Excercise

[Stuart2012]

What exercises should you not do following an oesophagectomy? Are sit ups for example ok? Weight training squats etc? I’m several years post up but want to get into shape 🙂

[telford-hiker]

Hi ,I’m 2 years post op and do a lot of mountain walking to keep fit..but I did ask,a girl I know who’s had esophagectomy the same as she’s 35 and uses the gym a lot..she has stayed away from sit ups as she experienced alit of aching after she tried doin these..so it put her off for obvious reasons..I did acquire some dumbbells ,as my arms seemed to loose a lot of muscle after the chemo..but developed frozen shoulder,which is extremely painful..both instances could just be bad luck ..so whatever you do go careful..I think I’ll stick to walking but good luck and keep us informed of your progress..

[Stuart2012 in reply to telford-hiker]

Thanks - I tend to walk and cycle at the moment might just stick to that 🙂

[Quicksilver_1]

Hi. I don’t know of any that you shouldn’t do, but I tend to avoid those that involve ‘jigging’ my body around too vigorously through fear of throwing any stomach acid around. The surgery on my right hand side is very good at letting me know when I’ve overdone anything as well. I do sit ups, but from a slightly elevated upper body position. I’m probably not doing all muscle groups or something, but I’m never going to make the cover of Men’s Health magazine anyway. Personally I use an exercise bike in front of TV (or an occasional road cycle) followed by a bit of upper body working with some hand weights. Lighter weights but higher reps. I think the important thing is to do it regularly, increasing things gently over time to avoid injury. Good luck.

[Brett77]

Hi. I try to avoid lying down if I’ve eaten recently as we’re missing the valve between stomach and oesophagus. So nothing in front or back requiring lying down. When I don’t feel full I lie on my back and use a bench press. I cycle and use the drops (curvy part) on my road bike. I try to wait an hour between eating and exercising other than walking. Find what works for you. I don’t think there are clear cut rules. I was told I would never be able to use the drops….

[Spikey]

I asked this question of a consultant surgeon at an OPA meeting 12 years ago, and his response was that the stomach muscles repair themselves in 2-4 months post surgery, therefore it should be possible to do abdominal exercises after that. Personally, I still can't do more than a dozen sit ups, even though I go to the gym regularly and am otherwise physically fit. If you are several years post-op, I would suggest that there is nothing you should avoid. Do whatever you can, but don't overdo it.

[telford-hiker]

We are all different,I think it’s a trial and error thing ..but good luck on your journey

[fastoldguy]

I am 2 years post surgery and exercise quite a bit. I was told by my surgeon right after the operation, that I could not do anything lying flat, like push-ups, work under a car, sit-ups on an incline board, etc. However, like said above, everyone is different and as time passes you can do more things. I do push-ups, sit-ups, work under the car without any issues. I usually go the the club for strength training first thing in the morning before eating anything so nothing to come up, and I feel pretty good/normal. I also mountain bike and road bike a lot. That has never caused me problems, although I often have a weird nauseous feeling on the bike regardless of having not eaten in a couple of hours. That could be related to not hydrating enough which is sometimes difficult with our situations. Try various exercises and strength workouts and see how your body reacts. Do what seems to work and remember, things will improve over time. One word of caution with sit-ups, start real easy and be conscious of how it feels. It is easy to get a hernia or tear something too soon after surgery. Good luck!

[docLocke]

We’re fortunate to have Kurt, a first-rate physical therapist nearby. He’s our go-to for many ills. Work with him has helped us avoid some surgeries others endure for knee, back issues. I worked with him for weeks after Ivor Lewis procedure in February, 2018. Was back x-c skiing late March. He mapped out a long-term program—cardio and mostly body weight—that helped me recover muscle and weight I never thot I’d see again. So my suggest: look for a well-recommended therapist who’s worked with similar. Hearty agree with fastoldguy and others: just do it, listen to your body, trust that healing happens even after this insult.

[rayw55]

I am now 12.5 years post op, after surgery I dropped to around 10.5 stone (from a max of 15 when I 'got fat' ready for my op) I am now a steady 12st. I do almost everything I did before the op exercise wise- however- I feel I must point out that I suffered a torn diaphragm that could easily have had a really bad effect on me - this was in the main due to lifting heavy weights and me thinking I was 'back to normal' YOU will NEVER be back to normal - best advice is listen to your body- if it hurts don't do it ,and, most importantly, if you think you may have done something do not delay in seeking help from the medics- delay could cost you dearly