My father is suffering from severe reflux and aspiration due to the esphagectomy he had 6 years ago. Also delayed gastric emptying. It's a wonderful thing to be alive, no matter how difficult these after effects are to live with, it's obviously better than having cancer and dying.
I had an Ivor Lewis procedure Jan. 2018. I was 70 years old. I was pretty good until about 2 years ago when I started having the reflux described in your video. I have had all the diagnostics available and all looks well except for mild inflammation. I have aspirated at least 12 times this year. In my case I use Sucralfate when the reflux wakes me up.
Very good informative video, thank you. I had the Trans Hiatal surgery 13 years ago, it saved my life, no doubt. I still deal with the dumping syndrome, both short and long. The best avoidance of it is to limit fluids while eating, rest for up to an hour after eating, avoid coffee or tea after a meal for at least 2 hours. Reflux while asleep is a huge problem, to avoid this I eat supper early at least 4 hours before bed, use a wedge pillow to elevate my torso, sleep religiously on my left side, and avoid constipation, as getting the system backed up does not help. Reflux is still a very scary occurrence as I usually aspirate, always vomit for at least an hour none stop, life is a wreck for 2 to 3 days afterwards. It happens about 3 times a year. I did have to retire early, as my job did require me to work in Northern Manitoba in the winter, and I couldn't eat enough to stay warm or keep my energy up. I could've stayed back down south, but those trips north were fun, and at work I had to take a lot of naps, some people couldn't appreciate that. Not mentioned was B12 and D deficiencies, which in my case were extreme, and lost some feeling in my feet. The other result from surgery is that I really hate going to hospitals, avoid them like the plague.
I'm sorry to hear you went through this surgery, but it sounds like you've recovered well, and have an honest and clear view of its impacts on you. I'm wondering about this procedure - sorry if this is a ridiculous question, no need to answer it, but where does your stomach "feel" like it is now? Do you experience hunger, pain etc. where your stomach has been moved to now? Or do you get phantom sensations and it feels like the stomach is where it used to be, sort of below the bottom of your sternum? I'm a medical student learning about this and it's hard to find accounts from patients.
@@learningboy-ix6vi Very interesting question. I have previously observed over the years, that the stomachs feels as though it is located in its original location, hunger, fullness, etc. I only notice it is located where it actually is, when I bend over (especially after a meal), and I can't breathe since it displaces the lungs. A 'bummer' when cleaning the bath tub or toilet, or cutting/chopping and stacking firewood. The latest issue however is that I believe scar tissue is building up, forming a ledge upon which pills or large pieces of food (unchewed mushrooms) tend to lodge themselves. I end up coughing them up, days later. This has being happening for about 5 years now. Just need to chew better, and drink more water while swallowing the medication. No interest in getting more scopes.
@@Clipper024 thank you for telling me that, that's amazing! I suppose it makes sense that your organs aren't necessarily "telling" your brain where they are at all times. I'm sorry to hear about that new symptom - I'm very early on in my education so can't offer a word of advice, though I certainly understand not wanting any more scopes! It's amazing that the stomach and oesophagus are able to heal after such a huge operation, and I suppose it's not surprising to hear that there's some scarring/some new behaviour from your stomach.
Good to know. I am having the procedure in three weeks due to cancer. I know all about aspiration as I had this on and off a few times a year when overeating and then maybe monthly due to chemo and radiation prior to my upcoming surgery. This is the one thing that I fear the most....If not eating 4 hrs before bed will minimize aspiration will help, I will take this as a lesson and hope for success. Thanks again for the info.
May be the gastric conduit is made in a tubular fashion neither too narrow nor two wide and make the anastomoses gastr-esoph) as wide as possible preferably a hand sewn one. I have a feeling that an anastomoses high up in the neck would be associated with higher stenosis and more reflux.
I had this surgery my husband was by my side but I have never been the same since this surgery I would have never had this surgery if I knew all these problems some days I wish I was not here
