Trapped wind in my throat.. 4 months post IL

[Cavalier3]

Hello all,

I get a feeling of trapped wind in my throat, feels like a ball trapped. If I burp it does go for a minute then comes back. Anyone else had this and it there anything I can do to help it. It drives me crazy at night, I can’t sleep with it. 4 months post IL and my recovery is going really well.

[Molly14]

Hi - I’ve had a problem with trapped wind a bit further down since my Ivor Lewis nearly 6yrs ago - mine is quite bad and I have to release it myself as I don’t burp much - funnily enough recently it’s not been as bad and wondered if it’s just to do with the body adapting to new plumbing - you could try Gaviscon double action at bed time

[Cavalier3 in reply to Molly14]

Hi Molly, thank you for replying. It makes me feel better that it’s not just me. I try not to over worry about things but it’s hard not to. I have some Gaviscon in so will try it, it won’t do me any harm. Thanks again xx

[Molly14 in reply to Cavalier3]

I did quite a bit research on it early on as I was really bad Sue - finger down throat up to 10 times a day just to release air - it’s not overly common but it is there in some people after an oesophagectomy - I had a few tests done but it was just trapped - if you’re worried mention to your team - the fizzy water didn’t work for me and just gave me more of that feeling you get - I tried everything - peppermint etc - all the best

[Cavalier3 in reply to Molly14]

Ah I’m sorry you haven’t had much relief from it Molly.. Last night was the worst it’s been and it does seem to come and go with some days worse than others. My nurse is brilliant so I might give her a call. Thanks for all your help. Very much appreciated xxx

[SurreyGuy]

Hello there. Before I had my surgery the dietician warned me I would most likely feel I had trapped air following the surgery. She was the only person who mentioned it but said it was one of the things most patients told her about during their recovery. So, when I had it I was prepared for it. I must admit, I wasn’t quite prepared for how uncomfortable it was.

She warned me that patients were very individual and some patients got over it very quickly. So quickly they hardly noticed and others could take longer. Mine lasted months. I do still occasionally get it now and my surgery was 15 years ago but illogically a few sips of fizzy water resolves it now (it didn’t work in the early days). For some people fizzy water makes it worse. But for me it now resolves it.

I hope that helps? But it is always worth mentioning these things when you are next reviewed.

[Cavalier3 in reply to SurreyGuy]

Hello! Ah thank you for your reply and no one has mentioned it to me either. It’s worse when I sit and when I go to bed. I got so wound up about it last night I think I was making it worse getting anxious about it and I felt like my chest was getting tight. I have just tried some soda water and it did help a little. Thank you and it’s great having this group to turn to. Thanks again Sue x

[Popsic]

Hi there,I am 8 yrs post IL and I get it all the time, exactly the same, I've just accepted it as part and parcel of the op, but I'd love to know if there's any way of stopping it.

[Cavalier3 in reply to Popsic]

Thank you Popsic, it makes me feel better just knowing it’s a normal thing after surgery. I wish you didn’t have it too. If I ever find a miracle cure I will absolutely let you know. Thanks again Sue x

[Popsic in reply to Cavalier3]

Ahh bless you, I wish you well and that things will settle for you soon x

[Kentishred]

Hi. I get the sensation of trapped wind but it is getting better (I'm 18 months post IL) I find patting the centre of my chest while sitting upright helps. It does result in a massive belch but really does ease it.I hope this helps.

[Cavalier3 in reply to Kentishred]

Hi Kentishred, yes it really does help. That’s exactly what I’m like but I can’t get it out unless I stand up and walk around and it’s relentless at night sometimes. I’m happy to hear It gets better in time so I can look forward to that thank you