Ivor Lewis Procedure. 5 months on.

[slobjohnb]

I wanted to add my comments to help those awaiting surgery. I have been very lucky. Had the full op on 29th January 2018. Slight chest infection being the only unexpected problem. All sorted. Found that sleeping in a reclining armchair was the best option, borrowed an adjustable bed which took a while to get used to but now working well. Used wedge cushion and still use it in our caravan. Very good. I have had little problems with digestion, more of a problem eating. Meat, large fruit and some vegetables all a problem. Bread a no-go area except toast and crisp bread. Now getting over this. Had a dilation at hospital which has helped enormously. Lost 3 stones but as I was overweight to begin with I am happy to be so much lighter.

I have an inherited blood clotting problem so chemotherapy was not an option. Had three biopsies taken during the dilation - all clear. 42 nodes removed during the main op which were all clear. I am having a full body scan at the end of this month to have a good look round, hopefully nothing nasty will be found. I normally keep fit due to my Labradors needing long walks, have kept this up and find it very beneficial.

The important things I have learned- keep fit, stay positive, read up everything about your condition as feed back with doctors is so important, don't fight weight or digestion problems, go with the flow, your body will tell you what is right or very wrong. Recovery during late winter with spring and summer on the way has helped enormously, lovely light mornings, if you cannot sleep get up and go for a walk. Best time of day. Have an alcoholic drink if you feel like it. I had big problems with tastes and smells but persist, it really does get better and only 5 months on I am very glad to be alive and well thanks to the NHS staff, my wife, friends and family. I am a very lucky man. Wishing you all speedy recovery.

[yorkshirerose]

Well said 😊

[PhysioD]

Thank you for this! I will most certainly share with my father in law. He’s day 2 post op. So far so good. Xxx

[PhysioD]

Could I ask you please, how long were you in hospital for? The surgeon told my father in law it will be anything from 2-4 weeks depending on how he goes on. Xxx

[slobjohnb in reply to PhysioD]

I was in hospital for ten days, I pressed for an early release because the last normal ward I was sent to (after intensive care then high dependency) was pretty awful regarding agency staff on nights. I felt really strong on leaving hospital, it was as I was gradually losing weight during recovery that I felt the weakest. I had part keyhole then part normal surgery due to difficulties that I was unaware of. The more keyhole the quicker the recovery, I was in surgery for about 10 hours. All in all it was a lot easier to cope with than I thought it would be.

[PhysioD in reply to slobjohnb]

That’s good to know. It is so variable isn’t it. The last thing you need to feel is vulnerable when there’s so many different staff rotating. I don’t blame you wanting to go home and it’s great you managed so well after 10 days! My FIL has had full open surgery and it took about 7 hours I think. He is 79 but fit and loves his motorbike. I think it will be a while before he gets back on that but it has given him a positive focus building up to the surgery and hopefully will push him on post-op. It’s a major deal this surgery. I’ll certainly pass on your story. All the best to you! Xxxx

[slobjohnb in reply to PhysioD]

I think that the key to my success was my Surgeon and his team who are very experienced at this type of surgery (Mr Lorenzi at Broomfield Hospital) Had it been all keyhole, which they wanted to do, my recovery would have been even faster. Getting back on your feet quickly is vital, you think you aren't making much progress but its amazing how a little bit a day adds up. Yesterday was virtually my last day of pain from the muscles in my chest which have gradually knitted together again. After the op the pain is less, possibly due to nerves being numb, as the nerves heal the pain is more noticeable - not serious pain, just a nuisance. Having a target is important, we wanted to get away in our caravan in June, We managed it but I was a bit exhausted afterwards, but its all part of getting fit again. Getting back on the motorbike will be a great challenge - lets hope he sticks with it and succeeds.

[Mayan]

What a great posting slobjohnb It is almost 10 years since my op,and I do get rough days and nights,often wake up in the morning feeling sick,but as you say,such a lucky lucky lady to still be alive and still able to live my life to my ability and spend precious time with family and friends also see my grandchildren growing up The NHS did a wonderful thing for me , without them l wouldn't be here today And as you said stay positive and be thankful for every day, whether it be a rough day or a good day Hey Ho I'm here to tell the tale,and how grateful am l Take care all of you

[slobjohnb in reply to Mayan]

Sorry about my username, I had so many rejected. This was a take on the BeachBoys Sloop John B. Well done on your 10 years, an inspiration to us all, especially as you have had post op problems. The grandchildren are also my inspiration, the oldest boy is 11 and I want to be around when he leaves school at 18, he is a great rugby player and also quite academic. The other three are all pretty great too but I would say that!

[Sue125nd125]

Well said

[dianne65]

thank you for your post so helpful,Sean wont be told until day six which way they have cut him,he is on the Romeo Study so they want his response to questions to be blind.I am hoping its keyhole x

[Luvver]

Just read through your posts from 10 months ago, really inspirational, I will read them with my husband. He’s struggling a bit emotionally at the minute, also we think he might have had a sickness bug as he was really poorly and we had to call 111, doc visited and he’s had a reasonable night.