Nausea Following Esophagectomy
Hello everyone! I'm reaching out about my 61-year-old mother, who underwent esophagectomy approximately 18 months ago. Although the procedure was successful in itself, her battle with nausea has been overwhelming and difficult to adequately express. Each night, she only manages roughly three hours of sleep, and every morning, she experiences regular vomiting. Her appetite has greatly diminished, and she can barely tolerate her feeding tube. Furthermore, she is often too weak to leave the couch and has shed a significant amount of weight. It feels like she has undergone countless medication adjustments, yet nothing has provided relief. She's consulted gastroenterologists and even had brain scans to assess if there might be a neurological cause. I have so much more to share but am at a loss for words. If anyone has dealt with a similar situation, your insights would be greatly appreciated as we are running low on options.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 7:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
I’m really sorry to hear about your mother’s challenging situation after her esophagectomy. Nausea and vomiting can significantly impact her quality of life, especially given her recent surgery and ongoing health struggles. It sounds like you’re seeking answers and relief for her, which is completely understandable.
Main Points:
- Post-operative nausea can be multifactorial, often related to changes in digestion or other underlying issues.
- Addressing hydration, nutrition, and potentially medication adjustments are key steps to improve her symptoms.
Explanation:
After an esophagectomy, many patients experience changes in how they digest food, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. The surgery affects the way the stomach works and how food moves through the digestive system. Medications, dietary adjustments, and other interventions may help ease these symptoms. It is important to monitor her hydration and nutritional intake, as these are crucial for recovery and overall health.
Next Steps:
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Hydration and Nutrition:
- Ensure she stays well-hydrated. Small sips of clear liquids throughout the day can be helpful.
- If she can tolerate it, consult with a dietitian who has experience with post-surgical nutrition. They can suggest easily digestible foods or alternative nutrition methods, such as specialized shakes, that may be gentler on her stomach.
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Medication Review:
- Discuss with her healthcare provider if there's an opportunity to review her current medications, with a focus on anti-nausea medications. Options like ondansetron or others specific for post-surgical nausea could be explored.
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Symptom Monitoring:
- Keep a daily log of her symptoms, noting when nausea and vomiting occur, along with any factors that seem to trigger or alleviate her symptoms. This information may help her healthcare team in adjusting her treatment plan effectively.
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Small, Frequent Meals:
- If she's capable, encourage her to try small, frequent meals rather than three large meals a day. Highlight easily digestible foods that she hasn’t had difficulty with before.
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Physical Support:
- Encourage gentle movement as tolerated. Even short walks, if she feels up to it, can help stimulate digestion and improve her mood.
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Alternative Therapies:
- Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture or relaxation techniques like guided imagery, which may help manage nausea as well.
It’s important to remain connected with her healthcare team, ensuring they are aware of her ongoing issues and the impact it’s having on her daily life. I hope you find these steps helpful and that together you'll be able to find a path towards some relief for your mother. Please let me know if you need more specific advice.
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