Op done in April 2011. I still have some pain in my right side particularly when I cough. Also shortness of breath which does not

[shamrock]

seem to be improving. Am also now getting a feeling in my oesophogus that things are sticking a bit when I eat. Is this normal and if so roughly how long will it last. Any answers much appreciated

Tim

[OPA_LarryR]

Hi

there are a number of issues which should be discussed with your specialist nursing team and consultant.

1. Pain in the ribs after an oesophagectomy is very common but should be monitored if it is causing distress such as coughing.

2. Shortness of breath could be caused by a number of different factors which needs investigating. Are you able to walk regularly - as this often helps. Also are you suffering with reflux? This can also lead to shortness of breath due to aspriation.

3. things sticking a bit could indicaate that the join needs a dilation which is a very simple procedure that stretches the opening gently.

As we are not medically qualified on this board it is important to take the various suggestions and work through them with your support team. Hopefully our suggestions will help you ask the right questions and explore the possibilities.

Good luck and let us know your progress.

Larry

[Hidden]

If the pain in your side feels like it is your ribs, this would not be uncommon. The surgeons may have parted your ribs during the surgery, in order to get access. And your lung may have been deflated and having a persistent cough is not uncommon either. Mine lasted for a few months. I kept on going back to my GP who said that it was clear, and eventually it did clear up. Getting to the point where you can breather more deeply is a milestone.

You need to get the sticking issue checked out straight away. is it all food that is affected? Sometimes the surgeons will stretch the join to loosen things up a bit. They do this with an endoscope, and, if you take a sedative, it is not something to worry about.

[SteveJ]

Hi Tim

I had my op 4 and a half years ago.I too had the cough which I was told was reflux, that didnt last too long. The shortness of breath lasted about a year for me and I still get it sometimes walking up hills,I do a lot of walking.I also had a feeling that things were sticking when i swallowed, my surgeon brought me in to have a look and said my oesophogus was plenty wide enough it was probably just scar tissue.I have had no problems since.As you will hear a lot on this site we are all different, things take different times.Obviously if things persist or worry you,you should contact your medical team.

good luck

Steve

[terryb]

Hi Tim - I had my op in May 2011. My ribs and side still hurt although I feel it is getting better. Sometimes I have been told that as the nerves that were cut during the operation heal they make it feel as if you are getting worse. I am also stiil quite breathless, in fact I am more breathless now than I was a month ago and have recently developed a frozen shoulder which is excruciating.I have had an X Ray on my chest recently which was quite clear but I see my surgeon again in 2 weeks who might shed some light on my breathlessness getting worse. Everyone tells me to remember what I have been through and time will make things better. Good luck.

[Bernadette]

Hi Tim, have you had your iron levels checked, I got so breathless that it took ages getting upstairs, then after a blood test, they discovered I had iron deficiency and also needed vit b12 injections, I picked up greatly after this. Still get pain in the ribs though.

[shamrock]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your input and advice. I am now thinking about what to do next.

Tim

[juliamac]

Hi Tim

Another possible cause of breathlessness I have been told is that your lungs dont have so much room if your new "stomach" has been pulled up into the chest cavity. I take it easy after eating and take any exercise before eating which does seem to help.

Good luck

Juliamac