Ivor Lewis recovery

[Kram1954]

I am due to have Ivor lewis surgery at the end of this month (march). I am interested in how other patients have handled the recovery.

[Julieanne60]

Hi Kram. I hope you are keeping well at the current time. I assume you have completed your chemotherapy and possible radiotherapy treatment. I underwent an Oesophagotomy October 31st 2023, and the next day the physio’s were getting me out of bed for a little walk. I was discharged 10 days after the op and gradually got stronger and able to eat more. I think it was about a month after the op when I was eating most things, just small amounts and chewing very thoroughly. I visited Copenhagen to see my son before the Christmas of 2023 so I must have been feeling quite well.

My overall recovery has been good. I do still have to make sure that I don’t overeat as it’s a very uncomfortable feeling, and the dumping syndrome, which know doubt you have read about, happens rarely now. I prefer to eat and drink separately as I get full up too quickly and I always sleep with a raised pillow.

If there are any specific questions you have, please reach out to the forum, as we all have slightly different stories to tell. Good luck for your operation. Take care, Julie