Six months post operation, new symptom

[ChickenDanshak]

Good Morning

Firstly I have spoken to the team and I am waiting for an appointment for a endoscopy.

I am 6 months post op. Ivor lewis, robotic. T3,N2,M0, histology all clear.

All has been fine, usual side effects have been Dumping, hypos, it’s a huge foodie learning curve.

Energy good, walks, swimming and just started on bike and treadmill at the gym.

A change for me is, which has happened now four times in the last week.

I have eaten a meal, 1 lunch, 3 evening meals. I eat and then I get pain in my back /side, hot flush, excess saliva, acid reflux and on two occasions relieved myself by being sick, basically bend over the pan and it happens.

I have not had any reflux until now or discomfort/ pain after eating until now. I take 30mg of Lansoprazole daily, I’m thinking of increasing this to 60mg?

The nurse has said it sounds like a narrowing at the joining sights? Dr wants an endoscopy, which I am waiting for.

Anyone else had a similar experience?

It’s weird how it is not every meal?

Jennie ✨🌻

[hunsdon]

I am 12 years on from my Ivor Lewis , the first year was different but life is worth living so I want to wish you well , sounds like your doing all the right things just now again the body reminds you of the serious operation you have gone through, take care be strong x Tina

[Popsic]

I am 11 years post op, I still get this. I find its after I've eaten too much. I find a warm wheat pack can help relieve the pain, worth trying. I have had 2 tummy stretches and I'm waiting for another. It helps a lot and lasts around 12 to 18 months. I've been told that this can be done as many times as I need it. Try not to worry too much, your doing all the right things. Good luck and stay in touch, support helps. June x

[ChickenDanshak in reply to Popsic]

Hi June, can I give you today’s example, breakfast fine, snack fine, lunch fine. Evening meal, ate fine, once finish, pain, mid back R side. I got the shivers, goose bumps, then the reflux, I just had to be sick for relief. I really do hope it’s a narrowing and it’s to much with the build up of food? Thanks for your reply. Jennie x

[Popsic in reply to ChickenDanshak]

I hope it is just a narrowing too, I am sure it is. It is easy to get worried over anything to do with our oesopahagus after what we have been through.

Try to stay positive and please do let us know the outcome. X

[ChickenDanshak in reply to Popsic]

Thank you June, I will update you once I know. X 🌻

[Andersl]

I have the rare condition Reactive hypoglycaemia without surgery to my stomach/oesophagus.

It's difficult to maintain my blood sugars. Hence hypos are a constant risk. I also suffer from occasional dumping.

The lesson I have learnt since being diagnosed with this condition 9 years ago is to eat little and often.

I eat every 2 hours or less if I'm being active. Small meals and snacks.

This should help reduce hypos and dumping.

[Andersl]

PS: rather than increasing your acid reducing tablets, try drinking water with a couple of teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Our stomachs need acid to break down food. I've had lots of success with this approach.

[Popsic in reply to Andersl]

hi there, can I ask if this is safe to do with our condition, I have thought about Apple cider vinegar but have been too afraid to try it.

[Andersl]

I don't think any medically trained doctor would say "yes it's fine to use a natural product like... ACV"

You could do your own research on "benefits of apple cider vinegar"

And, separately...

"Long term effects of taking Proton Pump Inhibitors"

Then make up your mind based on your findings.

[liz_crisp in reply to Andersl]

Hi Andersal, Just be careful I greatly reduced my PPI and tried natural relief about 4 years post op. Then at my next regular endoscopy it was discovered I had Barratts , I very rarely get reflux that I feel or know about. I went back on 60mg PPI now 14 years on Barratts under control. Make sure you get regular check. I also had hyperglycaemia before I was diagnosed with cancer and find movement is my greatest enemy too. Cheers Lizzy

[Andersl]

Thanks for the advice.

[LondonMan]

Jennie,

I am 30 months post Ivor Lewis and suffer similar issues after eating in the evening. My evening meal is the biggest of the day so I put it down to that. I have had countless stretches (dilations) of the entry & exit of my conduit but, for me, the results never last.

You could have curves in your conduit which impede the passage of food and may result in food particles remaining in your conduit. I have this condition which was picked up via a CT scan with contrast.

Good luck.

Brian

[ChickenDanshak in reply to LondonMan]

Thank you Brian, your post is reassuring as are the others.

It’s good to have these forums and hear from others in front of us on their journeys.

Best wishes Jennie ✨🌻