Esophagectomy recovery and adjustable beds.

Posted by pshack76 @pshack76, Apr 5 8:32pm

I had an esophagectomy for end-stage achalasia in December. The surgery took almost nine hours and I was in the hospital for a total of six days. I had a feeding tube for around two and half months. So far things seem to be going as smooth as I could've aspected. I'm not losing weight; I'm also not gaining any. My diet is about half small meals/snacks of mostly soft food and half liquid. I still have a fair amount of pain in the area where the reconnection was done. The hospital who performed the surgery is going to do an upper endoscopy soon to check on both the possibility of stricture and acid reflux. I am taking acid blockers and trying to avoid foods that will cause reflux problems. I'm not really sure if that is the issue.
The one thing I think I can do now is to try and improve my sleeping habits. It seems the pain does increase after I sleep. I have my bed elevated now, but that might not be sufficient. I can afford to invest in an adjustable bed I just have no idea how to go about looking for one.
Thank you.

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They have become more Affordable. Like you I have to sleep elevated to manage GERD.

If you are satisfied with your current mattress you could just get an adjustable frame. That’s what I did. The salesman tried to convince me that my mattress wasn’t intended to flex - and it won’t hold up forever. But I don’t like memory foam mattresses and I figured I might as well wear out the one I have. 🙂 it was a little stiff at first but it’s fine now.

I hear really good things about nectar if you want to order online. That’s probably where I will go for next mattress.

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@pshpshack76 adjustable beds have become more affordable, as @pb50 has mentioned. I got mine from Amazon for $699 Canadian plus a Beautyrest mattress for about $500 Canadian. If you live in the States, you likely will be able to find a bed and mattress for less. A memory foam mattress does work best with an adjustable bed, but I find even memory foam mattresses and pillows with “cool gel” layer too hot to sleep on, so I have a regular mattress “compatible with adjustable bed”. My bed has a remote controller.

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@rashida

@pshpshack76 adjustable beds have become more affordable, as @pb50 has mentioned. I got mine from Amazon for $699 Canadian plus a Beautyrest mattress for about $500 Canadian. If you live in the States, you likely will be able to find a bed and mattress for less. A memory foam mattress does work best with an adjustable bed, but I find even memory foam mattresses and pillows with “cool gel” layer too hot to sleep on, so I have a regular mattress “compatible with adjustable bed”. My bed has a remote controller.

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@rashida thats going to be my strategy. I find memory foam to be hot I feel like I need to climb out of a hole in the morning.

What frame did you choose?

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@pb50

@rashida thats going to be my strategy. I find memory foam to be hot I feel like I need to climb out of a hole in the morning.

What frame did you choose?

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@pb50 unfortunately I have been unable to find a bed frame for my adjustable bed, which is a Twin XL. I can’t find anything suitable in stores, and I am hesitant to order online because if it isn’t a good fit there’s the hassle of returning it,

Accessories for Twin XL size beds - especially the adjustable beds - are not easy to find, and if or when I can find something (bed frame, headboard, sheets, duvet and cover, etc.) it costs more than I can afford.

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@rashida

@pb50 unfortunately I have been unable to find a bed frame for my adjustable bed, which is a Twin XL. I can’t find anything suitable in stores, and I am hesitant to order online because if it isn’t a good fit there’s the hassle of returning it,

Accessories for Twin XL size beds - especially the adjustable beds - are not easy to find, and if or when I can find something (bed frame, headboard, sheets, duvet and cover, etc.) it costs more than I can afford.

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For what it’s worth I have an adjustable frame mounted to a metal headboard (that I already had) with standard bolts. But I doubt you will have much luck finding a Twin XL size.

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@pb50 you’re right. Choices are very limited in Canada too. And adjustable bed beats risers under the top two legs of a regular bed though, so it’s a trade off I’m willing to accept. Bed doesn’t look as nice without a headboard, but it serves its purpose. lol.

I guess you are in the States? You have more choices there.

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I will just say that most new adjustable frames have a piece with bolt holes designed to connect to headboards. So when you find the frame, you will probably be able to attach to a headboard.
Good luck!!

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@pb50

I will just say that most new adjustable frames have a piece with bolt holes designed to connect to headboards. So when you find the frame, you will probably be able to attach to a headboard.
Good luck!!

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@pb50 no bolt holes on my bed. The headboard would have to be on the bedframe housing the adjustable bed - but so far I have not been able to find a Twin XL bedframe. Did not know, at the time of purchasing my adjustable bed that Twin XL bed frames and bed linen for the. are this rare - unless you want to pay hundreds to be suitably equipped. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’ve got the basics though, so not a huge problem.

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@rashida

@pb50 no bolt holes on my bed. The headboard would have to be on the bedframe housing the adjustable bed - but so far I have not been able to find a Twin XL bedframe. Did not know, at the time of purchasing my adjustable bed that Twin XL bed frames and bed linen for the. are this rare - unless you want to pay hundreds to be suitably equipped. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’ve got the basics though, so not a huge problem.

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The linens for T-xl can be easy and affordable. Check bed bath and beyond and even Amazon.

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So help cure my confusion. You have a mattress but no adjustable frame - or you have frame but no mattress?

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