Post op Ivor Lewis swallowing and voice recovery

[Ruri2712]

Hi all, my partner, Stuart, 71, had an Ivor Lewis operation just over 4 weeks ago. He was discharged on Tuesday with an NG tube, nil by mouth, and exercises from SALT for his swallowing and voice. Has anyone else had experience of these issues. He’s feeling really down about this new situation. Thanks Anne

[Magicwands]

I'm so sorry to hear he’s had post op problems. I also had problems after the IL too, just over a year ago, was in high dependency for 3 weeks, and a total of 4 weeks in hospital. I felt really down with the situation; hated the NG tube and was fed TPN via a PICC line. I was at my lowest point during the aftermath of surgery and wondered if I would ever be the same again - it took a while, but yes! I started to improve enormously once I was home and was able to start doing ‘normal’ things like going for a walk and seeing friends but it’s definitely a marathon and not a sprint. I also found speaking to someone at Maggie’s very helpful, but I know that’s not for everyone. Wishing you both all the best.

[Smithyrat159]

This is a difficult and anxious time Anne, especially as recovery has not gone to plan and I sympathise enormously with yours ans Stuart's situation. I too had difficulties, 5 weeks in hospital (over Christmas) unable to keep food down, fed through a PICC line and then finally came home on New Years Eve with an NJ tube feeling thoroughly fed up and sorry for myself. I was anxious about the future, my husband did his best but no one can know fully how it feels. Talking to others who had been through IL helped me (there was a support group which the hospital put me in touch with) and I thoroughly recommend doing that but I appreciate it might not be everyone's cup of tea. This was Christmas 2 years ago. I'm now eating normally ( normal for us anyway), I have put on some weight, I get out and about, see friends etc etc. being anxious is normal but do what you can to encourage gentle exercise and other activities that he might enjoy (crosswords, reading, chatting to family and friends). 4 weeks is very early days and I'm sure over time healing and recovery will improve. I would also encourage you, as the carer, to do blood pressure and temperature checks regularly (every few days) so that you both know what's normal for him. Then you can spot changes quickly ( I'm thinking about infection or inflammation particularly from the tube) and take appropriate action. Stay positive both of you, it may seem like a long slow road to recovery but he'll get there in the end. Good luck.

[Ruri2712 in reply to Smithyrat159]

Thank for taking the time to respond. Good to hear that he will get back to a healthier version of himself with the adjustments which come with this type of surgery.