Esophageal Cancer Support Group
Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and is diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated with surgery, and advanced tumors are treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combinations.
I am thinking of purchasing a bed support or bed wedge and want to know if anyone has used them.
My surgeon told me I could be sleeping sitting up for a long time and that pillows don't really do the job. I've also been known to slide down in the bed resulting in vomiting bile in the morning - that was so not nice !!!!!!!!
I have seen one advertised as a Premium back wedge with leg wedge system but don't know if I need the leg wedge or not or even if it is a viable idea.
Any replies would be really appreciated.
Cheers Annie
My surgeon told me I could be sleeping sitting up for a long time and that pillows don't really do the job. I've also been known to slide down in the bed resulting in vomiting bile in the morning - that was so not nice !!!!!!!!
I have seen one advertised as a Premium back wedge with leg wedge system but don't know if I need the leg wedge or not or even if it is a viable idea.
Any replies would be really appreciated.
Cheers Annie
I have tried raising the head of the bed (couldn't get high enough, plus my wife was uncomfortable). I tried up to 5 pillows at a time, and I would still slide down and aspirate reflux. This happened this past weekend while I was visiting friends. The next night, I slept in their reclining chair. Until I changed beds, the recliner was the best place for me to sleep.
My wife suggested a "Craft-matic" adjustable bed. This worked GREAT. You can raise both ends of the bed, so you don't tend to slide down so much. Before I changed to the Craft-matic, I would have this reflux issue 1 -2 times per week. Now I have had a reflux issue only 3 times this past year (including the one listed above).
There are several of these power beds out there. I hope you find one that works for you.
We are going to do more traveling this year, so I am going to get an inflatable wedge to try.
All the best!
Fred
Today I have been extremely fortunate in that a good friend has kindly loaned me a recliner chair so that is going to be a huge help to me.
I'm curious when did you have your surgery and how long has it taken for you to become "normal" or does that never happen.
My surgery was 3 months ago and I am still getting used to my stomach being where it wasn't before. I am trying to stay positive but there have been and still are many tears being shed just getting used to my "new" lifestyle.
Glad to hear that you are going to be travelling some more and I hope your health stays good.
Cheers
Annie
I was dx in Aug 2004. Stage 3 N2. Had chemo and radiation Sept-Oct, followed by surgery in November. You are absolutely right: the treatments are draining. I went back to work in early Jan 05. The first few days I think I slept more at my desk than I did work. Fortunately, my boss was understanding and just ignored my "naps". It wasn't long before I was awake all day, and in a couple of weeks, I was out the door doing my job.
Your old "normal" has probably gone away, as was mine. You may have to find a new "normal". This is pretty much what you are comfortable with. Your getting a recliner may be a bigger deal than you might imagine now. If it is not comfortable, try to find one that is. My family jokes that I spend more time in my chair than anywhere else. Curiously, after the surgery, I found that there are many styles of chairs I can't get comfortable in (restaurants, etc.). I have to leave and go sit in my car (much better seat). Then I get back in MY chair, and things are back to "normal".
You might talk to your Drs, as they might write a prescription for a chair or even a bed (both, maybe?). It's worth a shot. I finally decided that not having the reflux episodes was more than worth the cost of the bed. Hopefully, you won't have any reflux issues.
All the best. Let me know how you are doing.
Fred