Breathlessness

[margie1]

Hi

since having had my Ivor lewis surgery 2 years ago i get very breathless when just walking! i have been told that this is because my new stomach is now between my lungs and this is preventing me from fulfilling my job role, has anyone else experienced this?

Margie

[sallym]

Lungs unfortunately take a lot of punishment during this operation. I developed a bilateral pneumothorax and surgical emphysema which left me very breathless. I tried to resolve this by going out walking to the nearest lamp post and crawling back!! Slowly over a period of time I increased this until I walked two miles every day developing a reputation of either being extremely fit or a nut case!! I also went swimming once a week While all this has helped my breathlessness I still get it intermittently. Going back to work was not an option, as it was too physically demanding. The walking now is slowing down to being slightly shorter, but then I didn't anticipate I would still be trying to do it twenty years later. Quality of life is good but age (something I wasn't going to see) is catching up. Best of luck sally

[haward in reply to sallym]

Hi Sally. That's roughly my experience. It took time for my lung capacity to recover but the Royal Marsden had given me a device to keep track of lung capacity (an inspirometer?) and over time my capacity was restored and is better than before the operation. The relentless exercise regime is, I am sure, what really helped me to recover. So, Margie, persevere, and persevere. I hope you do regain capacity but it will take time. H

[gassygran]

I had issues after many years had op to fix reflux and they found my stomach had attached itself onto my lung thro my torn diaphragm. ...All well now but needs the original op redone but life a lot better. It took many visits tests and 18 years before an appointment at St Thomas sorted it all out. But the surgery you had does take a long time to get right again .eat little obtain drink sips not cups fluid but obtain. Softer food there are tasty recipes poached not baked salmon is good..toast for me is easier than bread but only 5 or times year. A few extra steps per day especially if out . Keep heat down in home wear extra clothes but don't get cold. fresh air to not city pollution if possible will all gradually help do not measure improvement over short time look back on 3 months or more. Being positive helps but is hard some says.good luck . M

P's 30 years ago I had hours to live I am soon to be 71 I have had barretts for 29 year. Dr recons I have another 10 at least. So be positive. If in time you are not doing as well as you feel you should ask to be referred to a major teaching hospital for second opinion .

[spanner16]

I can feel breathless every now and then when walking but it's generally after I've eaten so I tend to make sure I don't need to walk at any great pace / run anywhere just after I've eaten.

I hope things get better for you - and I hope that helps.

[jay2908]

Great advice from everyone, worthwhile getting a blood test to check your b12 levels and ensure you're not anaemic.