Connect
What to do? Husband won’t drink enough 6 months after Ivor lewis
Hello, is anyone else struggling to drink enough fluids ? My husband has had the Ivor Lewis surgery 7 months ago and finds it difficult to drink enough. I’ve had to take him up to ED twice for fluid to be administered as he gets so dehydrated, becomes dizzy and has blacked out twice. No matter how I try and encourage him to drink more, he just won’t, or says he can’t fit more fluids in while trying to eat all his food daily. All up, in a day, he sometimes manages one litre but I’m sure that’s not enough ?
Thanks for any advice
Deb.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@suensteve17
Hes had stomach pain today….we’re trying to work out what he ate last night…. I guess we’ll get the hang of it……he had reflux last night too 🙄
@deb005
Also hasn’t had enough to drink today…almost passed out when he stood up ! He finds it harder to drink when the weather is cooler….
Sounds familiar. Don't despair. Sometimes I think it would be easier to not eat at all. Portion size is really important, I always give myself too much.
I also found that the medical professionals Don't like to give our symptoms names like dumping syndrome etc. I have learnt so much from the mayo clinic group.
Have you been on one of the Skype calls yet?
@suensteve17
Hi sue…no I haven’t been on the zoom calls but we have spoken to Gary..Kerry didn’t want to do that, it was early days then and he just wanted to get on with healing.
We too have learned so much from the mayo clinic group ! Also the fact that they nearly always perform a Jtube op into the small intestine, often before chemo even starts which I think is a much better idea. It would have stopped kerry becoming terribly malnourished and severely anaemic. It’s going to be such a help as like you say, he seldom wants to eat but has to push himself…yesterday he didn’t feel great and only managed to eat half of his small meals, but at least overnight he had the osmolite dripping in. Hoping today he feels better in himself and can manage more. How has your weight been holding ?
Deb
Hi, I've just been to a&e (im in New Zealand ) after blood tests indicated a blood clot on my lung. I had the ivor Lewis on 13 aug this year. After ct scan they found a small chest infection but all clear otherwise. My main issue appears to be dehydration so they gave me a litre visa iv and sent me home with antibiotics. The drinking is a problem. I cant combine food and water as it stops me being able to eat as much. And im struggling with that. Working on have a glass of water for sipping constantly. I am starting to eat most food but I eat slowly and chew thoroughly which reduces the occassional bolus (lump of food in my throat). At the moment it's just a lot of trial and error. Appreciate hearing others experiences.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello peony 1976 from Timaru.
Yes the dehydration can be a problem can’t it…my husband still struggles. Almost had a passing out episode the other day due to not enough fluids. It is difficult, can’t drink when eating, well they say 20 mins before or after food but he is usually really full after eating, probably like yourself and feels full after the water and still full if he has it before …a real catch 22 isn’t it…
He keeps a glass of water beside him as well. He now has a Jtube because he couldn’t gain or keep any weight on and he can flush a little extra water into his feeding tube which helps.
Hope you are improving after the clot on yr lung…are you on blood thinners ?
Wishing you all the best in your recovery…it is all trial and error but many people have said the second and third year after the Ivor Lewis is a lot easier 😉
Deb
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@deb005 Thank you for responding. Where did your husband have the op? I had it at Wgtn. And luckily no blood clot in lung (all clear). Still showing elevated risk in the blood tests so hoping that resolves. And you describe exactly my dilemma with drinking. Have got my water bottle with me whenever I go out and just keep sipping. Weight is an issue. I have lost another 7 kg since the op almost 12 weeks ago even though I'm eating well and having protein powder. A Jtube would be worst case scenario for me so I'm now motivated to keep eating more!
I have a g-tube due to my mouth surgery two years ago. Ain’t too bad. I track every calory and shoot for about 2500 cal/day. Between the food and the tube flushing I get about 20 oz/meal which totals out to 60 to 80 oz each day. For meals I live on Kate Farms formula, a couple of dolops of heavy cream, a little protein powder, vitamins, plus what ever I might toss into the vitamix for variety of taste and smell. I’ve been able to regain my post surgery weight loss and am at a comfortable and stable weight. So…I miss not being able to dine traditionally, can’t speak anyway, but I’ve made it work for me. Wishing you luck!!