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When do things get better after an esophagectomy? Timeline?
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
my husband will be over surgery 1 month on Friday should things be getting a little better. His breathing is still off and has a cough sometimes even when just sitting. I am worried he is getting up and walking much the doctor said it was important to walk. He see his doctor on Thursday hope he can start on a liquid diet. And hope his new esophagus works and no problems. Also is there online caregiver support groups
Replies to "my husband will be over surgery 1 month on Friday should things be getting a little..."
Esophagectomy surgery is a crazy surgery with a loooong recovery period (in terms of seeing somewhat normal digestion, pooping, sleeping, etc.) Even 3 to 6 months post-op is very early on. Changes come for about two years.
Gary
I had a really bad cough three weeks after my esophagectomy. My doctor brought me back in for a CT scan. I had a large amount of fluid in my chest cavity pressing on one of my lungs. They put in a drain, and over two days, more than a liter of fluid was drained out. My cough was gone immediately. I urge you and your husband to talk to his surgeon about having a chest scan and being evaluated for pneumonia.
Yes my husband went back for his routine follow up appointment yesterday he had his xray done he had a collapsed lung. His chest drain bag broke a week ago and we went to the np and she didn't have the right back to fit. So she but pne on that did fit and air leaked in to my husband lung causing it to collapsed. I hope the pa getting a talking to
Hang in there,ill be 1 year April 4th, esophageal surgery, chemo/radiation 1st,some days are crazy I walk couple miles a day with my pups,do some trucking couple days a week cut firewood, never slow down ,66 years old adeno/carsonama,and still struggle every day with terrible acid reflux, non stop burps,scans showing remission,,but freaking surgery was and is brutal,without that sphinx valve, let me know if he ever wants to talk as he continues his recovery.. Jim from Mi
@eve2026, as others have said, esophagectomy is a major surgery and recovery takes time. I can see you are very concerned and want to make sure you are doing everything you can to support his recovery. It is important to get up and walk around. This helps with healing and preventing blood clots.
It's hard as the caregiver to know how much to encourage the patient to move and to know how much to move. Keep in mind that your husband doesn't have to walk far. Encourage him to do what he can do within his ability and his willingness. When he gets up to use the toilet, maybe encourage him to walk a little more than just to the bathroom. He can also do motions with his legs while sitting.
Were you able to discuss your worries and concerns with his doctor at the appointment on Thursday? How are you doing?
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Will you be accompanying him to the doctors visit?