Pinch/twist Hiatus?

[ChickenDanshak]

Hi

I am 8mths post operation, chemo. In August I started to get discomfort occasionally when eating, then acid reflux and regurgitation. I was referred for an endoscopy and possible dilation.

4 weeks ago endoscopy preformed, not able to have dilation as to much food present from 24hrs before. Another one booked which I had yesterday.

Dilation and Botox to the Pylorus successful even though food residue and fluid ++ found in the conduit.

The surgeon also found which he believes is the problem, a pinch/twist at 41cm/hiatus. So I have been referred for a barium swallow and also to monitor how I progress with food.

Anyone else had or have this ?

Best wishes Jennie

[focused1]

I haven’t had cancer but I have had hiatus hernia with all the endurance unpleasant tests you have had plus a tube down my throat attached to a 24 hour monitor. I had NHS treatment and the amount of tests I had before very successful and lifestyle changing surgery really prolonged the agony and enhanced the condition .

Mine started when my ability to swallow anything glutinous was scary . Mainly dry bread but expanded to all meat then I had to carry a drink at all times with me . Presented with a cocktail of drugs initially which I found to not be good long term -almost given as a pacifier as I know myself and I knew I couldn’t live with this and wasn’t going to .

Positives - After surgery which included a liquid diet for a month - I bought a blender . I stuck to the eating sheet rigorously. Joined the PARIS exercise scheme . I lost 18kg and aged 64 I am a new person . I maintain a 10-12 kg weight loss since 2018 and mentally / emotionally/ physically I am better than ever .

[Smithyrat159]

Hi ChickenDanshak. I had Ivor Lewis 2 years ago and had a 'kink' in my conduit right from the surgery. The consultant thought it might settle down itself after awhile so I started intravenous and then tube feeding. I couldn't keep any solids down but I could drink liquids and things like smooth soups and custard etc. I was tube feeding for 9 months but it didn't right itself so my options were either leave as is and have a feeding peg in my stomach or more surgery to correct the kink. After loads of deliberation I chose surgery. Last August I had the operation and, touch wood, have had no trouble eating since, albeit on the modified diet that we all have. I take about 2000 cals per day but I do have fresubin as a supplement to help with calorie amounts. However because the 2nd surgery essentially uses the same surgical entry points as before, the nerves there were cut all over again and this has caused some pain issues which are still unresolved. I'm presently taking pregabalin for that but without much improvement and I've been on a pain management waiting list since January. In short it's definitely a decision to thoroughly discuss pros and cons with your surgeon if it should come to that. I hope yours resolved itself quickly as they told me sometimes happens, good luck, I wish you well, it's a battle isn't it one way and another. We're still here though and ready to fight on. Best wishes.

[ChickenDanshak in reply to Smithyrat159]

Hello Smithyrat159

Thanks for your reply, it is helpful, obviously I have to have it confirmed with the swallow, I had the stretch on Tuesday and I have had some small meals which is resulting in lots of hiccups and burping. My thoughts are if it is there it’s there and I would prefer surgery to sort it if they can, my eating was very different before this occurred in August but what I can eat now is minimal. I need to be patient and see what’s what first.

I am doing a mixture of the prescribes shakes and soft foods.

Thank you again, good to hear your problem was sorted

Best wishes Jennie ✨🌻

[liz_crisp]

i had what the surgeon referred to as a UBend and adhesions, discovered after a gall bladder op

[ChickenDanshak in reply to liz_crisp]

Was there a solution for you Liz or have you re-adapted your already adjusted way of eating.

What were you symptoms if you don’t mind me asking

Best wishes Jennie ✨🌻

[ChickenDanshak]

Hello

I thought I would give an update on where I am at 8mths post op.

So I was admitted at it got to the stage where I was not keeping even the shakes down and the weight was falling of me. They gave me fluid to rehydrate, a CT scan instead of the barium swallow.

The CT scan picked up a node on my adrenal gland or clear with the esophagus. I was booked in to sort the hernia/scar tissue with the robotic.

It turns out the bend, block was being caused by scar tissue.

This was last Sunday and what a difference a week makes, I am eating again, mince and moist and have put 3lb on, feels great to eat.

The node, I have a PET scan this Thursday as they have to check I have no other red lights Shrug tone2‍♀️if it is just the node on the adrenal gland this will be removed surgically and checked if it is cancerous.

So this is where I am, relived I am eating again and enjoying it feels like enormous amounts of food, enjoying peaceful sleep and holding on to hope.

Thanks for your responses

Best wishes Jennie SparklesSunflower