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When do things get better after an esophagectomy? Timeline?
My husband had esophagecyomy two weeks ago. He is very tried all the time and sleeps alot even if he get up and walks a round a little takes a shower he needs to sleep after it is this normal. He is on tube fees not on a liquid diet yet not sure when that happens. He also still has a small drain bag how long does thst stsy in for. Anyone who has gone through this would be great to get some answers thanks
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@eve2026
Good luck.
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.
@mrgvw zoom call is great idea to help others. Maybe I can join next one. How can I get in touch for future calls?
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1 ReactionYes 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
@manuelo
Our twice-weekly EC and Esophagectomy Zoom calls NEVER change, as follows:
Sundays 9am Eastern
Wednesdays 6pm Eastern
Here's the one-touch Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795
If a passcode is asked for, it is tuiBE5
Gary
@jimbon I finally got put on two 40mg of omeprazole a day 4:15am and 7pm and three pepsid 20 mg -one at 11am and 2 at 8pm and no more reflux. I go to sleep at 9 having had last meal between 4:30 and 4:45 a very light meal of 65 grams of sour dough bread with 5 ml of olive oil, and 20 grams of a nut butter mix. I drink about 80 ounces of filtered water per day but only drink about 10 of those ounces between 6:30 and 7:45 pm. I am 99% vegan, weigh my food and never ever cheat with processed foods, pretty much eat the same things daily in 4 meals. I work with a nutritionist, doctor and have developed my own diet with her help.
@lindainca I too had a really bad cough and build up of fluid the physio cleared it up they worked their hands like banging a drum up an down then smoothed it sideways it hurt but everything came up all the congestion
@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?
@colleenyoung my husband had a collapsed lung they kept him in hopefully he will be home soon. It is a set back for sure