Dilation of anastomosis - post esophagectomy (May 2007)

[Guest guest]

Three weeks ago, I had the first dilation of my anastomosis after my

esophagectomy in May 2007. I appreciate all the information and

support provided by this group before my dilation.

My esophagectomy in 2007 was a stomach pull-up, all done

laparoscopically at Mt. Sinai hospital (New York City) by L.

Katz, M.D. I had developed a narrowing of the anastomosis opening,

described as a washer with a shelf. Apparently, I was told after the

endoscopy, that the opening to my stomach was fairly large except

thre was the washer of tissue at the top that needed dilation. The

shelf was hanging up food and pills. The hanging up subsequently

caused spasms and considerable pain with vomiting the month before

the dilation. I also lost 10 pounds (I was nearly 112 pounds and

approaching wearing a size 0). I was eating a lot of cottage

cheese, and cutting up all my food to the size of a pencil eraser.

The dilation was done by Dr. at Mt. Sinai under general

anesthesia(GI doc recommended by Dr. Katz).

I think that I am the happiest person in the world since the

dilation of my anastomosis. I believe that this is the first time

in 40 years that I have been able to eat without being afraid of

eating. My weight is back up to 119 pounds, and I can eat

absolutely anything. Yesterday, I ate an apple with its skin!!! I

have been unable to eat an unpeeled apple for several months. I can

eat popcorn, cantalope, chicken, turkey, crispy Thai duck, beef (I

still stick to tenderloin), softened carrots (I am still afraid to

eat uncooked carrots), cucumber slices (they had always been to

tough it eat), grapes, walnuts (I still avoid harder nuts),

asparagus. These are all foods that were getting hung up on my

anastomosis over the past few months since it is hard to reduce them

to the size of a pencil eraser. I wonder if the LUQ spasms that I

was experiencing were in fact laryngeal spasms. I have been able to

resume my calcium/vitamin D and multivitamin supplementation by

consuming chewable tablets. I have not had a single episode of

spasms or vomiting since the dilation.

My changed attitude about food was so evident to me yesterday when I

loaded up the refrigerator and freezer from a shopping trip. Before

the dilation, my daughter was complaining about how empty the

refrigerator had become with only soft foods. I can pretty much eat

as late as 9 pm without fear of reflux or aspiration. I am careful,

though, to elevate my head on a wedge, and to avoid sleeping on my

stomach. For the first time ever, I can eat out at restaurants with

friends/family members with no fear whatsoever of food getting

stuck. I rarely am able to finish the single portions, though,

provided in most restaurants without experiencing overfill

discomfort. I have found that it critical for me to STOP eating

when I feel full since over-eating can cause me considerable

discomfort and pressure in my chest area. If that happens, I really

have to sit quietly and weather the discomfort which passes in about

20 minutes. Since viewing the results of my barium swallow, I have

a better idea of my stomach volume. It is NOT a pouch as I once

believed. It is really a full stomach filling my whole chest

cavity. When I feel full, I stop eating, bring home the rest of the

food, and just wait an hour or so to finish the meal.

Ginny