Dumping Syndrome

[Gerard]

Hi all I had my easophagectomy in April 2012 I had a fainting spell on Saturday I had a large piece of Chocolate Cake could this be a symptom of Dumping Syndrome ?

[Hidden]

Almost certainly yes! If you have something that has a large load of sugar in it, the sugar:insulin levels in your body will go through tremendous spikes. I think that these lovely things to eat that you once enjoyed, and may still drool over, will be out of bounds!

You may think it would be useful to learn a bit more about 'dumping' - have a look at the stuff on our website for a start opa.org.uk/regional-shop/lo...

[Gerard in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alan thanks so much I thought it might be that ,my doctor has set up a MRI scan for me but its much more likley to be Dumping from what I understand

Regards Gerard

[Gerard in reply to Gerard]

Thing is Alan I was out cold and don't remember a thing about it is that normal for Dumping?

Regards gerard

[Hidden in reply to Gerard]

It can be I"m afraid

[Gerard in reply to Hidden]

Thanks griff best wishes to you !

[AndrewB]

I agree with Alan. I used to love my cakes but now just look at them and say "No"! You can get used to and control your dumping so that you can eat your cake at home and just be ready for what it will do! Don't give it up completely! Enjoy.

[Hidden]

YES it certainly is.I have had dumping for around 15 months after op.It does get better from the early days and only get it occasionally now.You do learn what to eat and what to do if effected so look at the stuff on the website to get a better understanding as Alan has suggested.I have been prescribed from gp Domperidone which helps.

[Gerard in reply to Hidden]

I was out cold Griff is that normal for dumping with no recollection of being out cold

Regards Gerard

[Hidden in reply to Gerard]

In can happen but not all that common.Its a learning curve so next lump of cake eat a small bit then more till you feel something happening.The sudden spike of sugar triggers the same thing

[Gerard in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Griff think I'll give cake a miss for quite some time don't wanna experience this AGAIN

Regards gerard

[Hidden]

It can suddenly strike and make you completely faint, and with no prior warning whatsoever, but this tends to be at the extreme end.

[Gerard in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alan M extreme end sorry what does that mean? Sorry to be ignorant Alan ?

Regards gerard

[Hidden in reply to Gerard]

When the food goes through your new, shorter digestive system, it runs through more quickly and the nerves in your digestion make your body release loads more insulin than it needs. This can lead to you feeling light-headed. What I meant by 'extreme end' was that there is a whole range of possible reactions, and the sudden fainting is at the serious end of that range of symptoms. That does not mean that your 'dumping syndrome' is necessarily particularly worse than other people's, but it probably does mean that having another large slice of chocolate cake might bring on a fainting fit for you, and it is the sort of food that you as an individual ought to steer clear of.

[Gerard in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much Alan I understand thanks

[margie1]

I had my op 6weeks ago so i am just finding out about these things like dumping syndrome, im currently struggling to eat anything as i am not enjoying food anymore, my stomach is now a thin tube in my chest. i hope things will get better and i can start to go out for meals again if i will be allowed to have a childs portion. regards Marg

[Gerard in reply to margie1]

Hi Margie I hope you are well. I had my op in April I had bad problems eating. All food was a no no but all of a sudden after about two months I began to eat a little more. It WILL get much easier and you WILL enjoy your food again you really will

Take care Regards Gerard

[Hidden]

The OPA do cards that you can give to the waiter asking for a child size portion. Ring the helpline on 0121 704 9860 and they will send you some.

Your taste buds have probably been wrecked temporarily, but these do normally recover OK. There is also the issue of eating when you know the problems that might arise a few minutes/hours later.

As I understand it, your system will gradually expand and become a bit bigger but this will take quite a long time. Meanwhile concentrate on nutrition as the priority, do not worry about trying to put on weight, eat little and often. It does not matter if you simply graze. I know that is not the same as the sense of occasion you get from going out for a meal, but you will get there in time.

[margie1]

thank you Alan and Gerard for your replies. I have rang the number for the OPA and they were very helpful. I just wish this feeling of a lump in my throat would go away...you would think i had got bigger problems to worry about lol hope this feeling is normal.

Regards

Marg

[Bernadette]

Marg, have you spoken to anyone about the feeling of a lump in your throat...I remember having that feeling once but it went away..also you could start the question in a new thread to see what others say.