Constipation After Esophagectomy

My husband is 70 years old and had cancer of the esophagus.  On January of this year, he had esophgectomy, spleen and several lymph glands removed.  His follow up appointment confirmed he was cancer free.  He is doing well now, except for sever cramping and constipation.  His doctor prescribed medicine that doesn't help.  He uses several doses of over the counter laxatives before he gets any relief.  Has anyone had the same problem and has it lasted this long? 

 

On 5/20/2008 pattylee wrote:

My husband is 70 years old and had cancer of the esophagus.  On January of this year, he had esophgectomy, spleen and several lymph glands removed.  His follow up appointment confirmed he was cancer free.  He is doing well now, except for sever cramping and constipation.  His doctor prescribed medicine that doesn't help.  He uses several doses of over the counter laxatives before he gets any relief.  Has anyone had the same problem and has it lasted this long? 

PattyLee,

I also had an esophagectomy in July 2005. I had just the opposite problem for a while. What I have found though,even now, is that because I can't drink and eat much at a time, without pain, I tend to eat and not drink. I try to drink between small meals but sometimes forget. When that happens I can get constipated. You might just have your husband try drinking more water.

Best of Luck to you both and KEEP MOVING,

Steve 

 

 

I had bouts of both constipation and diahrreah.  My doctor told me fiber and drinking fluid was very important to treat both conditions.  I used stool softeners, milk of magnesia and suppositories for the constipation.  Try using a liquid fiber product that is tasteless.  He may not be drinking enough.  I found that it was difficult to drink enough fluids because I was concentrating on eating the food to get my weight up.  If he can tolerate yogurt, Yoplait makes a yogurt with fiber content.

I think if you beef up both his liquid and fiber consumption he will get through this part of the healing.  Best wishes.

Dear Steve,

Thank you, so much for the advice.  He is trying everthing he hears about.  I discovered this sight soon after his surgery.  I was so overwhelmed by the pain and discomfort he was going thru during his healing.  Reading the message board helped me to understand what others were feeling and going thru too. Thank you

Patty . 

Dear Doingfine,

Thank you for the advice.  He likes Yoplait.  I never thought of that.  We will sure try it.  All advice is appreciated.  Thanks again.

Patty

I sure hope it works for him.  Keep me posted on how he does.

Doingfine