Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb, Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you. You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find the one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one). Thanks in advance. Love, IsabellaDebbie Burt <debbieb55au@...> wrote: Hello all, It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing free and much more comfortable. As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the secret is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has been a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have a little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't have to think about it. I am

even having ham and lettuce sandwiches for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches so much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My real problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the operation and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising i'll try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) overloads my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly fine line - things just have to be right. I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a "Nana Nap" every afternoon. As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!!

i take Nexium every evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems at all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my stamina again. My life is already so much better than it was pre operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up my strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back again. So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my experience, is a big YES. Deb from Melbourne Australia. Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more.

oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

[Guest guest]

Isabella,

I went home with a j-tube, which is a tube that is in your intestine

in your abdomen.

It is used for liquid nutrition until you are ready to start eating

and while you build up your diet to ensure you get enough calories.

Honestly, it was not a painful thing physically, but I hated having

it. The day that came out was such a relief!!!

in NY

Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb

achalasia

> Hi Deb,

>

> Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you.

>

> You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you

> went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do

> remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you

> both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find the

> one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).

>

> Thanks in advance.

>

> Love,

> Isabella

>

> Debbie Burt <debbieb55au@...> wrote:

> Hello all,

> It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am

> going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is

> exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of

> the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing

> free and much more comfortable.

> As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the

> learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times

> i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut

> cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the secret

> is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has been

> a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have a

> little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I

> can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't have

> to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches

> for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches so

> much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My real

> problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i

> hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the operation

> and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't

> really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat.

> Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising i'll

> try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) overloads

> my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly

> fine line - things just have to be right.

> I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice

> a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around

> the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a

> " Nana Nap " every afternoon.

> As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every

> evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems at

> all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't

> believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my stamina

> again. My life is already so much better than it was pre

> operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up my

> strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back

> again.

> So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my

> experience, is a big YES.

>

> Deb from Melbourne Australia.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not

> web links.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , Yeh, now I remember, I also remember how glad you were the thing was finally taken out! I am going to ask my surgeon next week what to expect as well. This as I read that after about 5 days you get a barium test to check for leakages and as of that time you're slowly returning to normal foods again. That was a kind of leaflet from a Dutch hospital, so I don't know if things differ on that one between the US and Holland. To be honest I rather have a j-tube and not feel hungry all day long, than getting sick from hunger again. It's just that I hate tubes, but hey, it's gonna be the last time!!! Thanks, Isabellatracylb@... wrote: Isabella,I went home with a j-tube, which is a tube that is in your intestine in your abdomen. It is used for liquid nutrition until you are ready to start eating and while you build up your diet to ensure you get enough calories. Honestly, it was not a painful thing physically, but I hated having it. The day that came out was such a relief!!! in NY Re: Oesophagectomies - question Debachalasia > Hi

Deb,> > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you.> > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find the > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).> > Thanks in advance.> > Love,> Isabella> > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au .au> wrote:> Hello all,> It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing > free

and much more comfortable.> As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the secret > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has been > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have a > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't have > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches so > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My real > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the operation >

and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising i'll > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) overloads > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly > fine line - things just have to be right.> I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a > "Nana Nap" every afternoon.> As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems at > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my stamina > again. My life is already

so much better than it was pre > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up my > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back > again. > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my > experience, is a big YES.> > Deb from Melbourne Australia.> > > ---------------------------------> Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more. > > > > > ---------------------------------> oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not > web links. >

Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on TV.

[Guest guest]

Isabella,

It seems to me that all doctors take different approaches when it

comes to introducing food again after an 'ectomy. I had surgery March

29th, and was not given the green light to eat until my follow up

appt. on May 3rd, at which time I was allowed to slowly start on clear

liquids, then full liquids, then soft solids, etc. There was a gradual

build up back to regular food (they gave me a diet to follow), at

which time you are slowly weening off the tube feedings so there is a

good balance of calories and nutrients that is essential for your

weight as well as healing.

Dr. Rice's opinion and preferred method is to take it very slow. Your

body has been through major surgery and your digestive system has been

through trauma. You need time to heal on the inside. The connection

site needs time to heal as well, and your digestive system needs to

adjust to food again. Remember, our digestive systems haven't

functioned normally in years to begin with, and this just adds to it.

To begin the return to food in 5 days seems CRAZY to me after having

been through it.

That being said, not all docs take as long as Dr. Rice to do it

either, but 5 days seems just absurd.

in NY

Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb

> achalasia

>

> > Hi Deb,

> >

> > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for

you.

> >

> > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you

> > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do

> > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you

> > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find

> the

> > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).

> >

> > Thanks in advance.

> >

> > Love,

> > Isabella

> >

> > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au@...> wrote:

> > Hello all,

> > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am

> > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is

> > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of

> > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing

> > free and much more comfortable.

> > As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the

> > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times

> > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut

> > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the

> secret

> > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has

> been

> > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have

> a

> > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I

> > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't

> have

> > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches

> > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches

> so

> > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My

> real

> > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i

> > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the

> operation

> > and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't

> > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat.

> > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising

> i'll

> > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!)

> overloads

> > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly

> > fine line - things just have to be right.

> > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice

> > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around

> > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a

> > " Nana Nap " every afternoon.

> > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every

> > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems

> at

> > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't

> > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my

> stamina

> > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre

> > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up

> my

> > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back

> > again.

> > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my

> > experience, is a big YES.

> >

> > Deb from Melbourne Australia.

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not

> > web links.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on

> TV.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , Five days sounded very soon to me too. At least the leaflet wasn't from my hospital -LOL-. I remember being in hospital last January laying in a room with 3 men who had an -ectomy done (all due to cancer). I saw one of them drink his first cup of tea I think about 1 or 1,5 weeks after surgery. That day I left hospital, so I don't know when he started to eat again. When I left he was still on a feeding tube. Maybe there indeed is a difference between cancer patients and us achalasians on that one too. I notice to have worse stomach problems when I am on Botox (so when the food gets in better/sooner). I am very curious as to what my surgeon thinks on this. It's at least one more question to ask him (he better schedules a lot of time for me -he always does-). Isabellatracylb@... wrote: Isabella, It seems to me that all doctors take different approaches when it comes to introducing food again after an 'ectomy. I had surgery March 29th, and was not given the green light to eat until my follow up appt. on May 3rd, at which time I was allowed to slowly start on clear liquids, then full liquids, then soft solids, etc. There was a gradual build up back to regular food (they gave me a diet to follow), at which time you are slowly weening off the tube feedings so there is a good balance of calories and nutrients that is essential for your weight as well as healing. Dr.

Rice's opinion and preferred method is to take it very slow. Your body has been through major surgery and your digestive system has been through trauma. You need time to heal on the inside. The connection site needs time to heal as well, and your digestive system needs to adjust to food again. Remember, our digestive systems haven't functioned normally in years to begin with, and this just adds to it. To begin the return to food in 5 days seems CRAZY to me after having been through it. That being said, not all docs take as long as Dr. Rice to do it either, but 5 days seems just absurd. in NY Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb> achalasia > > > Hi Deb,> > > > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you.> > > > You mention that you are

finally tubeless...does this mean you > > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do > > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you > > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find > the > > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).> > > > Thanks in advance.> > > > Love,> > Isabella> > > > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au .au> wrote:> > Hello all,> > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am > > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is > > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of > > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing > > free and much more comfortable.> >

As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the > > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times > > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut > > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the > secret > > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has > been > > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have > a > > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I > > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't > have > > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches > > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches > so > > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My > real > > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i >

> hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the > operation > > and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't > > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. > > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising > i'll > > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) > overloads > > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly > > fine line - things just have to be right.> > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice > > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around > > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a > > "Nana Nap" every afternoon.> > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every > > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems > at

> > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't > > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my > stamina > > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre > > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up > my > > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back > > again. > > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my > > experience, is a big YES.> > > > Deb from Melbourne Australia.> > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more. > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not > > web links.

> > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on > TV. >

Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Travel.

[Guest guest]

Hi Isabella, I went home with with a Jejunostomy tube (into my bowel for feeding) in place just in case i had a relapse of some sort. As far as the nasagastric tube went - i didn't find that so bad - i guess because i always had the feeling of something stuck in my throat anyway. The tubes were no problem coming out at all - just uncomfortable while in. They got in the way whne having a shower etc. etc. DebIsabella Arnold <arnoldisabella@...> wrote: Hi Deb, Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you. You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find the one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one). Thanks in advance. Love, IsabellaDebbie Burt <debbieb55au .au> wrote: Hello all, It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of the tubes taken out as well,

so now i am tubeless and dressing free and much more comfortable. As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the secret is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has been a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have a little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't have to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches so much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My real problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the operation and was on a liquid

diet for seven months), and food doesn't really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising i'll try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) overloads my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly fine line - things just have to be right. I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a "Nana Nap" every afternoon. As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems at all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my stamina again. My life is already so much better than it was pre operatively, and once i have

recovered from the op and build up my strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back again. So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my experience, is a big YES. Deb from Melbourne Australia. Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more. oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

Sick of deleting your inbox? 7 Mail has free unlimited storage. Get it now.

[Guest guest]

Hi again Isabella, I should have read all the posts before replying earlier, but i didn't. I started eating 12 days post operative. I had a CT scan on day 11 which showed that the join was truly healed and that there were no leaks. I should have had a gastrogaffin swallow but because i had picked up a rare fungal infection in my blood which could spread to organs in the body - they decided the CT scan was the way to go as it would show both. As a result of that i was allowed to eat 'free fluid' (i had 6 spoonfuls of boullion and took half an hour to eat 6 spoonfuls of icecream) for my evening meal that night. The next day i had soft foods (soups, jelly, icecream) and went on from there. I was still on enteral feeding (via the J tube) for another two days, but since then have been eating whatever i feel like when i feel like it. The secret is little and often. But i am now eating

chicken, vegies, fried rice (home made of course), dry bicuits with cheese or tomato or Vegemite (an Aussie thing i know). I am quite pleased with the eating - but i think it's hot drinks that are a no- no. I am with when she says 5 days is too soon. Hope this is helpful. DEbIsabella Arnold <arnoldisabella@...> wrote: Hi , Five days sounded very soon to me too. At least the leaflet wasn't from my hospital -LOL-. I remember being in hospital last January

laying in a room with 3 men who had an -ectomy done (all due to cancer). I saw one of them drink his first cup of tea I think about 1 or 1,5 weeks after surgery. That day I left hospital, so I don't know when he started to eat again. When I left he was still on a feeding tube. Maybe there indeed is a difference between cancer patients and us achalasians on that one too. I notice to have worse stomach problems when I am on Botox (so when the food gets in better/sooner). I am very curious as to what my surgeon thinks on this. It's at least one more question to ask him (he better schedules a lot of time for me -he always does-). Isabellatracylbstny (DOT) rr.com wrote: Isabella, It seems to me that all doctors take different approaches when it comes to introducing food again after an

'ectomy. I had surgery March 29th, and was not given the green light to eat until my follow up appt. on May 3rd, at which time I was allowed to slowly start on clear liquids, then full liquids, then soft solids, etc. There was a gradual build up back to regular food (they gave me a diet to follow), at which time you are slowly weening off the tube feedings so there is a good balance of calories and nutrients that is essential for your weight as well as healing. Dr. Rice's opinion and preferred method is to take it very slow. Your body has been through major surgery and your digestive system has been through trauma. You need time to heal on the inside. The connection site needs time to heal as well, and your digestive system needs to adjust to food again. Remember, our digestive systems haven't functioned normally in years to begin with, and this just adds to it. To begin the return to food in 5 days seems CRAZY to me

after having been through it. That being said, not all docs take as long as Dr. Rice to do it either, but 5 days seems just absurd. in NY Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb> achalasia > > > Hi Deb,> > > > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you.> > > > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you > > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do > > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you > > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find > the > > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).> > > > Thanks in advance.> > > > Love,> > Isabella> > > > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au .au> wrote:> > Hello all,> > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am > > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is > > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of > > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing > > free and much more comfortable.> > As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the > > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times > > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut > > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the > secret > > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has > been > > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have > a > > little bit

of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I > > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't > have > > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches > > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches > so > > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My > real > > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i > > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the > operation > > and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't > > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. > > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising > i'll > > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) > overloads > > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly > > fine

line - things just have to be right.> > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice > > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around > > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a > > "Nana Nap" every afternoon.> > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every > > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems > at > > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't > > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my > stamina > > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre > > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up > my > > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back > > again. > > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my > >

experience, is a big YES.> > > > Deb from Melbourne Australia.> > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more. > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not > > web links. > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on > TV. > Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on

Travel.

Sick of deleting your inbox? 7 Mail has free unlimited storage. Get it now.

[Guest guest]

Isabella,

Things aren't even going to be healed at the 5 day mark! That truly

makes me nervous.

Some of the things Dr. Rice explained to me that are critical, and a

big part of the reason he takes such time with his 'ectomy patients

starting to eat are that 1) you want the new " structure " to stay as

midline as possible in your chest, and 2) you want to avoid dilating

the stomach at all...eating too soon before things are adequately

healed will go against both of these points. You may want to question

your surgeon about these things when he tells you his plan for you and

eating.

in NY

Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb

> > achalasia

> >

> > > Hi Deb,

> > >

> > > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question

> for

> you.

> > >

> > > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you

> > > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do

> > > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so

> you

> > > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find

> > the

> > > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting

one).

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance.

> > >

> > > Love,

> > > Isabella

> > >

> > > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au@...> wrote:

> > > Hello all,

> > > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am

> > > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he

> is

> > > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last

> of

> > > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing

> > > free and much more comfortable.

> > > As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the

> > > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At

> times

> > > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy Nut

> > > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the

> > secret

> > > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has

> > been

> > > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did

> have

> > a

> > > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I

> > > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't

> > have

> > > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches

> > > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches

> > so

> > > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My

> > real

> > > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i

> > > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the

> > operation

> > > and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't

> > > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat.

> > > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising

> > i'll

> > > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!)

> > overloads

> > > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a

> fairly

> > > fine line - things just have to be right.

> > > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk

> twice

> > > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things

> around

> > > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have

> a

> > > " Nana Nap " every afternoon.

> > > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every

> > > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no

> problems

> > at

> > > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't

> > > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my

> > stamina

> > > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre

> > > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build

> up

> > my

> > > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come

> back

> > > again.

> > > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my

> > > experience, is a big YES.

> > >

> > > Deb from Melbourne Australia.

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers,

> not

> > > web links.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks

> on

> > TV.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on

> Travel.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi and Deb, Thanks to the both of you for taking time to answer my questions again! You've given my some input to have a good talk about with my surgeon coming Thursday. Seems like things are going so fast now. I remember wanting to make up my mind before September 6th when it was still early July, I thought it was ages away and now the day has almost arrived. I am glad when September 6th is over, the deciding chapter can be closed and we can move on to the scheduling part... As for the caution Dr. Rice had: I know Dr. Broeders will be absolutely cautious. When I had my perforations in January, he was the one and only person explaining to me how dangerous they were, that he repaired them, but that we needed to take it slow for the healing process (boy, did he have me on liquids for ages!). But I am sure I will keep you good advice in mind and I will talk things through

with him very precisely. Thanks again, Isabellatracylb@... wrote: Isabella,Things aren't even going to be healed at the 5 day mark! That truly makes me nervous. Some of the things Dr. Rice explained to me that are critical, and a big part of the reason he takes such time with his 'ectomy patients starting to eat are that 1) you want the new "structure" to stay as midline as possible in your chest, and 2) you want to avoid dilating the stomach at all...eating too soon

before things are adequately healed will go against both of these points. You may want to question your surgeon about these things when he tells you his plan for you and eating. in NY Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb> > achalasia > > > > > Hi Deb,> > > > > > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question > for > you.> > > > > > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you > > > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do > > > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so > you > > > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I find > > the > > > one from nose to

stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).> > > > > > Thanks in advance.> > > > > > Love,> > > Isabella> > > > > > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au .au> wrote:> > > Hello all,> > > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am > > > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he > is > > > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last > of > > > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing > > > free and much more comfortable.> > > As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the > > > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At > times > > > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no,

and Crunchy Nut > > > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the > > secret > > > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has > > been > > > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did > have > > a > > > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I > > > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't > > have > > > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches > > > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches > > so > > > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My > > real > > > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i > > > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the > > operation > > > and

was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't > > > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. > > > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising > > i'll > > > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) > > overloads > > > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a > fairly > > > fine line - things just have to be right.> > > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk > twice > > > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things > around > > > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have > a > > > "Nana Nap" every afternoon.> > > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every > > > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no > problems

> > at > > > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't > > > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my > > stamina > > > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre > > > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build > up > > my > > > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come > back > > > again. > > > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my > > > experience, is a big YES.> > > > > > Deb from Melbourne Australia.> > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

---------------------------------> > > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, > not > > > web links. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks > on > > TV. > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on > Travel. >

Luggage? GPS? Comic books?

Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search.

[Guest guest]

Isabella,

I have no problem answering questions for you. All I can do is share

what I went through and hope that it helps someone else facing the

same thing. If I can make it easier on someone, or ease their fears

and give them confidence in their decision, or anything, then it's all

worth it. That's why we are all here for one another.

Time will go fast....I can't believe my surgery was 5 months ago

already! It's amazing how you can go through something so big, and for

a little while things are rough, but before you know it life is back

to normal and you just move on.

Please do keep us posted with the information from your surgeon!!

You are in my thoughts,

Love,

in NY

Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb

> > > achalasia

> > >

> > > > Hi Deb,

> > > >

> > > > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question

> > for

> > you.

> > > >

> > > > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean

> you

> > > > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do

> > > > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so

> > you

> > > > both got me curious (I don't like tubes, the worst tube I

> find

> > > the

> > > > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting

> one).

> > > >

> > > > Thanks in advance.

> > > >

> > > > Love,

> > > > Isabella

> > > >

> > > > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au@...> wrote:

> > > > Hello all,

> > > > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am

> > > > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he

> > is

> > > > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last

> > of

> > > > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and

> dressing

> > > > free and much more comfortable.

> > > > As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the

> > > > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At

> > times

> > > > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no, and Crunchy

> Nut

> > > > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the

> > > secret

> > > > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has

> > > been

> > > > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did

> > have

> > > a

> > > > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I

> > > > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and

> don't

> > > have

> > > > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce

> sandwiches

> > > > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed

> sandwiches

> > > so

> > > > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My

> > > real

> > > > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i

> > > > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the

> > > operation

> > > > and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't

> > > > really appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to

> eat.

> > > > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising

> > > i'll

> > > > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!)

> > > overloads

> > > > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a

> > fairly

> > > > fine line - things just have to be right.

> > > > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk

> > twice

> > > > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things

> > around

> > > > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to

> have

> > a

> > > > " Nana Nap " every afternoon.

> > > > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every

> > > > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no

> > problems

> > > at

> > > > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't

> > > > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my

> > > stamina

> > > > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre

> > > > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build

> > up

> > > my

> > > > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come

> > back

> > > > again.

> > > > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my

> > > > experience, is a big YES.

> > > >

> > > > Deb from Melbourne Australia.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ---------------------------------

> > > > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ---------------------------------

> > > > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers,

> > not

> > > > web links.

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks

> > on

> > > TV.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on

> > Travel.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Luggage? GPS? Comic books?

> Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, I could eat what I wanted after 10 days post op. As says each surgeon approaches it slightly differently.

STEVE

Re: Oesophagectomies - question Deb> achalasia@grou ps.com> > > Hi Deb,> > > > Further to your post earlier this week I do have a question for you.> > > > You mention that you are finally tubeless...does this mean you > > went home with one or more tubes? What were they for? I do > > remember also mentioning she went home with a tube, so you > > both got me curious (I don't like

tubes, the worst tube I find > the > > one from nose to stomach, yek, that's always a thick hurting one).> > > > Thanks in advance.> > > > Love,> > Isabella> > > > Debbie Burt <debbieb55au. au> wrote:> > Hello all,> > It's now almost five weeks since my oesophagectomy and i am > > going really well. I went to see my surgeon last week and he is > > exceptionally pleased with my progress, finally had the last of > > the tubes taken out as well, so now i am tubeless and dressing > > free and much more comfortable.> > As far as post operative eating goes - i am still in the > > learning phase but i can eat virtually whatever i want. At times > > i suffer from dumping, coffee is a real no-no,

and Crunchy Nut > > cornflakes aren't too good either. Like others i think the > secret > > is to not drink too much with meals. My best meal so far has > been > > a small piece of fish with some potato and salad, but i did have > a > > little bit of steak last week as well. No problems at all. I > > can't get over the fact that i can now just swallow and don't > have > > to think about it. I am even having ham and lettuce sandwiches > > for lunch on fresh bread. I didn't realise i missed sandwiches > so > > much until i started eating them again. Pasta is also OK. My > real > > problem is that i don't have much of an appetite (but then i > > hadn't been able to eat solid food all year prior to the > operation > > and was on a liquid diet for seven months), and food doesn't > > really

appeal to me. I am eating because i know i have to eat. > > Presentation makes a big difference - if it looks appetising > i'll > > try it. Also if (my husband and personal chef!!!) > overloads > > my plate that also tends to turn me off eating. So it's a fairly > > fine line - things just have to be right.> > I am slowly building up my energy levels - i go for a walk twice > > a day (about 800 m each time), and am doing small things around > > the house, but i still get tired very easily and have to have a > > "Nana Nap" every afternoon.> > As far as reflux is concerned - NONE!! i take Nexium every > > evening about half an hour before eating and i have no problems > at > > all. I am hoping to start back at the pool next week (can't > > believe it's so soon) and hope that will help build up my >

stamina > > again. My life is already so much better than it was pre > > operatively, and once i have recovered from the op and build up > my > > strength we won't know ourselves. The social life will come back > > again. > > So for all those wondering wht to do - my vote, based on my > > experience, is a big YES.> > > > Deb from Melbourne Australia.> > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ---> > Get the World's number 1 free email service. Find out more. > > > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ---> > oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not > > web links. > > > > > > > > ------------ --------- --------- ---> Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's

top picks on > TV. >

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