Swallowing problems: I finished a... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Swallowing problems

7 Replies

I finished a course of chemo and radiotherapy eight weeks ago and i.m now waiting for a date for my op should be in about two weeks i.ve found since my treatment I have to eat very slowly and some foods mainly meat gets stuck but then does go down very slowly soft foods are no problem at all I just want to know if this is normal and will it go after the op or is it going to be an ongoing problem

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7 Replies
Rayslife profile image
Rayslife

This is a problem for me Molly four years on now!

At first I didn't have this problem but it kicked in about three weeks after my op, it is slightly variable on a daily basis.

I would say that it has improved a little in four years, but, I still have to be VERY careful in chewing my food as I remember gagging on a daily basis which was worrying, at the time?

Really everyone is different?

Good luck.

Paulbrighton profile image
Paulbrighton

Hi. I had radiotherapy after the op and couldn’t swallow food for about three months. It creates inflammation around the oesophagus or in my case the ‘stomophagus’. Now I am swallowing quite well but it took time.

Hang on in. It’s gets better.

Paul

jeffw663 profile image
jeffw663

I have had no problems in swallowing since the I.L. op in July '18. I eat most anything, I am careful to chew meat well but had a steak last week no problems, I have my own food plate, mid way between side plate and normal dinner plate and have to be careful not to over eat which is sometimes quite difficult, I seem to have my weight stable and am enjoying my food so looking at the other replies there is no set pattern, keep you fingers crossed that you will have no problems.

Good luck with the op !

jay2908 profile image
jay2908

I’ve found that I get food blockages, mainly due to excess air in my gut. So I have a good strong cup of tea 20mins before I eat to clear the path for the food.

Garysreflux profile image
Garysreflux

I have general swallowing issues due to narrow oesop. Had large molar missing but when had false tooth made swallowing improved. I think that before some of my food wld go into gap left by missing tooth and when swallowed some of the food in fact wasnt well chewed and got caught.

JMcNamara profile image
JMcNamara

Molly,

We each have our unique response to the medical situation we share.

Radiation -- after 4th week, my esophagus was inflamed, so difficult to eat much. I had a feeding tube which was helpful to maintain energy level. My goal was to be strong enough for the surgery. Swallowing improved slowly-but it improved! Celebrate your successes they will come!

in reply to JMcNamara

Thanks for your reply do you have any problems swallowing since you've had the op ?

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