Phlegm when eating

[Mrs1972]

Hi

Just wondering if anyone has advice.

I had total gastrectomy in January due to cancer. Things have been ok since, able to eat little and often. However the past few days I feel like I’m having spasms in my oesophagus/throat, it happens at random times and is a little worse when eating. Within minutes I become very burpy and I feel like I have thick phlegm in my throat and it won’t settle, I have to bring it up and it’s very thick mucous. Sometimes I manage to keep it down. It doesn’t happen every time I eat, if I have a piece of toast or a biscuit it’s ok, it just seems anything slightly larger and I’m struggling.

It’s only been going on for about 5days, I’ve no nausea, it just feels weird.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks

Louise

[Tanktank]

Dear Mrs 1972

Yup I have the same issues (I am also post Ivor Lewis in Aug 18). Not really a problem but can suddenly be struck by gurgling, burping, hiccups and stuff in my throat. Happened more at night even with me sleeping in a sitting position. Doctor suggested 20ml of gaviscon at night which has helped my sleeping and reduced the “throat gurgling” issues.

Best wishes

Tanktank

[Mikey2711 in reply to Tanktank]

Not really much help to you but I thought I would let you know that following my IL I can’t burp at all..haven’t done for 5 years..! hay ho...well done to you..and keep on improving....

[AlanWare]

If it is very clear and viscous, it may be just excessive production of stomach lining.

[Janxm]

I had the same thing after chemo/radio to the oesophagus. Its like an alien coming out of your throat. Apparently its just a natural secretion as your body responds to what you are eating. In my case i realised i needed to stick to easier more pureed foods for a while. It gradually stopped happening, and then stopped.

[The_OPA Partner]

Sorry to hear this, please call the OPA helpline, we can send out an information pack to you.

0121 704 9860. We are also able put you in touch with someone who has had a gastrectomy if you would like to have a chat.

[Wynnerz]

I have that occasionally and it’s normally if I haven’t chewed good property, it does settle