is there someone in their 70's who has had this major op

[cazana]

I am in my 70's and have been diagnosed in feb and I am wondering is there anyone who has had this major op who is the same age as me ?

[racy]

I had an oesophagectomy last year. I was 72. If your op is the same what are your questions ? I'll do my best to answer them.

[shamrock]

I had the op on 14th April last year. Last Friday after a CT scan and visit to my consultant I have been given the all clear. I can't say that the last 12 months has been easy and still have after effects but you can learn to live with them

All the best

Tim

[shamrock]

I forgot to mention I am pushing 71

[Bazz]

I had my op at 78. I'm 80 now and absolutely fine, strong and fit. I exercise and take vitamins. This is my experience, but no two people are the same.

Initially I had a lot of trouble with "Dumping" Because I had bad advice from the Dieticians who told me to keep snacking on junk food to regain weight (I lost two and a half stone which is typical) and who didn't understand the problem of blood sugar level balance when you haven't got an esophagus or Vegas nerve to control insulin surges that can make you feel very ill.

When I finally understood about Dumping (from this website, thanks) then much of my problems went away. Or I could deal with them by taking glucose tablets.

Now I am trying to persuade the hospital to listen to my experience and train their dieticians accordingly. But they are not interested so far, but I will win this debate in the end. So do everything to regain weight by all means - you will eventually - but learn about "Dumping" and blood sugar level. Do not eat lots of sugary things quickly. And avoid too much carbohydrates like white bread, buns and cakes. By all means have the small piece of chocolate or sweet or the little cake occasionally, but keep the quantity small.

Good luck, it's going to be OK believe me.

PS. I lost my voice, the nerve was damaged. But eventually it came back stronger than ever.

[bertel]

I am now 72 and had my oesophagus and about half of my stomach removed about 18 months ago. The actual operation was nothing like as traumatic as I had been advised to expect and I was only 1 week in hospital. I don't worry too much about being just a little lighter than before since my BMI is now right in the middle of the recommended range. At first eating was a problem because my sense of taste altered so that most of what I used to eat was not attractive. The biggest problem now is "Dumping"as described by Bazz but it gradually improves and you learn to live with it. I try to walk each day 3 or 4 miles and and generally keep as active as possible. Good luck with your operation.

[Hidden]

I have come across a few who have had the op 70 + and done really well.