Support

[Guest guest]

That's awesome! Do you take injections? Do you<br>know what your RNA by PCR

is? Have you had a biopsy? Thanks, .

[Guest guest]

Congratulations on getting it all over and done

with and enduring the treatment. Hope your PCR shows

you're a responder. Please be sure to let us know. It's

always nice to hear of others' successes and that's what

I'm hoping for you!

[Guest guest]

That is awesome I am rooting for you. Just began my second month of

treatment.....

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/30/2003 1:09:30 PM Eastern Standard Time,

dvaughnprice@... writes:

> I'm thinking

> about going to the store and buying 10 pounds of crisco, unloading it

> into a big ziploc bag and sitting it on the counter to

> remind me that

> it is all worth the effort

Dodie - what a fantastic idea this is! You know it is so easy to forget how far

we have come....this would definitely be a reminder of just what we have lost!

Glad to hear you are going strong today - keep thinking that way! You are on

your way!!!!

Take Care,

[Guest guest]

Phyllis,

I'm right there with you. Although I'm still trying to figure things

out, I'm at 7 months too and just starting to feel like I'm gettin'

into the groove of things. I also thank Sandy and Dan as well. I

can't imagine how many months it would have taken me without their

support and knowledge.

Carol

>

> Sandy and Dan have no idea how much they have helped

me!!!!!!!! I thank them very much. As I go thru my day little things

they have posted go thru my head to help keep me on track.

> I know this sounds crazy, but I think it has taken 7 months for

me to figure this band thing out. I'm losing now, feeling good, and

eating right. Good gosh ........ those old habits are sure hard to

break!!!! Thanks guys!! Phyllis

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the kind words. Many helped us (Sandy and me and so many

others), so we naturally want to give soome of it back, pass it on.

And, I can speak only for myself, but I'll probably never have it all figured

out, never be perfect in my compliance. But that's ok. One of the ways many of

us got and get screwed up is trying to " be perfect " . Then if we're less than

perfect we just say " oh, hell, i'll just go ahead and do bad things since I

wasn't perfect "

dan

Re: support

> Phyllis,

> I'm right there with you. Although I'm still trying to figure things

> out, I'm at 7 months too and just starting to feel like I'm gettin'

> into the groove of things. I also thank Sandy and Dan as well. I

> can't imagine how many months it would have taken me without their

> support and knowledge.

> Carol

>

>

>

> >

> > Sandy and Dan have no idea how much they have helped

> me!!!!!!!! I thank them very much. As I go thru my day little things

> they have posted go thru my head to help keep me on track.

> > I know this sounds crazy, but I think it has taken 7 months for

> me to figure this band thing out. I'm losing now, feeling good, and

> eating right. Good gosh ........ those old habits are sure hard to

> break!!!! Thanks guys!! Phyllis

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Gloria

After the first two weeks post op, we set out on a

road trip that took us from Northern Colorado to Elko

Nevada and then to Fort Meade, land all in a small

pick up. I had no problem. Yogurt and Atkins shakes

were my stand bys. I also had those little lunch

puddings and applesauces and in the 4th week I had

those cream soups you heat in the microwave (found in

all convenience stores on the road)and just drink.

Only once when we went out to eat did I find that

there wasn't any soup on the menu. Anyway it wasn't

much of a problem visiting family as they were very

supportive.

Penny

__________________________________

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[Guest guest]

So, , how did your appt go today????Debbi, being nosy, er, supportive... ;o)

Thanks to all for the information and support. I just feel like it is still all so new, and I was so pleased to find restful sleep again that it was a rude awakening to have liquids cause discomfort again (and denial if just too easy). When being treated for a condition that had become acute, I didn't ask all the questions I should have, and don't think I even knew what I should be asking (although I did read what I could and asked doctors if I should be asking about other issues). I just knew this had reached the point where medical intervention had to happen. My mind knows the E will not rejuvinate, but my heart thinks otherwise. I am putting together questions to take to my surgeon today, and will find out what programs the hospital has to offer for nutrition, exercise, meditation and anything else I can think of. DebbiYou are right, there is no one here with much experience. I think I was Dr Dittenbir's 31st case, but I wanted to be near home.DeborahMy husband just learned some Tai Chi, and mentioned that he could teach me....I think I will take him up on it.

[Guest guest]

Debbi I love your support! It went well. While I was hospitalized, a nurse had said that Scleraderma (sp) was a secondary of Achalasia. He dispelled that statement. Good thing too, as I have a friend with that disease, and I know the outcome. The hospital also has a Women's health center with access to nutrition and meditation programs. My other doctor will refer me if needed for insurance purposes. The surgeon took out all my staples, and I have no restrictions. He also said I do not have a wrap, but I did have an extra incision due to the size of my liver (he couldn't see past it). I am also trying to put in place a schedule for future scopes. I have called my family physician to see if he is familar enough with A to work with me and recognize future needs, or if we should look elsewhere. He is the one who saw a problem and made the referral, and I really like him. Am also contemplating joining exercise and/or wellness classes at

the local community college.Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: So, , how did your appt go today????Debbi, being nosy, er, supportive... ;o) Thanks to all for the information and support. I just feel like it is still all so new, and I was so pleased to find restful sleep again that it was a rude awakening to have liquids cause discomfort again (and denial if just too easy). When being treated for a condition that had become acute, I didn't ask all the questions I should have, and don't think I even knew what I should be asking

(although I did read what I could and asked doctors if I should be asking about other issues). I just knew this had reached the point where medical intervention had to happen. My mind knows the E will not rejuvinate, but my heart thinks otherwise. I am putting together questions to take to my surgeon today, and will find out what programs the hospital has to offer for nutrition, exercise, meditation and anything else I can think of. DebbiYou are right, there is no one here with much experience. I think I was Dr Dittenbir's 31st case, but I wanted to be near home.DeborahMy husband just learned some Tai Chi, and mentioned that he could teach me....I think I will take him up on it.__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, that nurse should be shot -- if people don't know what they're talking about, they shouldn't go blabbing their stupid mouths! You don't happen to know her name, or which floor she was working on, do you? I'd love to set her straight myself.(People with scleroderma can have thickening and hardening of the internal organ tissues, and in some cases the esophagus is involved, which means instead of being a flexible tube it becomes a hard pipe with a very small diameter, resulting in dysphagia.... but not every incident of dysphagia is related to achalasia, nor is every incident of dysphagia related to scleroderma, and the dynamics of the two diseases aren't related at all! And since scleroderma is a fatal, incurable disease, it is not something to be blabbing about when you are as uneducated as that nurse!)

Regarding "no restrictions" -- you may want to go easy on lifting for a little while longer, just in case you're the "super mom" type who goes all out for Christmas. Lifting 20 pounds is one thing, but lifting 50 pounds is another thing entirely, so give yourself permission to ease back into things a little at a time, okay?

Did your surgeon keep you on a high dose of a proton pump inhibitor? (I forget which one you were taking....) Without a fundo in place, your main concern will be making sure you don't have acid reflux. If acid is splashing up onto your LES (and since our nerves are all screwed up, it may happen w/o your being aware of it) you can develop scar tissue which can cause the LES opening to shrink down. (Since you've had a myotomy, this is actually where the danger of developing esophageal cancer comes in, not due to the achalasia itself.)

Your doctor shouldn't have any problem with sending you for a scope every year or two, given that you don't have a functioning LES anymore. (If he needs a diagnosis code for insurance purposes, tell him to use "suspicion of Barrett's esophagus".) Do you actually have a GI specialist in town? Or did your family doc send you straight to the surgeon? I highly recommend Dr. Heidi Gjersoe if you need someone to go to for a scope every couple of years. Excellent bedside manner, willing to listen, willing to explain, and willing to refer you on to someplace else (like Cleveland) if something comes up down the road that is better handled out of the local realm.

Did the surgeon talk to you about the chest pains you've had? (NCCPs or "pumped gas" pains)

Glad to hear that it all went well.... now go enjoy your holiday weekend!!!!Deb

Debbi

I love your support! It went well. While I was hospitalized, a nurse had said that Scleraderma (sp) was a secondary of Achalasia. He dispelled that statement. Good thing too, as I have a friend with that disease, and I know the outcome. The hospital also has a Women's health center with access to nutrition and meditation programs. My other doctor will refer me if needed for insurance purposes. The surgeon took out all my staples, and I have no restrictions. He also said I do not have a wrap, but I did have an extra incision due to the size of my liver (he couldn't see past it). I am also trying to put in place a schedule for future scopes. I have called my family physician to see if he is familar enough with A to work with me and recognize future needs, or if we should look elsewhere. He is the one who saw a problem and made the referral, and I really like him. Am also contemplating joining exercise and/or wellness classes at the local community college.Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote:

So, , how did your appt go today????Debbi, being nosy, er, supportive... ;o)

[Guest guest]

Debbi, I agree the nurse should have never said what she did, and as I said, I know that disease too well through a friend. She is on the second floor at Bronson, but I was still too groggy to know who she was, her words were just seared on my brain. I told my surgeon that I had to be told if that disease was just on the horizon for me. You are also correct about the weight, especially since he wants tape left on the largest incision for two weeks. (And I am the type to pick up the water softener salt, dog food and my 3 year old granson if I am not told that I shouldn't) I want to say more, but I am still in jammies, and have to be at work in 25 minutes.Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: , that nurse should be shot -- if people don't know what they're talking about, they shouldn't go blabbing their stupid mouths! You don't happen to know her name, or which floor she was working on, do you? I'd love to set her straight myself.(People with scleroderma can have thickening and hardening of the internal organ tissues, and in some cases the esophagus is involved, which means instead of being a flexible tube it becomes a hard pipe with a very small diameter, resulting in dysphagia.... but not every incident of dysphagia is related to achalasia, nor is every incident of dysphagia related to scleroderma, and the dynamics of the two diseases aren't related at all! And since scleroderma is a fatal, incurable disease, it is not something to be blabbing about when you are as uneducated as that nurse!) Regarding "no restrictions" -- you may want to go easy on lifting for a little while longer, just in case you're the "super mom" type who goes all out for Christmas. Lifting 20 pounds is one thing, but lifting 50 pounds is another thing entirely, so give yourself permission to ease back into things a little at a time, okay? Did your surgeon keep you on a high dose of a proton pump inhibitor? (I forget which one you were taking....) Without a fundo in place, your main concern will be making sure you don't have acid reflux. If acid is splashing up onto your LES (and since our nerves are all screwed up, it may happen w/o your being aware of it) you can develop scar tissue which can cause the LES opening to shrink down. (Since you've had a myotomy, this is actually where the danger of

developing esophageal cancer comes in, not due to the achalasia itself.) Your doctor shouldn't have any problem with sending you for a scope every year or two, given that you don't have a functioning LES anymore. (If he needs a diagnosis code for insurance purposes, tell him to use "suspicion of Barrett's esophagus".) Do you actually have a GI specialist in town? Or did your family doc send you straight to the surgeon? I highly recommend Dr. Heidi Gjersoe if you need someone to go to for a scope every couple of years. Excellent bedside manner, willing to listen, willing to explain, and willing to refer you on to someplace else (like Cleveland) if something comes up down the road that is better handled out of the local realm. Did the surgeon talk to you about the chest pains you've had? (NCCPs or "pumped gas" pains) Glad to hear that it all went well.... now go enjoy your holiday weekend!!!!Deb Debbi I love your support! It went well. While I was hospitalized, a nurse had said that Scleraderma (sp) was a secondary of Achalasia. He dispelled that statement. Good thing too, as I have a friend with that disease, and

I know the outcome. The hospital also has a Women's health center with access to nutrition and meditation programs. My other doctor will refer me if needed for insurance purposes. The surgeon took out all my staples, and I have no restrictions. He also said I do not have a wrap, but I did have an extra incision due to the size of my liver (he couldn't see past it). I am also trying to put in place a schedule for future scopes. I have called my family physician to see if he is familar enough with A to work with me and recognize future needs, or if we should look elsewhere. He is the one who saw a problem and made the referral, and I really like him. Am also contemplating joining exercise and/or wellness classes at the local community college.Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: So, , how did your appt go today????Debbi, being nosy, er, supportive... ;o) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

wrote:

You are also correct about the weight, especially since he wants tape left on the largest incision for two weeks. (And I am the type to pick up the water softener salt, dog food and my 3 year old granson if I am not told that I shouldn't)

Somehow I had a feeling that you were one of those types of women! Let your grandson climb up onto Grandma's lap by himself on Christmas, and let your family pull some of the weight [pun intended] around the house for a while longer.

I want to say more, but I am still in jammies, and have to be at work in 25 minutes.

Boy, does this ever sound familiar! LOLDebbi

[Guest guest]

Wow! That 4 hours of work was harder than I thought it would be. I would have been better off by staying in jammies. Maybe I will be more productive tomorrow.I think I will let the family do more during the holidays. My family Dr wants a meeting tomorrow to discuss all aspects of my care, especially all the meds I quit taking without his knowledge, authorization or approval. Should be interesting. Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: wrote: You are also correct about the weight, especially since he wants tape left on the largest incision for two weeks. (And I am the type to pick up the water softener salt, dog

food and my 3 year old granson if I am not told that I shouldn't) Somehow I had a feeling that you were one of those types of women! Let your grandson climb up onto Grandma's lap by himself on Christmas, and let your family pull some of the weight [pun intended] around the house for a while longer. I want to say more, but I am still in jammies, and have to be at work in 25 minutes. Boy, does this ever sound familiar! LOLDebbi __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, if you don't mind my asking, what types of meds did you d/c and why? (You know me, being nose, errrr, "supportive" again! Just curious if this was achalasia-related or not.)

Without the wrap/fundoplication, at the very least you should be taking some sort of a pretty strong Proton Pump Inhibitor on a daily basis. (Without a reduction in the amount of acid your stomach is producing, you're setting yourself up for Barrett's Esophagus and/or future strictures from scar tissue.)

Debbi, glad to hear that you're going to start taking it easier!

Wow! That 4 hours of work was harder than I thought it would be. I would have been better off by staying in jammies. Maybe I will be more productive tomorrow.I think I will let the family do more during the holidays.

My family Dr wants a meeting tomorrow to discuss all aspects of my care, especially all the meds I quit taking without his knowledge, authorization or approval. Should be interesting.

[Guest guest]

Mostly Asthma meds. Advair, flovent, albuterol, and Previcid as well as the pain meds. I am thinking I never had asthma in the first place, so ended up with the meds from inhaling all the liquids. (you can be "supportive" any time you want.) I don't know enough about the meds to know what a Proton Pump Inhibitor is. The only new med prescribed after the procedure was for pain. Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: , if you don't mind my asking, what types of meds did you d/c and why? (You know me, being nose, errrr, "supportive" again! Just curious if this was achalasia-related or not.) Without the wrap/fundoplication, at the very least you should be taking some sort of a pretty strong Proton Pump Inhibitor on a daily basis. (Without a reduction in the amount of acid your stomach is producing, you're setting yourself up for Barrett's Esophagus and/or future strictures from scar tissue.) Debbi, glad to hear that you're going to start taking it easier! Wow! That 4 hours of work was harder than I thought it would be. I would have been better off by staying in jammies. Maybe I will be more productive tomorrow.I think I will let the family do more during the

holidays. My family Dr wants a meeting tomorrow to discuss all aspects of my care, especially all the meds I quit taking without his knowledge, authorization or approval. Should be interesting. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I agree that it's probable that you didn't have asthma but instead were experiencing nighttime aspiration due to your achalasia. (I'm assuming you've stopped having coughing and lung infections since the myotomy?)

The Prevacid is the one drug you DO need to keep taking, though. That's your Proton Pump Inhibitor -- basically, it "turns off" (inhibits) the acid-producing cells (proton pump cells) in the stomach to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach to reduce the chances of acid spilling past your myotomized LES and up into your esophagus. Your doc can explain the particulars tomorrow, though.

Just think of all the money you're gonna be saving on drug co-pays since the myotomy! You've cut your maintenance drugs by 75%!Debbi your "supportive/nosy" neighbor to the NE

Mostly Asthma meds. Advair, flovent, albuterol, and Previcid as well as the pain meds. I am thinking I never had asthma in the first place, so ended up with the meds from inhaling all the liquids. (you can be "supportive" any time you want.) I don't know enough about the meds to know what a Proton Pump Inhibitor is. The only new med prescribed after the procedure was for pain.

Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote:

, if you don't mind my asking, what types of meds did you d/c and why? (You know me, being nose, errrr, "supportive" again! Just curious if this was achalasia-related or not.)

Without the wrap/fundoplication, at the very least you should be taking some sort of a pretty strong Proton Pump Inhibitor on a daily basis. (Without a reduction in the amount of acid your stomach is producing, you're setting yourself up for Barrett's Esophagus and/or future strictures from scar tissue.)

Debbi, glad to hear that you're going to start taking it easier!

Wow! That 4 hours of work was harder than I thought it would be. I would have been better off by staying in jammies. Maybe I will be more productive tomorrow.I think I will let the family do more during the holidays.

My family Dr wants a meeting tomorrow to discuss all aspects of my care, especially all the meds I quit taking without his knowledge, authorization or approval. Should be interesting.

[Guest guest]

Debbi I will have to get documentation from the Dr today, because insurance says they won't cover long-term use of Previcid without proof of medical need. I will take the letter with me.It will be nice to be less dependant on medication, and maybe I won't ever have to be on Prednisone again! I almost died last summer when my lung capacity went below 100, and Prednisone triple dose pulled me out of it. I just never liked the way I felt when taking this med. As for saving money, I am always looking for ways now, as I have decided to look for part time work or try to reach a point where I can stay home and just volunteer.Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: I agree that it's probable that you didn't have asthma but instead

were experiencing nighttime aspiration due to your achalasia. (I'm assuming you've stopped having coughing and lung infections since the myotomy?) The Prevacid is the one drug you DO need to keep taking, though. That's your Proton Pump Inhibitor -- basically, it "turns off" (inhibits) the acid-producing cells (proton pump cells) in the stomach to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach to reduce the chances of acid spilling past your myotomized LES and up into your esophagus. Your doc can explain the particulars tomorrow, though. Just think of all the money you're gonna be saving on drug co-pays since the myotomy! You've cut your maintenance drugs by 75%!Debbi your "supportive/nosy" neighbor to the

NE Mostly Asthma meds. Advair, flovent, albuterol, and Previcid as well as the pain meds. I am thinking I never had asthma in the first place, so ended up with the meds from inhaling all the liquids. (you can be "supportive" any time you want.) I don't know enough about the meds to know what a Proton Pump Inhibitor is. The only new med prescribed after the procedure was for pain. Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: , if you don't mind my asking, what types of meds did you

d/c and why? (You know me, being nose, errrr, "supportive" again! Just curious if this was achalasia-related or not.) Without the wrap/fundoplication, at the very least you should be taking some sort of a pretty strong Proton Pump Inhibitor on a daily basis. (Without a reduction in the amount of acid your stomach is producing, you're setting yourself up for Barrett's Esophagus and/or future strictures from scar tissue.) Debbi, glad to hear that you're going to start taking it easier! Wow! That 4 hours

of work was harder than I thought it would be. I would have been better off by staying in jammies. Maybe I will be more productive tomorrow.I think I will let the family do more during the holidays. My family Dr wants a meeting tomorrow to discuss all aspects of my care, especially all the meds I quit taking without his knowledge, authorization or approval. Should be interesting. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

, there are other PPI meds you can take besides Prevacid -- Prevacid is sometimes given in a higher dose for a month or two (just long enough for the ulcer or esophageal damage to heal up) and then a lower dose after that to prevent future damage.

Prevacid is the brand name for Lansoprazole. The other PPIs that you may want to check on include:

Prilosec = Omeprazole

Protonix = Pantoprazole Aciphex = Rabeprazole

Nexium = Esomeprazole

Prilosec is now available OTC and generic -- depending on how much your copay is, it might be cheaper for you to buy that at Walmart or Meijer rather than pay your prescription copay (I know my drugs are $40 each/month!).

(Side note to anyone using Nifedipine for controlling NCCPs -- check w/ your doctor if you're also using a PPI, as there can be an interaction between the two.)

As for Prednisone, I'm not surprised that you hated the way you felt when taking it. Steroids are one nasty class of medications, and not something that you take "just for fun"! (Just curious/nosey again -- was your lung problem due to an infection at the time? Pneumonia or Bronchitis?) The side effects from Prednisone can be pretty major. Don't get me wrong -- for people w/ severe asthma, etc., it can be a lifesaver! But it's definitely one of those drugs that if you don't absolutely positively HAVE to take it, you don't!

Good luck at the doc's office today, and please fill in your nosey, er, "supportive" friends afterwards!

Deb

Debbi

I will have to get documentation from the Dr today, because insurance says they won't cover long-term use of Previcid without proof of medical need. I will take the letter with me.It will be nice to be less dependant on medication, and maybe I won't ever have to be on Prednisone again! I almost died last summer when my lung capacity went below 100, and Prednisone triple dose pulled me out of it. I just never liked the way I felt when taking this med. As for saving money, I am always looking for ways now, as I have decided to look for part time work or try to reach a point where I can stay home and just volunteer.

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbi He is putting me on Prevacid for life, so we have to deal with Blue Cross, as they said I have reached the amount they cover per year. His office will fill out a pre-authorization form & send it back. I will be seeing a nutritionalist, and I have orders to counsel with someone from my church, as he thinks I am having problems adjusting (just because I want to be disease free!). All my doctors agree that a scope every 3 years should keep the big "C" in check. Over the years my "Asthma" had just gotten so bad that I barely had any lung function. Last summer when it was so bad, they called it asthmatic bronchitis, and I could just feel air seeping out of my chest, and it felt like my life was slipping away too. I am hoping that I don't have to deal with Asthma again~ Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: , there are other PPI meds you can take besides Prevacid -- Prevacid is sometimes given in a higher dose for a month or two (just long enough for the ulcer or esophageal damage to heal up) and then a lower dose after that to prevent future damage. Prevacid is the brand name for Lansoprazole. The other PPIs that you may want to check on include: Prilosec = Omeprazole Protonix = Pantoprazole Aciphex = Rabeprazole Nexium = Esomeprazole Prilosec is now available OTC and generic -- depending on how much your copay is, it might be cheaper for you to buy that at Walmart or Meijer rather than pay your prescription copay (I know my drugs are $40 each/month!). (Side note to anyone using Nifedipine for controlling NCCPs -- check w/ your doctor if you're also using a PPI, as there can be an interaction between the two.) As for Prednisone, I'm not surprised that you hated the way you felt when taking it. Steroids are one nasty class of medications, and not something that you take "just for fun"! (Just curious/nosey again -- was your lung problem due to an infection at the time? Pneumonia or Bronchitis?) The side effects from Prednisone can be pretty major. Don't get me wrong -- for people w/ severe asthma, etc., it can be a lifesaver! But it's definitely one of those drugs that if you don't absolutely positively HAVE to take it, you don't! Good luck at the doc's office today, and please fill in your nosey, er, "supportive" friends afterwards! Deb Debbi I will have to get documentation from the Dr today, because insurance says they won't cover long-term use of Previcid without proof of medical need. I will take the letter with me.It will be nice to be less dependant on medication, and maybe I won't ever have to be on Prednisone again! I almost died last summer when my lung capacity went below 100, and Prednisone triple dose pulled me out of it. I just never liked the way I felt when taking this med. As for saving money, I am always looking for ways now, as I have decided to look for part time work or try to reach a point where I can stay home and just volunteer.

[Guest guest]

, what was your doc's take on the whole asthma thing? What have your symptoms been like since you d/c'ed the asthma meds since the myotomy? Same? Better? Worse?

Good luck dealing with BCBSM -- if you run into any problems lemme know and I'll see if any of my contacts can grease some wheels. There's strength in numbers!!!!

Deb

PS -- any word back on that other thing from yesterday?

Hi Debbi

He is putting me on Prevacid for life, so we have to deal with Blue Cross, as they said I have reached the amount they cover per year. His office will fill out a pre-authorization form & send it back. I will be seeing a nutritionalist, and I have orders to counsel with someone from my church, as he thinks I am having problems adjusting (just because I want to be disease free!). All my doctors agree that a scope every 3 years should keep the big "C" in check.

Over the years my "Asthma" had just gotten so bad that I barely had any lung function. Last summer when it was so bad, they called it asthmatic bronchitis, and I could just feel air seeping out of my chest, and it felt like my life was slipping away too. I am hoping that I don't have to deal with Asthma again~

[Guest guest]

Nothing from Bronson. He said I could stay away from Asthma meds for now, as he wants me to take control almost as much as I want it. Since the surgery it has been like breathing fresh air when you have been breathing through water for years!Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: , what was your doc's take on the whole asthma thing? What have your symptoms been like since you d/c'ed the asthma meds since the myotomy? Same? Better? Worse? Good luck dealing with BCBSM -- if you run into any problems lemme know and I'll see if any of

my contacts can grease some wheels. There's strength in numbers!!!! Deb PS -- any word back on that other thing from yesterday? Hi Debbi He is putting me on Prevacid for life, so we have to deal with Blue Cross, as they said I have reached the amount they cover per year. His office will fill out a pre-authorization form & send it back. I will be seeing a nutritionalist, and I have orders to counsel with someone from my church, as he thinks I am having problems adjusting (just

because I want to be disease free!). All my doctors agree that a scope every 3 years should keep the big "C" in check. Over the years my "Asthma" had just gotten so bad that I barely had any lung function. Last summer when it was so bad, they called it asthmatic bronchitis, and I could just feel air seeping out of my chest, and it felt like my life was slipping away too. I am hoping that I don't have to deal with Asthma again~

Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at

[Guest guest]

That's wonderful that your lungs have cleared up so much so quickly since the surgery!

Wow, your body won't know what to do with itself..... getting a full night's sleep each night, eating real food every day, breathing real air 24/7 -- you must've been very good this year, b/c Santa brought you your present early! ;o)Deb

Nothing from Bronson. He said I could stay away from Asthma meds for now, as he wants me to take control almost as much as I want it. Since the surgery it has been like breathing fresh air when you have been breathing through water for years!

[Guest guest]

You are so right. I did try to eat dinner with the family last nught, so am paying today. Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: That's wonderful that your lungs have cleared up so much so quickly since the surgery! Wow, your body won't know what to do with itself..... getting a full night's sleep each night, eating real food every day, breathing real air 24/7 -- you must've been very good this year, b/c Santa brought you your present early! ;o)Deb Nothing from Bronson. He said I could stay away from Asthma meds for now, as he wants me to take control almost as much as I want it. Since the surgery it has been like breathing fresh air when you have been breathing through water for years!

for Good - Make a difference this year.

[Guest guest]

You are so right. I did try to eat dinner with the family last nught, so am paying today. Debbi Heiser <imahockeymom@...> wrote: That's wonderful that your lungs have cleared up so much so quickly since the surgery! Wow, your body won't know what to do with itself..... getting a full night's sleep each night, eating real food every day, breathing real air 24/7 -- you must've been very good this year, b/c Santa brought you your present early! ;o)Deb Nothing from Bronson. He said I could stay away from Asthma meds for now, as he wants me to take control almost as much as I want it. Since the surgery it has been like breathing fresh air when you have been breathing through water for years!

Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at

[Guest guest]

There's a group that normally meets the 3rd Sunday of every month at

1pm at different locations. This month it's on the 4th Sunday (the

23rd) and is at the Oragami Sushi on Silverdale Way in Silverdale

(next to Bremerton).

I believe there is also another group in the Bremerton/Port Orchard

area that meets on a weeknight and there's talk of forming a

Bainbridge Island group on the west side of the Puget Sound.

Jo in Silverdale

>

> I am a new member. Just 2.5 mo. past surgery and 30lbs gone, many

> more to come. I'm looking for support in the gig harbor, port

orchard,

> or bremerton area. I live in Longbranch and I'm sure there is no

one

> else from there!!! Are there any groups in this area or people who

> would like to support each other?

>