Guest guest Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Hey all, It seems that its time for me to get an esophagectomy. I'm going to start meeting with surgeons next week but I have a couple of questions for the group or those who have had it done. First what is the recovery time give or take? How did you have it done? Laporscopically? Through the tummy or through the left or right side of the chest? How long where you in the hospital? When would you say you where ready to go back to work? has any body had complications and what where they? Has anyone from the group died having it done? What is the worst part of the recovery process? Or is there anything else I should know about it? Feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Stefani from So Cal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Oh Stefani, I'm sorry you are facing this issue. There are others here with answers, that have had the removal. Julee loves Dr. Maisch @ UCLA and I like Dr. Fuller @ Cedars, and there are Drs. DeMeester at USC. and and others will pipe in that can answer your removal questions. Ed Fitzgerald is one of the very first members of this group, and he has lived many many years after removal. I think he reads often, but doesn't post much. If you look back he has told his story often. good luck. Sandy also in So Cal > > Hey all, > > It seems that its time for me to get an esophagectomy. I'm going to start meeting with surgeons next week but I have a couple of questions for the group or those who have had it done. > > First what is the recovery time give or take? > How did you have it done? Laporscopically? Through the tummy or through the left or right side of the chest? > > How long where you in the hospital? > > When would you say you where ready to go back to work? > > has any body had complications and what where they? > > Has anyone from the group died having it done? > > What is the worst part of the recovery process? > > Or is there anything else I should know about it? > > Feed back would be greatly appreciated. > > Thank you, > Stefani from So Cal > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Hi Stefani, I just went through an esophagectomy with Dr. Maish in Dec. It went very well for me, just a infection complication, which I will get into. The recovery for me took about 10 weeks and I was in the hospital for 7 days and had it done Laporscopically. I would say that for me between 8 and 10 weeks I was feeling better. Don't get me wrong you will be tired after a long day at work. Ok, so I went had the procedure and five days after coming home I developed a very high fever 103. I was told to go to the UCLA emergency room where one of the doc on call through Dr. Maish practice would meet me.Just my luck it was 2 days before Christmas, Dr. Maish was on vaca. After about 3 hrs of test they found out that I had pockets of infection surrounding some of my major organs. They red lined me in and I had to have surgery to remove the infection, which was unknow at the time. They had to go through my chest which made recovery longer. I was in ICU for 10 days on every antibiotic until the docs told me I had strep infections. WHen I went home I had a visiting nurse come and I had IV antibiotics given to me for 2 more weeks. I was so tired and I'm only 47 yrs old. I guess strep lives in your E. Makes sense, however, I never asked Dr. Maish about that kind of infection. So I guess when you see her I would ask if you should take an antibiotic before the esophagectomy. I'm not sure there is one, but it might be a good question to ask? Now, some positive, I have never felt so great! I'm sleeping through the night with no pain, and I have no reflux and I'm not taking any meds for reflux. It was the best decision I ever made Negatives would have to be, the dumping. You learn how much you can eat, which I'm lucky I have the feeling of being full. I eat more small meals during the day. I had a Macdonalds milk shake, only half of a small, and I learned first hand " dumping " I guess it had to much sugar for me. I still get the shivers when I see the golden archesThe feedings were a pain. Mine were over a 10 hrs period and had to sleep sitting up. So I got the familyroom couch,first time in my life and the tv remote, and a neck roll and made that my bed for 6 weeks. I was on the feedings for awhile because I needed to build myself up, I had lost another 25lbs. Other then all of that I'm so happy with the results and very lucky to have had Dr. Maish as my Doc. She is not only skilled but a wonderful positive Dr. and great bedside manner. She did my second heller, because I wasn't ready to give up on my E at the time. Looking back on it I should have had this surgery long ago.But I have three kids and life gets so busy. So in short, after about 2 months you will feel better, at least for me I did and I went again for surgery. The feedings were a pain, but all in all I would do it again with the same doc. and hospital. I'm having to have some dilations, because some food is sticking, but im much better now. Had watermelon today, It's all about progress. Please feel free to call me if you would like. 818-825-5197 Good luck and please let me know how your appt. went All my Best, from SoCal ________________________________ From: fattsolove <fattsolove@...> achalasia Sent: Wed, May 18, 2011 12:20:36 PM Subject: esophagectomy questions Hey all, It seems that its time for me to get an esophagectomy. I'm going to start meeting with surgeons next week but I have a couple of questions for the group or those who have had it done. First what is the recovery time give or take? How did you have it done? Laporscopically? Through the tummy or through the left or right side of the chest? How long where you in the hospital? tt When would you say you where ready to go back to work? has any body had complications and what where they? Has anyone from the group died having it done? What is the worst part of the recovery process? Or is there anything else I should know about it? Feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Stefani from So Cal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi I had the ectomy back in October 2004 and never regreted having it done despitestill having problems. To answer some of your questions. The recovery time can be anything from 3-6 months depending on which way the ectomy was done i:e laparoscopally or open. I stayed in hospital for 11days post op. I also had the ectomy done through my left side of my chest. I was deemed ready to return to work after 6 months of recovery time and i took it slowly at first. The only complications that i had were a buildup of green bile in the new stomach tube post op and had to have a tube put down to suction the excess up and the dumping. Oh yes the dumping post op was bad for me as i had many accidents during the first few days after i was allowed to start soft food 7 days post op. Nobody has died from having it done as far as i know. Different approaches by the surgeons have different recovery times and post op stays in hospital. Ask you surgeons which approach that they are going to do, through the left or right side, through the tummy or endoscopaclly. Have a long list of questions for them they won't mind answering them for you. Remember the patients here in the group who have had it done will help answer any questions for you also remember that. from the UK  From: fattsolove <fattsolove@...> achalasia Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 8:20 PM Subject: esophagectomy questions  Hey all, It seems that its time for me to get an esophagectomy. I'm going to start meeting with surgeons next week but I have a couple of questions for the group or those who have had it done. First what is the recovery time give or take? How did you have it done? Laporscopically? Through the tummy or through the left or right side of the chest? How long where you in the hospital? When would you say you where ready to go back to work? has any body had complications and what where they? Has anyone from the group died having it done? What is the worst part of the recovery process? Or is there anything else I should know about it? Feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Stefani from So Cal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hey Stefani - see below > > Hey all, > > It seems that its time for me to get an esophagectomy. I'm going to start meeting with surgeons next week but I have a couple of questions for the group or those who have had it done. > > First what is the recovery time give or take? *by about 3-4 months I was really feeling much better and didn't nap every day anymore - at 6 months post-op I went on a week long cruise and had a blast!! there was food available all day so I just ate little bits all day long and drank large amounts of wine!! WOO HOO > How did you have it done? Laporscopically? Through the tummy or through the left or right side of the chest? *I had an Ivor- which is a combo of lap and thorascopically - through the right side of my rib cage in the back - small thoro scar - maby 3-4 inches - easily covered by a bra or bathing suit > > How long where you in the hospital? *I was supposed to be discharged at day 5 but had a pneumothorax (partially collapsed right lung) so they kept me for that, then I had a fairly routine complication (chylothorax - only about 5% chance) that required another procedure on day 8 - more lung problems - all together 18 days > > When would you say you where ready to go back to work? *I went back to my desk job part time at 8 weeks - I was tired and had to keep a steady supply of food with me but I made it > > has any body had complications and what where they? *yes, previously mentioned chylothorax and my right lung was partially collapsed so I had to keep the chest tube in longer. I also had several post-op dilations following surgery - not uncommon > > Has anyone from the group died having it done? *Geez, about 8 years ago? We had a member named Joan who died from an infection following her ectomy. Now I need to note that Joan was in her late 60's? had several other health issues and was in S. Africa - I got number from Dr. L that said that ectomies (not done for cancer of course) on people with no other serious health problems had a mortality rate of less than 1% - for him anyway - how old are you and how is your health otherwise? > > What is the worst part of the recovery process? *the time it took, although now it seems like nothing and honestly, after dealing with A for 20+ years - what's 6 months?? > > Or is there anything else I should know about it? *Like I'm sure you'll hear from some others - BEST thing I've done. I haven't had a spasm in going on 3 1/2 years!! I eat most of what I want, my weight is good, I still take prilosec but whoopty do - I have my life back and it's good!! sounds like Dr. Maish is available to you and has lots of experience so go for it > > Feed back would be greatly appreciated. > > Thank you, > Stefani from So Cal **You're welcome ~ in NC achalasia free since Jan. '08 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 I had my ectomy in Feb 2010. Was in IT for one night and spent 5 days in normal ward. was driving again after 3 weeks. Feeding tube out after 3 weeks. Back to work after 3 months. No complications, dumping occaisionally but not too bad and certainly preferable to Achalasia. The worst part was having the NG tube removed!! I found it quite straightforward and managed the whole op fine. Can now drink and eat whatever i want, just have to make sure i don't go too mad and be sensible. My experience of it has been very positive. regards tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Forgot to say that mine was an open T.H.E. with incision in neck and a super v on my tummy > > I had my ectomy in Feb 2010. Was in IT for one night and spent 5 days in normal ward. was driving again after 3 weeks. Feeding tube out after 3 weeks. Back to work after 3 months. No complications, dumping occaisionally but not too bad and certainly preferable to Achalasia. The worst part was having the NG tube removed!! > > I found it quite straightforward and managed the whole op fine. Can now drink and eat whatever i want, just have to make sure i don't go too mad and be sensible. > > My experience of it has been very positive. > > regards > > tim > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Thanks you guys. I know it wont be easy but now it doesn't sound like the end of the world. One thing I dont understand is dumping? What is that? Is it when your food just plops into your stomach because you no longer have an E? I do soo look forward to not having spasms. Mine are killer. > > > > I had my ectomy in Feb 2010. Was in IT for one night and spent 5 days in normal ward. was driving again after 3 weeks. Feeding tube out after 3 weeks. Back to work after 3 months. No complications, dumping occaisionally but not too bad and certainly preferable to Achalasia. The worst part was having the NG tube removed!! > > > > I found it quite straightforward and managed the whole op fine. Can now drink and eat whatever i want, just have to make sure i don't go too mad and be sensible. > > > > My experience of it has been very positive. > > > > regards > > > > tim > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi To put it quite bluntly, dumping is when you eat and the food seems to come out the other end very quickly. That is when you don't listen to your stomach and stop eating when you are full and carry on regardless. So it comes out the other end more liquid than solid. from the UK From: fattsolove <fattsolove@...> achalasia Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 5:55 PM Subject: Re: esophagectomy questions  Thanks you guys. I know it wont be easy but now it doesn't sound like the end of the world. One thing I dont understand is dumping? What is that? Is it when your food just plops into your stomach because you no longer have an E? I do soo look forward to not having spasms. Mine are killer. > > > > I had my ectomy in Feb 2010. Was in IT for one night and spent 5 days in normal ward. was driving again after 3 weeks. Feeding tube out after 3 weeks. Back to work after 3 months. No complications, dumping occaisionally but not too bad and certainly preferable to Achalasia. The worst part was having the NG tube removed!! > > > > I found it quite straightforward and managed the whole op fine. Can now drink and eat whatever i want, just have to make sure i don't go too mad and be sensible. > > > > My experience of it has been very positive. > > > > regards > > > > tim > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Dumping happens to me when I have either eaten to much food that is filled with sugar, cookies ice cream ect or fried foods, french fries, hambergers ect. and you need to be near the bathroom because it just goes right through you. I know it is coming because I start to sweat and my stomach really hurts. I have had it only happen to me twice, since dec. and I have learned what works for me and I try and stay away from it or just have a bit or two. But I have been so happy with the results of my surgery. You will feel so much better and sleep better at night..no spasms. Good luck in SOCal ________________________________ From: fattsolove <fattsolove@...> achalasia Sent: Thu, May 19, 2011 9:55:28 AM Subject: Re: esophagectomy questions Thanks you guys. I know it wont be easy but now it doesn't sound like the end of the world. One thing I dont understand is dumping? What is that? Is it when your food just plops into your stomach because you no longer have an E? I do soo look forward to not having spasms. Mine are killer. > > > > I had my ectomy in Feb 2010. Was in IT for one night and spent 5 days in >normal ward. was driving again after 3 weeks. Feeding tube out after 3 weeks. >Back to work after 3 months. No complications, dumping occaisionally but not too >bad and certainly preferable to Achalasia. The worst part was having the NG tube >removed!! > > > > I found it quite straightforward and managed the whole op fine. Can now >drink and eat whatever i want, just have to make sure i don't go too mad and be >sensible. > > > > My experience of it has been very positive. > > > > regards > > > > tim > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Oh ok. Thanks:) > > > > > > I had my ectomy in Feb 2010. Was in IT for one night and spent 5 days in > >normal ward. was driving again after 3 weeks. Feeding tube out after 3 weeks. > >Back to work after 3 months. No complications, dumping occaisionally but not too > >bad and certainly preferable to Achalasia. The worst part was having the NG tube > >removed!! > > > > > > I found it quite straightforward and managed the whole op fine. Can now > >drink and eat whatever i want, just have to make sure i don't go too mad and be > >sensible. > > > > > > My experience of it has been very positive. > > > > > > regards > > > > > > tim > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Here is a good explanation of dumping.... http://www.corecharity.org.uk/Dumping-Syndrome.html regards tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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