Hi Lucy and thanks for posting.

It sounds like a worrying time for you all.

You said that this cough has developed in the last two weeks and is very distressing for your dad.  Has he seen a doctor or his specialist nurse in that time?  If he hasn't it would be a good idea for him to have a review from his specialist team, or his GP to make sure everything is healing as it should be and he hasn't got an infection.  You or your dad can phone them to let them know what has been happening.  Let them know if he has had a temperature and any other symptoms.

It does take time to recover from an oesophagectomy, which is a big operation.  But by this time you would expect your dad to be feeling less pain, be able to eat slightly more and to be more active, and it sounds like he is feeling worse than he has been.  So do get him to speak to his doctor or nurse as soon as he can.

If he is struggling with eating a dietician should be able to give him some advice, he will have seen one in hospital, and hopefully will have their contact details.  If not he will be able to get them from his specialist team. 

I hope this is helpful but please do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Rachel

Hi Rachel, thanks for your reply :)

He has spoke to his surgical team and the upper GI specialist nurse. They have increased his omeprazole from 20mg to 40mg and has began taking Metoclopramide 10mg 3x daily. The problem is however he is throwing up so consistently these tablets don't have enough time to get into his system. Important thing i didn't mention - he had covid around three weeks ago so it could also be lasting effects of that. However, in the past few days he's been throwing up increasing amounts of blood and since I posted the original post, there has consistently been blood. I'm worried there may be a leak

Hi Lucy and thanks for getting back to us.

It really sounds as if your dad does need to be assessed by the team who did his operation, especially as there is blood in his vomit and you say it has increased in the last few hours.  Do get in touch with his team today.

If you are unable to speak to them, you or your dad can call 111 and they will be able to assess him and let you both know what to do next.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes

Rachel

Hiya - quick update

He called and he's been brought into hospital by the surgical assessment team. Taken bloods, setting up a drip and got an endoscopy booked for tomorrow. Thank you for your help <3