ESOPHAGECTOMEY

I am a 34 year old female who had an esophagectomey (sp)7 years ago. It was due to a lye ingestion.  They streched my stomach up and attached it to a piece of my esophagus that was left just below my vocal cords.  I was told I was the 3rd person in the country to have this operation.  I have had cronic (chronic) diarrhea, severe gerd and have had to learn how to burp again.  I also cannot vomit.   My question is ... Is there anybody out there that has had this surgery or knows someone who has?  And if so, what was your experience?

[mittens]

I do know a man who had this done. What the cicumstance were I'm not sure. He does live a pretty active life although he doesn't like to eat in front of anyone because of his choking. He is an older man now and has had this for quite some time. Unfortuneately he's not online. But I'd be more than happy to pass along anything to and from you if both of you would like.
     I do know he is not comfortable with it but t has been a big adjustment that he has learned to live with.
     I hope I've helped you. Hang tough it will get easier for you to deal with.

[ESOPHOGECTOMEY]

Thank you for writing me back.  My name is Melissa and I live in Wisconsin.  If he would like to offer me any information I would gladly like to talk back and forth.  I am fortunate to be able to eat just like anyone else.  I also can eat just as much.  I wasn't soposed to be able to eat that well...but I can!  I am having some liver problems as well and don't know if it has anything to do with the surgery.  Do you know if his esophagus was replaced by plastic or his stomach?  I'd like to find that out.  Also what state did he have this done?   Thanks again for commenting.  It helps to know your not alone!!!!!! .... Melissa

[mittens]

We live on the East Coast. in RI. I'm not exactly sure but I think he had his stomche streatched to form the tube.

I haven't seen him much lately but when I do I will ask. I do beleive he also has a clostomy bag (why is a little unclear) It may be related or not. The man is elderly and helps me in my greenhouses when he's feeling good. His kids are here for the fouth of July so I know I won't see him for at least a week or so.

Think up some questions tat I can ask him and I'd be more than happy too. I know it's hard to live with at first and even later but This man has had 2 wives that his has out lived both. He has has 3 children of his own and has adopted several others. So don't give up. He's still can out do somethigs I can't. "The energizer Bunny" is what I call him. He does have problems bending over sometimes but I'm not sure if that is old age or not. He's 81. Lives alone. Drives himself everywhere. Cooks for himself. Tends to his goats and chickens every day and comes over and helps me out when he's done with his chores. And I know he's had this done a LONG time ago. He also ran a store for years.
    
So think about what you want me to ask and I'd be happy to share what I know. Good luck to you. As time goes on I think we all adjust to what we can not change. Keep strong, I'm on your side.  Mittens

[ESOPHOGECTOMEY]

Hi it's Melissa.  I have been thinking of comments and questions, but really havn't thought of any yet.  I just wanted you to know that I got your last message and I appreaciated it.  Wow you live in RI?  Cool!  Actually I have 2 questions so far.  What is a clostomy bag? And why does he have problems bending over?  Is it because things come up on him easily?  Because I have the same problem.  I also can't sleep laying flat.  They took the flap out of my throat that keeps stuff down where it's soposed to be.  It will be 7 years since my surgery at the end of this month.  Seems like yesterday tho.  Very tough and painful.  I now have hypoglycima (low blood sugar) because my food is digested so quickly.  My natural insulin in secreted too late and there is no food there and I have blood sugar levels of 13.  I have seizures (sp) and have to be given glucagon shots about 5 times a month.  I'm on the border line of getting diabetes.  Now I am worried about my liver levels being high.  I have been tested for hepatitus (hepatitis) and that came out negative.  I do drink wine every day and am overweight.  I also have high cholesterol.  (good and bad cholesterol)  Thanks for your words of hope and understanding.  It's nice to know someone who is taking the time to listen to me!  Thanks Mittens!  Melissa