Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (Barrets Disease)

 had the esophagectomy four years ago.  It was successful with time but I have had ongoing problems with frequent and severe coughing spasms associated with the passage of food through the "join section".  Possibly there are surface nerves or scar tissued causing this.   My specialists don't seem to have an answer.  Endoscopy does not show any identifiable cause.  Does anyone know of similar problems, causes or suggestions for treatment.  It is bearable but quite a nuisance.  Only eat with family who understand my problem.  When it does happen in public people around become quite concerned for my welfare so I avoid this wherever possible.

On Dec 10, 2012 1:40 AM keithrsmith wrote:

 had the esophagectomy four years ago.  It was successful with time but I have had ongoing problems with frequent and severe coughing spasms associated with the passage of food through the "join section".  Possibly there are surface nerves or scar tissued causing this.   My specialists don't seem to have an answer.  Endoscopy does not show any identifiable cause.  Does anyone know of similar problems, causes or suggestions for treatment.  It is bearable but quite a nuisance.  Only eat with family who understand my problem.  When it does happen in public people around become quite concerned for my welfare so I avoid this wherever possible.

Hi I am two months post op now from ivor lewis esophagectomy and have started to develope a cough and worse struggle to swallow comfortably ..i have found taking a sip of coke during these problems minimise the trouble i have

also i have bought an electric bed which i have found to be invaluable i fond a local guy who makes them half the price of the high street

hope this finds you coping better

Thank you for that, I will give the coke a try. Happy festive season.

I am 3 years post op and I also have a cough.   I cough alot when I am eating and I had my surgeon do a endoscopy because I felt there was something triggering the cough and I could feel it when I swallowed. He found nothing. I can eat soup with no problems. When I go out to eat, that is what I have.  My surgeon said there really is nothing that can be done about it.  He says it is caused by acid reflux.  (I sort of disagree). I still do have acid reflux and I always will. I agree with you that it is bearable but a nuisance. I wish I had an answer for you..I am always looking for answers myself.

Thanks for the information. Your problem seems much like mine as is the advice you have received.  I guess we have to be grateful for being survivors  and make the best of it.  I really think it is caused by scar tissue at the join or surface nerves in that area but corrective surgery would probably not be worth the risk.  Good luck to you and have a Happy New Year.

Husband 4 months Post op Ivor Lewis.Has had to have a throat stretch to mitigate the swallowing problem (feeling like the food cannot get past the new junction in throat.It has helped.

I am 8 years past surgery and I do have some difficulty while eating.  I found I need to keep my head down and I definitely cannot talk at all while eating.  This evening I got a little crumb caught and coughed and coughed until I finally sneezed and that cured it.  I have one paralyzed vocal chord that was fixed, but doesn't work.  The doctor put a silicone thing in there to keep the paralyzed side closed so I wouldn't lose air and so the other side could come over and close the gap.  Anyhow, the coughing and choking is annoying, but I am used to it...just very careful when I eat.  Sometimes a sip of water will work for me.