Hello.

I had an esophagectomy on July 24. Due to some complications, I was in ICU for 10 days. I was discharged on August 4. Here are some things I have experienced :

1. Had to sleep in a recliner for two weeks but finally got in my bed successfully after that. You will have to sleep in an elevated position in bed.
2. I have had far less pain than I imagined. Have managed that primarily with children’s Tylenol. Use Oxycodone sparingly.
3. Your dad will be sent home with a feeding tube. That is not as bad as I expected. He will be on the feeding tube for several weeks.
4. I started taking in food orally at about 10 days after surgery - a totally liquid diet. Then, I graduated to a soft and moist diet. I can now eat most foods but only in small portions - around 1/2 a cup. I have no appetite, but still have to eat. There will be a transition to six-seven meals a day. One has to determine when your meal is complete since you longer have a stomach and get full quickly.
5. Keep encouraging your dad in his recovery. Progress might be slow, but any progress is good. Celebrate daily!

Well, those are my initial thoughts. Hope they are helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m cheering for your father!

Bill D

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