Constant nausea and retching after esophagastrectomy

Posted by jmozz @jmozz, May 27 3:32pm

My brother had oesophageal surgery 8 weeks ago and has been readmitted 2x for weight loss and inability to eat in that he feels nauseous 24/7 and eating couple teaspoons food causes severe retching some time later. Currently on TPN IV. He's had all follow up tests and nothing wrong - no narrowing , no leaking just slightly slowed motility. On reglan. Esomeprazole but zofran etc not working so been stopped. Consultant says never seen it before and doesn't know what to do next- GI team stumped as well. Anyone have any suggestions at all? It's worrying the nausea never subsides and he's v low.

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jul 18 2:24pm

In reply to @charles826 "Nausea all the time" + (show)

Hi, @charles826 - welcome. Wondering how you are managing work, home responsibilities, and other activities with feeling nausea all the time?

cheryl46 | @cheryl46 | Jul 20 9:57pm

In reply to @jmozz "Thank you for your response. I think he was led to believe he was an outlier..." + (show)

Retired GI nurse and unfortunately you were given a wrong information.
Post surgery you normally go to feeding with a J-tube that bypasses your stomach.
I'm so sorry for you and your family, will send prayers

misty2020 | @misty2020 | Aug 1 10:32am

My husband is 8 weeks post surgery and also has been hospitalized twice after his surgery. He has episodes of nausea, severe retching and gagging every day since his surgery and has lost 40 lbs. These episodes occurred also while he was in the hospital. Also, had tests during his last hospital admission. Everything looked good except he had gastritis due to this problem. His jtube had to be removed because he developed cellulitis around the area a week after the surgery. He has no problem eating or drinking. When he spits up, he doesn't vomit food only clear mucus. Doctors feel eating small meals will help but doesn't seem to help. We have tried every protein shake and every type of milk, but they seem to bring on the nausea faster. After these episodes, he is exhausted and afraid to eat. We are at a loss and getting very depressed over this. Has anyone experienced this and what did you do to relieve this.

jmozz | @jmozz | Aug 1 11:16am

In reply to @misty2020 "My husband is 8 weeks post surgery and also has been hospitalized twice after his surgery...." + (show)

Yes almost identical. Nausea retching vomiting clear frothy mucus for 8 weeks post surgery. Nothing helped- small meals, drinks only etc Also had to have tube removed. 3 readmission all tests and scans normal. Developed fear of eating due to consequences. Had to go home on TPN as couldn't eat after 8 weeks. Turned out to be time needed! Now 5 months on and happily eating 3 small meals a day with TPN at night to maintain weight but think it will.improve over months. Everyone said wait a year to see full stabilisation. There's hope so keep on going. Thought was going to be permanent but feels 100% better.

misty2020 | @misty2020 | Aug 1 1:14pm

Thank you. Appreciate your support

misty2020 | @misty2020 | Aug 13 9:55am

In reply to @misty2020 "Thank you. Appreciate your support" + (show)

My husband's doctor has scheduled him for a modified barium swallow. Has anyone's doctor ordered this test for them.

jmozz | @jmozz | Aug 13 2:26pm

In reply to @misty2020 "My husband's doctor has scheduled him for a modified barium swallow. Has anyone's doctor ordered this..." + (show)

Also had this showed no issues -going down fine just bit of delayed emptying but that expected to.improve over time. Had no food at all for 2-3 weeks after discharge just TPN then tried small amounts and it started to be better.

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