Page 18 - Family Help

Life after an oesophagectomy or gastrectomy

For the non-swimmer (though it's never too late to learn!) walking is a good all-
round exercise as long as you walk far enough and at a fair pace. Cycling and
dancing are also suitable as they need not be too strenuous, and as you become
stronger any sport that you enjoy can be added, but don't start with competitive
games like squash and badminton and avoid lifting weights. Sports like running
can be added later (up to marathon standard if you are really determined).

Activities which involve bending down may cause acid regurgitation. This would
apply to some yoga exercises and to gardening (usually weeding) where it can be
avoided by squatting or kneeling and using long-handled tools.

Back to work
When you go back to work is entirely up to you and depends on a number of
factors: your age, type of work, effort put into regaining fitness. In any event, it
may be some months before you go back to work. Heavy work makes more
demands and might in fact not be suitable if much bending and lifting is involved.
It is always helpful if you and your employer discuss your immediate future with
the company and how you can use alternative skills until you are fully fit again.
Maybe you could discuss a phased return to work, slightly shorter working day
initially, thereby avoiding rush hour traffic. Also, if you ordinarily drive or work with
machinery, you could tire too easily so this should be avoided. Finally, always
remember to plan your meals when you need them – little and often.

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