are not hungry for anything, difficulty in swallowing, does it feel different when you do swallow, pain, does the nausea come from what you eat?  Have you tried the Insure protein drinks to keep up your calories?  Soup broths, yogurts, soft casseroles?  How much weight did you loose? 

Of course you wished you never had to have this procedure, but knowing what you now know, do you feel it still was the right decision?  Hopefully together we can learn and help one another to get better and healthier!  M~

can you tell me how you  are doing now?  "I find myself frustrated with difficulties finding things to eat, nasuea, sleeping positions, need for medication to prevent nasuea, choking episodes, and difficulties with consuming liquids." this was you in march. my friend had the surgery in march also and still is suffering with all the above. have you found any meds or foods or advice for these issues or is it just as it s/b expected to be at this point?   there is no point of reference she is just left not know a thing about what to expect.