Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

Hello,
My husband takes dexilant before bed and uses liquid Gaviscon if he wakes up during the night.
He also finds eating bananas helpful. He coughs when he eats. Yogurt and other soft foods work best.
Happy to see he is 11 years out. That's wonderful!

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Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy
Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years ago with radiation, chemo and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at Mayo. Survivor! However, he is plagued with acid reflux that they feel has caused him to aspirate. He has been treated for lung abssesses the past few years and has "holes" in his lungs. Mayo is trying to pinpoint the bacteria, but the cause seems to be this reflux aspiration. We can only get wait-listed for an appointment to see a GI doctor there. We eat early, doesn't lie down for at least 3 hours, sleeps on an incline but this reflux occurs at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. So it isn't the food coming back up but pure acid. It is so bad and burns his throat and he continues to cough for a few days. Anyone had any experience with this?

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This does sound like my husband. The horrible burning acid that leaves him with a sire throat and cough fir a few days. He has been on the heavy antibiotics 3 times. What was your cure or what stopped the reflux and aspiration? My husband's is many hours after eating, in the morning hours, so we don't see how sleeping on an incline will help. He has a wedge pillow, but I gave been considering spending thousands on an adjustable bed, if it would stop this.

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I would ask her if it is burning. My husband's comes up into to his throat and coughs and spits it out. He describes it as yellow bile and it burns his throat. Regardless, something she should definitely mention at her follow up visit if it is soon.

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This does sound like my husband. The horrible burning acid that leaves him with a sire throat and cough fir a few days. He has been on the heavy antibiotics 3 times. What was your cure or what stopped the reflux and aspiration? My husband's is many hours after eating, in the morning hours, so we don't see how sleeping on an incline will help. He has a wedge pillow, but I gave been considering spending thousands on an adjustable bed, if it would stop this.

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Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a doctor. I do know that, since I do aspirate, your wife would wake up as it is a very jaring experience. They cause very awful acidic tastes (sorry to be so graphic) and coughing. It causes me to go hoarse for a couple of days and I've had to go on antibiotics 3 times to fight off infection. I ended up in ICU for 7 weeks after aspirating the day after my surgery but all is fine now. I hope this helps and I wish you both well.

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Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a doctor. I do know that, since I do aspirate, your wife would wake up as it is a very jaring experience. They cause very awful acidic tastes (sorry to be so graphic) and coughing. It causes me to go hoarse for a couple of days and I've had to go on antibiotics 3 times to fight off infection. I ended up in ICU for 7 weeks after aspirating the day after my surgery but all is fine now. I hope this helps and I wish you both well.

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Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble.
My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower esophagus); chemo, radiation; McKeown esophagectomy at Mayo only six weeks ago.
She coughs and spits for a while when she gets up in the morning. I’m curious if that suggests she’s aspirating while sleeping. She pretty much sleeps soundly all night (with the incline). I would like to see her avoid any lung problems!
It sounds as though your husband has done well for a good long time! What do you think: does my wife’s morning coughing and spitting sound like what you are referring to as your husband’s acid reflux/aspiration? Thanks, and best wishes to you and your husband.

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Hello @bethm71 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found an existing discussion on esophagectomy surgery so you will notice I have moved your post so that you may connect with others who can share their experiences with you as you look into your husband's symptoms. You can find your post here:
- Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagectomy-surgery/

Has your husband had any follow-up lung therapy like it is mentioned here under the "after procedure" section:
- Esophagectomy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/esophagectomy/about/pac-20385084

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Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy
Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years ago with radiation, chemo and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at Mayo. Survivor! However, he is plagued with acid reflux that they feel has caused him to aspirate. He has been treated for lung abssesses the past few years and has "holes" in his lungs. Mayo is trying to pinpoint the bacteria, but the cause seems to be this reflux aspiration. We can only get wait-listed for an appointment to see a GI doctor there. We eat early, doesn't lie down for at least 3 hours, sleeps on an incline but this reflux occurs at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. So it isn't the food coming back up but pure acid. It is so bad and burns his throat and he continues to cough for a few days. Anyone had any experience with this?

Jump to this post