stricture on oesophageal join

[gardeningqueen]

After chemo , Ivor-Lewis op & more chemo & doing pretty well, though the last round of chemo was harsh last December , eating has been a challenge for the last 7-10 days. Took him into hospital today & he has a stricture where his stomach joins the oesopheagus. He has had 3 stretches since the op , does anyone have experience of this? He hopes it won`t mean a stent as he had one before the op & didn`t get on well with it.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Paulbrighton]

Hi it took me 9 months after the operation until the join relaxed and eating became easier. I have had three stretches too. I think in the end the scar tissue relaxes and eating gets easier. Having said that i had a biopsy there last week and now swallowing has become more difficult again. I’m sure that this will pass though. I’m am now 10 months post op and after struggling to swallow most of that time I can now eat some things without really concentrating on getting each bite down. Doughy things like a warm Pret cheese croissants still don’t travel well unfortunately, I have to take small bites and chew each one really well. But a standard sandwich that isn’t too dry doesn’t cause me much of a problem any mote. It just takes time.

Hope this is helpful.

Warm regards. Paul

[gardeningqueen in reply to Paulbrighton]

Thanks for your comments , it really helps to lighten the load when you hear how everyone else manages.

Good luck with your recovery.

[gutlesswonder]

The most important thing is to ensure that he doesn't become malnourished as a result of either the mechanical difficulties or becoming demoralized. Weight loss is usually less of an issue than critical ingredients - vitamins and minerals. So when you get him home you will have to tickle his fancy to tempt him into frequent nibbling as a supplement for small and limited meals.

My own anastomosis (the Join) is high up in my neck so I have little or no peristalsis ( the rhythmic worm-like contractions) as my oesophagus is just a short stump; which would normally propel food downwards. Hence whilst I eat practically everything, I have experienced frequent blockages and so do avoid anything glutinous and risk red meats only as mince.Thorough chewing remains paramount as is avoiding premature swallowing when distracted by family and friends. Notwithstanding life is terrific.

PS: My three stage Ivor Lewis was 27 years ago!