Is back & chest pain normal after an esophagectomy?

Posted by eve2026 @eve2026, Mar 26 5:55am

Hi my husband had esophagecyomy 6 weeks ago he still has mild black and chest pain is this normal
He also had a collapsed lung 2 weeks ago and spend 5 days In hospital
He has a dry cough to

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geoff123 | @geoff123 | Mar 27 7:21am

Hi again Eve, My experience included pain almost everywhere, particularly for the first few months post surgery. Some esophagectomy patients do have various ongoing issues including pain, reflux, respiratory problems etc but it’s way too early at the 6 week mark to assess the situation.
I’m pretty free of specific post esophagectomy problems, but nearly 2 years down the track I still have my share of very low energy days. Progressive recovery was noticeable for more than 12 months, most rapid improvements occurring in the earlier stages.
I think it’s important to have realistic expectations re the rate and extent of recovery. A medical friend likened the Ivor Lewis procedure to open heart surgery in terms of complexity and physical impact. Following medical / rehab advice carefully and concentrating on exercise and resuming as normal a diet as possible at this stage is probably your most your best way forward - lots of baby steps. Again, best wishes to you and your husband. Geoff

leilac | @leilac | Apr 23 8:14am

Hi
I agree, this is a massive operation, which takes a lot of recovery.
Im about 15 months post surgery now. Mine was laparascopic, but yes-I had a lot of pain for many months.
I got moving as soon as I could. It was hard at first, just baby steps and back home, but it got easier in time.
I imagine the lung would also have an impact. Was he given breathing excercises to do? Most have their lungs collapsed during the surgery to enable the operation,so its important to do the breathing excercises afterwards to get things going again. His doctors should advise this.
I am pretty pain-free now. I am getting some chest pain, but its likely thars from radiotherapy, as mine was focused on my heart, as the tumour was wedged against it, so radiotherapy was directed there.
Its very minor and sporadic.
I am exercising and moving a lot now.
He needs to rest, follow medical advice and take time to recover. It is hard, but hes lucky to have your support and love, it means a lot in this time.
Best wishes
Leila