Re: Surgery on Friday!

[Guest guest]

-Goodluck for Friday. Look forward to hearing from you after. I will be

getting the same on the 20th.

-- In achalasia , " kellyrobinson79 "

<kellyrobinson79@y...> wrote:

> I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting

to

> get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have

had

> the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How did

> you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2

nights.

>

> I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

[Guest guest]

I had the same surgery by dr. anvari 4 months ago. He told me I would be in the

hospital

2 nights but I only had to stay 1. I had a type of barium swallow the next day

to see if

there were no leaks - and after I had no problems with dinner (full liquids) I

was released

with a rx of zantac and codiene. I really had no pain with the procedure and

went back

to work in one week. Within 6 weeks I was back to a full diet - I followed the

diet they

gave me (based on fundoplication). I am doing fine now - sometimes I need to

drink

water with my meal, but I can eat meals with no liquids! It actually improved

more with

time.

Dr. Anvari was great - I just wish I would have saw him after the procedure -

and since I

am from out of town I followed up with my physician at home 2 weeks and 3 months

later.

> I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting to

> get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have had

> the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How did

> you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2 nights.

>

> I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

[Guest guest]

I hope you have a smooth time while in the hospital. They will put you under so you probally will not remember much of the surgery. Depending on how you are having the Heller's done, if it is done lapro you will have a little tenderness on your stomach but that should be it. If you have it done open you will feel like you did 1000 sittups...lolI have had both and I did not feel to bad after either operation.

in Suffolk

[Guest guest]

Following the surgery I was sore, felt like I had a " bruised " E and

had trouble talking --- due to lack of fluids in my throat for so

long and the number of tubes they stick down your throat during the

surgery. They gave me a lot of drugs so I was pretty spaced out for

24 hours.

The next day I had 3 Bariums!!!! They thought they saw a puncture but

turned out it was barium in the wrap but 3 in one day (yuch). I would

have killed for a glass of water.

When they finally let me have some ice chips, then some water, then

some clear fluids I instantly knew that it worked!!! I could feel it

go all the way down to my stomach without stopping. It was amazing.

I had the surgery at noon on a Thursday and went home Saturday

morning. They had me on clear fluids for a couple weeks, then

graduated to cream fluids, then to soft solids etc. It was more

psychological then to get over my years of eating fears!!

I was exhausted for several weeks from the surgery due to the fact

that you have a general anesthesia and it is rather a long surgery. I

had six small (biggest one 3 stitches) in a perfect circle above my

belly button all just covered in surgi-tape bandaids. No blood loss.

Absolutely amazing.

I still had to drink lots of water with food but it went down and

didn't stick.

The only bad side effect that I had immediately was that due to the

wrap I could no longer throw up. Sometimes it is necessary --- kids

bring home stomach viruses all the time. The stomach tries but the

wrap is one way only.

Good luck on Thursday!!!!! Let us all know how it goes.

Are you in Hamilton Ontario? I am originally from London Ontario.

....

> I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting

to

> get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have

had

> the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How

did

> you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2

nights.

>

> I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm and had a Heller Myotomy with wrap in May 2003. I understand your nervousness and concerns. Luckily, I spoke to someone who had the same surgery about a year before from the same surgeon and that helped me to understand a little.

On the day of test, I remember one of the doctors who works with the surgeon talked to me and let me ask him any questions. He explained what was going to be done to me, how the incisions were going to be made and how they would do the wrap. If you can have your doctor explain this it can be helpful.

Also, I wasn't sure if I was going to wake up with tubes in my nose, similar to the ones used in the manometry test. The doctor who works with the surgeon told me yes because somehow it's connected to them putting gas inside you to open your insides up during the surgery and helps somehow. I can't remember exactly why, but I asked if there was any way possible for them to not put the tubes in my nose, but he said they had to.

Then another hospital employee came and asked me if I wanted an epidural. The doctor hadn't told me anything about that so I turned it down and that worked just fine. Not sure if that hospital employee was supposed to ask me that or not.

The doctor came to check on me before the surgery to see how I was and everything was fine.

Then I remember the nurse's putting the hospital hat on my head and my boyfriend (now husband) telling me I looked like a mushroom head with the hat on. Then they wheeled me away and I don't remember anything else until after the surgery.

I was told that I might have shoulder pain after surgery due to gasses the put inside you, but to my surprise I didn't. Even better, I didn't wake up with tubes in my nose. I was soooo happy about that!

The pain was hardly any for me. The first time the nurse in my room asked if I wanted morphine and I said okay because I thought after the anesthesia wore off I might be in severe pain, but there wasn't severe pain or even pain at all. I was just a little weak and tired right after the surgery.

My whole hospital stay was three days. At first they slowly give me just liquids to see how your esophagus was (like clear broth). Then they build it up and gave me a few other things like Italian ice.

I had a catheter in me for at least one or two days to go to the bathroom, then the next day the nurse helped me to walk a little. I couldn't do very much on my own. I was still tired, too.

There were five incisions, each about one inch long - (1) one about two inches underneath my left breast (2) one about two inches underneath my right breast (3) one to the upper left area about five inches away from the belly (4) one about two inches a little to the right right above the belly, (5) last incision is about six inches to the right of the belly. I don't remember the incisions hurting. They might have been covered, too.

Regarding the recovery at home, I got nauseous and dizzy for the first couple of weeks. I found it difficult to read or concentrate on t.v. I am amazed at some of the others who had a different form of the surgery who were already reading, walking around, and even on the computer.

I would just advise to make sure you ask your doctor what type of diet to follow immediately after your surgery and for the period of recovery. I was still doing the liquid diet and got real weak. Then my family paged the doctor and he said I could eat soft foods like fish and mashed potatoes. I was scared of how it would feel going down my esophagus, but everything was fine.

There was one surprise that I found out after the surgery and I've talked to some people from this website about it. It's called dumping. After I returned to work six weeks after the surgery, one day I was driving home and got such severe stomach pains that I had to pull over. They were violent and I felt really sick. I had never felt such pain. I drove two blocks to my home and as I started up the staircase the pain came so strong again, it felt like someone was punching me really hard in the stomach and I had to just stay put. Then I ran to the restroom and it came out. It happened on two occasions. I asked the doctor about it and he said yeah that can happen but I sure wasn't prepared for it. Since the surgery, the way I go to the restroom has changed. Sometimes I just this sudden pain in my stomach and I have to rush to the restroom and barely make it for a bowel movement. That never used to happen before the

surgery. Some people in the group have shared that maybe certain foods contribute to this, like heavier type foods, so that's something I have to take a look at.

Others the best thing about the surgery is you can swallow and eat/drink normal again!!!!

My doctor told me spasms can come back occasionally, and they do on occasion, but I am learning the foods that affect my body with spasms, like chocolate or rice. But I can eat most things and it's something I don't take for granted any more. Apples and some fruits are hard to eat but your doctor can give you a list.

Also, ask your doctor for length of time when it's okay to shower again without getting the incisions wet.

Sorry I wrote so much, but hope this helps you know what someone else who had a Hellers Myotomy and Wrap went through. Hopefully others will share their experiences, too.

I wish you luck and will be thinking of you on Friday.

:)kellyrobinson79 <kellyrobinson79@...> wrote:

I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting to get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have had the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How did you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2 nights.I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I am 2 weeks post-op and things are

great. I was in the hospital for one night, but your doc may have a

different protocol. I had very little pain, probably due to the

pain meds. I stopped taking pain meds altogether 3 days post-op and had

no pain. You will be tired for a few days but that is normal from going

under anesthesia. I think the results of having anesthesia are far worse

than the surgery itself. Just take it easy and listen to your body.

You will be so happy with the results of the surgery. I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Roth

Lodi, CA

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf

Of kellyrobinson79

Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005

2:36 PM

achalasia

Subject: Surgery on

Friday!

I am having my Heller Myotomy

with wrap on Friday and I am starting to

get a little nervous. I am just wondering if

those of you who have had

the surgery could tell me a little bit about what

to expect. How did

you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in

the hospital for 2 nights.

I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari

in Hamilton.

[Guest guest]

-Thankyou ,

Did you need to travel far after surgery? Was it by road or flight?

I have mine 20th Oct and have no idea how long after I should travel

home and weather it should be fly or drive.

-- In achalasia , Uti Rooney <utirooney@y...> wrote:

> Hi ,

>

> I'm and had a Heller Myotomy with wrap in May 2003. I

understand your nervousness and concerns. Luckily, I spoke to

someone who had the same surgery about a year before from the same

surgeon and that helped me to understand a little.

>

> On the day of test, I remember one of the doctors who works with

the surgeon talked to me and let me ask him any questions. He

explained what was going to be done to me, how the incisions were

going to be made and how they would do the wrap. If you can have

your doctor explain this it can be helpful.

>

> Also, I wasn't sure if I was going to wake up with tubes in my

nose, similar to the ones used in the manometry test. The doctor who

works with the surgeon told me yes because somehow it's connected to

them putting gas inside you to open your insides up during the

surgery and helps somehow. I can't remember exactly why, but I asked

if there was any way possible for them to not put the tubes in my

nose, but he said they had to.

>

> Then another hospital employee came and asked me if I wanted an

epidural. The doctor hadn't told me anything about that so I turned

it down and that worked just fine. Not sure if that hospital

employee was supposed to ask me that or not.

>

> The doctor came to check on me before the surgery to see how I was

and everything was fine.

>

> Then I remember the nurse's putting the hospital hat on my head and

my boyfriend (now husband) telling me I looked like a mushroom head

with the hat on. Then they wheeled me away and I don't remember

anything else until after the surgery.

>

> I was told that I might have shoulder pain after surgery due to

gasses the put inside you, but to my surprise I didn't. Even better,

I didn't wake up with tubes in my nose. I was soooo happy about that!

>

> The pain was hardly any for me. The first time the nurse in my

room asked if I wanted morphine and I said okay because I thought

after the anesthesia wore off I might be in severe pain, but there

wasn't severe pain or even pain at all. I was just a little weak and

tired right after the surgery.

>

> My whole hospital stay was three days. At first they slowly give

me just liquids to see how your esophagus was (like clear broth).

Then they build it up and gave me a few other things like Italian

ice.

>

> I had a catheter in me for at least one or two days to go to the

bathroom, then the next day the nurse helped me to walk a little. I

couldn't do very much on my own. I was still tired, too.

>

> There were five incisions, each about one inch long - (1) one about

two inches underneath my left breast (2) one about two inches

underneath my right breast (3) one to the upper left area about five

inches away from the belly (4) one about two inches a little to the

right right above the belly, (5) last incision is about six inches to

the right of the belly. I don't remember the incisions hurting.

They might have been covered, too.

>

> Regarding the recovery at home, I got nauseous and dizzy for the

first couple of weeks. I found it difficult to read or concentrate

on t.v. I am amazed at some of the others who had a different form

of the surgery who were already reading, walking around, and even on

the computer.

>

> I would just advise to make sure you ask your doctor what type of

diet to follow immediately after your surgery and for the period of

recovery. I was still doing the liquid diet and got real weak. Then

my family paged the doctor and he said I could eat soft foods like

fish and mashed potatoes. I was scared of how it would feel going

down my esophagus, but everything was fine.

>

> There was one surprise that I found out after the surgery and I've

talked to some people from this website about it. It's called

dumping. After I returned to work six weeks after the surgery, one

day I was driving home and got such severe stomach pains that I had

to pull over. They were violent and I felt really sick. I had never

felt such pain. I drove two blocks to my home and as I started up

the staircase the pain came so strong again, it felt like someone was

punching me really hard in the stomach and I had to just stay put.

Then I ran to the restroom and it came out. It happened on two

occasions. I asked the doctor about it and he said yeah that can

happen but I sure wasn't prepared for it. Since the surgery, the way

I go to the restroom has changed. Sometimes I just this sudden pain

in my stomach and I have to rush to the restroom and barely make it

for a bowel movement. That never used to happen before the surgery.

Some people in the group have shared that maybe

> certain foods contribute to this, like heavier type foods, so

that's something I have to take a look at.

>

> Others the best thing about the surgery is you can swallow and

eat/drink normal again!!!!

> My doctor told me spasms can come back occasionally, and they do on

occasion, but I am learning the foods that affect my body with

spasms, like chocolate or rice. But I can eat most things and it's

something I don't take for granted any more. Apples and some fruits

are hard to eat but your doctor can give you a list.

>

> Also, ask your doctor for length of time when it's okay to shower

again without getting the incisions wet.

>

> Sorry I wrote so much, but hope this helps you know what someone

else who had a Hellers Myotomy and Wrap went through. Hopefully

others will share their experiences, too.

>

> I wish you luck and will be thinking of you on Friday.

>

>

>

> kellyrobinson79 <kellyrobinson79@y...> wrote:

> I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting

to

> get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have

had

> the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How

did

> you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2

nights.

>

> I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

:

I had the same surgery two weeks ago and I'm very happy with the results. I was told to expect a two night stay but was released the next day. The surgery lasted 3 1/2 hours and I was in recovery for less than an hour before I was given a room. The only discomfort I had was pain in my shoulders (from the CO2 used in laproscopic porcedures) and a sore throat (from the breathing tube). The nurses were great and pretty much kept me out of pain the first afternoon and night: I didn't sleep so much as snoozed for an hour here and there (I had lots of magazines and books and I brought my iPod as well). The incisions were tender but never hurt and I was able to get in and out of bed as necessary without any pain. I was on an all-liquid diet for three days then allowed soft foods. Now, 15 days out, I can eat pretty much anything (I had my first fresh apple yesterday in months!). I skipped work for a week and I was really wiped out: I saw loads of bad Lifetime movies and took lots of naps. But, a week later, I was back at work. I still get tired easily but I'm back to light execise (biking mostly). I've had mild spasms every few days that last no more than 5 to 15 minutes: cold water takes the edge off.

All that to say: good luck and I hope you bounce back quickly!

in Alabama

[Guest guest]

and telling us all about it. Good luck . We will all be with you in spirit.xxxkellyrobinson79 <kellyrobinson79@...> wrote:

I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting to get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have had the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How did you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2 nights.I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

Messenger NEW - crystal clear PC to PC calling worldwide with voicemail

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am 2 years post-op. The only problem I had with surgery was the breathing after. Felt like I wasn't getting any air the first night. That may be because my surgery was late in the afternoon - an emergency occurred just before my scheduled time. I think if I had had a longer time during the day things would have been much easier. But if they give you a little thing to help strengthen your breathing - use it!! I ended up staying 3 nights, but just because I was kinda nervous still from night 1, and I live an hour and a half from the hospital. Otherwise, minimal pain. I did walk with a cane for a couple days because I felt a little weak.

Good luck and speedy recovery!

mike in WI

for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

[Guest guest]

,

good luck on the surgery. I had mine last year in July. I spent 3

days in the hospital and was eating soft foods the next day. It was

pureed breakfast and it was the best breakfast I'd had in over 3

years! I was so scared that I would need to run to the bathroom and

regurg everything. It took a while for that to go away. I had a

catheter for a day. They took it out on Day 2, getting up out of bed

was rough going. Apparently I'm allergic to morphine, made me itch

like crazy and couldn't breath. So they had to change my pain pump.

I was up and about taking things slowly for the 1st week. NCCP's

were bad the first couple of weeks. I still get them but rarely.

I am not a good patient. I hate laying around and was very cranky.

I went back to work a month later, probably could've gone back the

2nd week but I didn't want to push myself. Hardest part was getting

the gas they pump you with out. It just felt like I had someone

sitting on my chest for a while. Doc said it was a combination of

the wrap and the food going down which made it worse. I had to learn

what foods were good and which ones made me have pains. That took a

while. It's so hard after the surgery because you want to eat

anything and everything. And you're relearning your digestive system

and how it works. I didn't have any dumping but now have a mild case

of IBS. Personally I think it's because I went without regular food

for so long.

I have 5 incision scars in my tummy. every now and then I have to

put vitamin e on them. Other than that I have no regrets. Only

regret is in not having found my surgeon sooner! She was a god send.

Good luck!

Lisbeth

Philly, PA

[Guest guest]

I can’t

wait to hear how things went with your surgery today. I hope you’re

doing great and recovering well!!

Hugs,

in BC

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of kellyrobinson79

Sent: October 5, 2005 3:36 PM

achalasia

Subject: Surgery on

Friday!

I am having my Heller Myotomy

with wrap on Friday and I am starting to

get a little nervous. I am just wondering if

those of you who have had

the surgery could tell me a little bit about what

to expect. How did

you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in

the hospital for 2 nights.

I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari

in Hamilton.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to all the newbies in the

group and wishing you all wonderfully successful surgical outcomes and

recoveries!!! There are too many of us to keep track of these days so it seems I

just skim thru my emails and try to keep up the best I can.

I had a myotomy 3 years ago. It was

supposed to be 2 hours but I perforated and it ended up 6 hours. My surgeon was

able to repair the perf without having to open me up and I was in the hospital

for a week. The pain for me was mostly due to being under anesthesia for so

much longer and all the CO2 went into my shoulder, and I had problems with

breathing and needed to use the little breathing machine, but my recovery was

about 3 weeks. I am having problems again after 3 years due to what the doctor

calls “a thickening” in my LES. I had a dilatation…was it

only a month ago??? It seems like so much longer, but I don’t think it

really worked...if anything it seems to be maybe a bit worse, but maybe because

of the level of stress in my life.

, was it Dr. Patti that did your

myotomy??? I was just wondering about the UCSF group because I was also told

that I will need an e-gectomy before too long, but I am not severely dilated…or

at least I don’t think so. I am supposed to see Dr. Ostroff for a

follow-up next month. I was told that I have one more dilatation to go before

it comes to that e-removal step and the last dilatation I had (which was the

first one ever) didn’t really do anything except for about a week, so I

am just going to hang in there and do nothing for now. I think I would like

another opinion though. ’s surgeon in Houston is suppsosed to be wonderful…can’t

remember his name off hand, but he is listed in the files…all the best to

you in finding an experienced surgeon…I will keep you in my prayers.

…I hope that your myotomy went

well today, I hear Dr. Anvari is very good, and I’m sure you are in the

best hands! Prayers and best wishes for a rapid recovery!

And who is it that is also having surgery…???

Yes, Oct 20th!!! I will be keeping you in my prayers also and hmmmm….anyone

else I have missed????

!!!…I am practically your

neighbor!!!! I live about an hour away in Brentwood!

I know a couple of us “A” types in our neck of the woods…maybe

I could get a little something together but it might have to be in the bay area

because transportation is difficult for the others.

Deborah, YEAH! I am happy you are going to

do the VATS with Dr. Fuller, from the rave reviews from Sandy and Peggy, it

sounds like you are making a very good decision, let us know when you make the

date…maybe I will be down there when you have it done!

Love to you all…Sandi in No CA (Brentwood)

J

p.s. For everyone keeping up on my

Grandson, the J-boy is doing very well these days...he has everyone wrapped

around his little finger and his mommy says he is playing the Hydrocephalus

card already…LOL…(he wants to be held 24/7). He hasn’t had

any surgery now for almost a month!!! YEAH!!! We joke around because he is so

happy at the hospital with all the beeps and hospital noises because he has

spent so much of his short life there already, so maybe we should record the

hospital sounds so he will be so happy at home! Some parents put the baby in

the care and drive around the neighborhood…with , we have to take

him to the hospital to get him to stop crying!!! LOL…He was just fitted

for a helmet which he will need to wear 23 hours a day for the next 4 months to

form his head (he had cranial reconstructive surgery for his Hydrocephalus) and

he doesn’t like it one bit, but he is gradually getting used to it….thanks

to you for all the prayers and support when we were going through such a difficult

time!

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2005

12:16 AM

achalasia

Subject: RE: Surgery

on Friday!

Dear ,

I am 2 weeks post-op and things are

great. I was in the hospital for one night, but your doc may have a

different protocol. I had very little pain, probably due to the

pain meds. I stopped taking pain meds altogether 3 days post-op and had

no pain. You will be tired for a few days but that is normal from going

under anesthesia. I think the results of having anesthesia are far worse

than the surgery itself. Just take it easy and listen to your body.

You will be so happy with the results of the surgery. I wish you the

best.

Sincerely,

Roth

Lodi, CA

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of kellyrobinson79

Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005

2:36 PM

achalasia

Subject: Surgery on

Friday!

I am having my Heller Myotomy

with wrap on Friday and I am starting to

get a little nervous. I am just wondering if

those of you who have had

the surgery could tell me a little bit about what

to expect. How did

you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in

the hospital for 2 nights.

I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari

in Hamilton.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

In response to your question, I was very lucky that my surgery was at the USC University hospital in Los Angeles, California, which at the time was only 20 minutes (driving) by car to get to from where I lived.

Where is Hamilton? Is that on the island of Bermuda? Do you have to fly somewhere to get your surgery done? Hopefully if that is the case, I hope you have someone who can accompany you.

If not, at least you have your friends here on this website.

Maybe you can ask your doctor how long after surgery you can drive, etc. Is he easy to get in touch with?

in Covinaykosworks <ykosworks@...> wrote:

-Thankyou ,Did you need to travel far after surgery? Was it by road or flight?I have mine 20th Oct and have no idea how long after I should travel home and weather it should be fly or drive.-- In achalasia , Uti Rooney <utirooney@y...> wrote:> Hi ,> > I'm and had a Heller Myotomy with wrap in May 2003. I understand your nervousness and concerns. Luckily, I spoke to someone who had the same surgery about a year before from the same surgeon and that helped me to understand a little.> > On the day of test, I remember one of the doctors who works with the surgeon talked to me and let me ask him any questions. He explained what was going to be done to me, how the incisions were going to be made and how they would do the wrap. If

you can have your doctor explain this it can be helpful.> > Also, I wasn't sure if I was going to wake up with tubes in my nose, similar to the ones used in the manometry test. The doctor who works with the surgeon told me yes because somehow it's connected to them putting gas inside you to open your insides up during the surgery and helps somehow. I can't remember exactly why, but I asked if there was any way possible for them to not put the tubes in my nose, but he said they had to. > > Then another hospital employee came and asked me if I wanted an epidural. The doctor hadn't told me anything about that so I turned it down and that worked just fine. Not sure if that hospital employee was supposed to ask me that or not.> > The doctor came to check on me before the surgery to see how I was and everything was fine.> > Then I remember the

nurse's putting the hospital hat on my head and my boyfriend (now husband) telling me I looked like a mushroom head with the hat on. Then they wheeled me away and I don't remember anything else until after the surgery.> > I was told that I might have shoulder pain after surgery due to gasses the put inside you, but to my surprise I didn't. Even better, I didn't wake up with tubes in my nose. I was soooo happy about that!> > The pain was hardly any for me. The first time the nurse in my room asked if I wanted morphine and I said okay because I thought after the anesthesia wore off I might be in severe pain, but there wasn't severe pain or even pain at all. I was just a little weak and tired right after the surgery.> > My whole hospital stay was three days. At first they slowly give me just liquids to see how your esophagus was (like clear

broth). Then they build it up and gave me a few other things like Italian ice. > > I had a catheter in me for at least one or two days to go to the bathroom, then the next day the nurse helped me to walk a little. I couldn't do very much on my own. I was still tired, too.> > There were five incisions, each about one inch long - (1) one about two inches underneath my left breast (2) one about two inches underneath my right breast (3) one to the upper left area about five inches away from the belly (4) one about two inches a little to the right right above the belly, (5) last incision is about six inches to the right of the belly. I don't remember the incisions hurting. They might have been covered, too.> > Regarding the recovery at home, I got nauseous and dizzy for the first couple of weeks. I found it difficult to read or concentrate

on t.v. I am amazed at some of the others who had a different form of the surgery who were already reading, walking around, and even on the computer. > > I would just advise to make sure you ask your doctor what type of diet to follow immediately after your surgery and for the period of recovery. I was still doing the liquid diet and got real weak. Then my family paged the doctor and he said I could eat soft foods like fish and mashed potatoes. I was scared of how it would feel going down my esophagus, but everything was fine.> > There was one surprise that I found out after the surgery and I've talked to some people from this website about it. It's called dumping. After I returned to work six weeks after the surgery, one day I was driving home and got such severe stomach pains that I had to pull over. They were violent and I felt really sick. I had

never felt such pain. I drove two blocks to my home and as I started up the staircase the pain came so strong again, it felt like someone was punching me really hard in the stomach and I had to just stay put. Then I ran to the restroom and it came out. It happened on two occasions. I asked the doctor about it and he said yeah that can happen but I sure wasn't prepared for it. Since the surgery, the way I go to the restroom has changed. Sometimes I just this sudden pain in my stomach and I have to rush to the restroom and barely make it for a bowel movement. That never used to happen before the surgery. Some people in the group have shared that maybe> certain foods contribute to this, like heavier type foods, so that's something I have to take a look at.> > Others the best thing about the surgery is you can swallow and eat/drink normal again!!!!> My

doctor told me spasms can come back occasionally, and they do on occasion, but I am learning the foods that affect my body with spasms, like chocolate or rice. But I can eat most things and it's something I don't take for granted any more. Apples and some fruits are hard to eat but your doctor can give you a list. > > Also, ask your doctor for length of time when it's okay to shower again without getting the incisions wet.> > Sorry I wrote so much, but hope this helps you know what someone else who had a Hellers Myotomy and Wrap went through. Hopefully others will share their experiences, too.> > I wish you luck and will be thinking of you on Friday.> > > > kellyrobinson79 <kellyrobinson79@y...> wrote:> I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting to > get a little nervous. I am

just wondering if those of you who have had > the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How did > you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2 nights.> > I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.> > > > >

[Guest guest]

>

>

>>

> Where is Hamilton?

Its in Canada (Ontario - near toronto)

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am now booked to fly. We leave tomorrow. My husband is coming with

me and the girls will be staying home with family. I have left the

flight return open. I don't know how much recovery time I will need

yet. I will be getting surgery on my knee prior to the myotomy as

well, so it will be a full week or two. Am getting a little anxious

now. It is always hard just before you leave trying to get everything

done and am trying to not worry about the surgery. Will also see a

haematologist and hope he can give me more advice on my health as

well.

If we were to drive it would be 20 hours, so by what everyone has

said it may be uncomfortable for coming home.

I will also stay in touch with this group, it helps.

> > I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am

starting

> to

> > get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who

have

> had

> > the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How

> did

> > you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2

> nights.

> >

> > I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I rode home 3 hours on the third day after surgery and that was FAR

ENOUGH!

> > > I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am

> starting

> > to

> > > get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who

> have

> > had

> > > the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How

> > did

> > > you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2

> > nights.

> > >

> > > I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

I totally understand your nervousness and all that you are feeling. It's amazing that you are having knee surgery before the myotomy. Before I had my myotomy a foot doctor wanted to do surgery on me, too, but I decided to just go with the myotomy and I never had the foot surgery. Hope the healing for the knee is quick for you.

As for your nervousness about the myotomy, which is totally normally, just imagine that soon you will be able to swallow and eat things that you aren't able to now.

Let us know how you are doing. I wish you and your family a safe trip!

in Covinaykosworks <ykosworks@...> wrote:

Hi ,I am now booked to fly. We leave tomorrow. My husband is coming with me and the girls will be staying home with family. I have left the flight return open. I don't know how much recovery time I will need yet. I will be getting surgery on my knee prior to the myotomy as well, so it will be a full week or two. Am getting a little anxious now. It is always hard just before you leave trying to get everything done and am trying to not worry about the surgery. Will also see a haematologist and hope he can give me more advice on my health as well.If we were to drive it would be 20 hours, so by what everyone has said it may be uncomfortable for coming home.I will also stay in touch with this group, it helps.> > I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am starting > to > > get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who have > had > > the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect. How > did > > you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2 > nights.> > > > I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.> > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I spoke to my surgeon for the knee and also for the myotomy. They

both asure me it will be fine. The knee surgery is to break up scare

tissue only and manipulate the knee. I have very little movement at

the moment from surgery done in January. This will be much less of a

recovery than before. I had 2 knee and a foot done. I said to bothe

surgeons that I am willing to delay the knee if need be. I will be

seeing them again before surgery and will go through all the options

again, though.

How is your foot? Did you get the surgery? Mine is doing well.

You are right I am trying to stick with the positives to the surgery.

I think once I have left I can rest more, no more jobs to get done

and things will be better.

Best wishes

> > > I am having my Heller Myotomy with wrap on Friday and I am

> starting

> > to

> > > get a little nervous. I am just wondering if those of you who

> have

> > had

> > > the surgery could tell me a little bit about what to expect.

How

> > did

> > > you feel afterwards? I am told I will be in the hospital for 2

> > nights.

> > >

> > > I am having it done laproscopically by Dr. Anvari in Hamilton.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Dave

You always feel a sense of dread as the surgery gets closer no matter how

times you have go through with it. You'll probably feel a bit roughed up

afterwards but it's always a tremendous relief to get it over with.

Good luck and a speedy recovery

Phil

[Guest guest]

Best of luck to you Dave, it is such a relief to get it over with.

Surgery on Friday!

Hello my fellow C-toma brothers and sisters,I have my first sugery to remove c-toma from my left ear early friday morning. I must say I am getting more and more nervous about it the closer I get as I have never had surgery of any kind before and I am 32. All I have symptom wise is some ringing in my left ear and the occasional popping sound. So basically I am going from feeling pretty good to like crap for however long after the surgery. Ugh!!!! Although I do get a month off work as they said because of the repair of my eardrum I will not be allowed to lift over 20 lbs. Man am I gonna be bored. I have read a lot of posts on here ever since I was diagnosed about a month ago. Everybody seems to react differently so its hard to gauge how I feel. I have learned a lot from you guys and I hope to give some of you some good insight as I will be sure to share with you my experiences. Even when I get better I plan on being active on this sight as this is a truely scary but managable disease. Wish me luck my brothers and sisters! I just hope this Indiana boy doesn't say anything too stupid while recovering from anestesia. I'll give an update as sson as I can. Good luck to allDavePS oh yeah and I am still working on that c-toma spray where it just dissolves the c-toma and there will be no need for surgery.....ahh...we can dream can't we:)

[Guest guest]

Dave - best wishes for an easy surgery & recovery. I'll be interested

in an update whenever you are able.....Connie

>

> Hello my fellow C-toma brothers and sisters,

>

> I have my first sugery to remove c-toma from my left ear early

> friday morning. I must say I am getting more and more nervous

about

> it the closer I get as I have never had surgery of any kind before

> and I am 32. All I have symptom wise is some ringing in my left

ear

> and the occasional popping sound. So basically I am going from

> feeling pretty good to like crap for however long after the

> surgery. Ugh!!!! Although I do get a month off work as they said

> because of the repair of my eardrum I will not be allowed to lift

> over 20 lbs. Man am I gonna be bored. I have read a lot of posts

> on here ever since I was diagnosed about a month ago. Everybody

> seems to react differently so its hard to gauge how I feel. I have

> learned a lot from you guys and I hope to give some of you some

good

> insight as I will be sure to share with you my experiences. Even

> when I get better I plan on being active on this sight as this is a

> truely scary but managable disease. Wish me luck my brothers and

> sisters! I just hope this Indiana boy doesn't say anything too

> stupid while recovering from anestesia. I'll give an update as

sson

> as I can. Good luck to all

>

> Dave

>

> PS oh yeah and I am still working on that c-toma spray where it

just

> dissolves the c-toma and there will be no need for

> surgery.....ahh...we can dream can't we:)

>

[Guest guest]

Dave,

Best wishes for tomorrow. My guess is that within a week you'll be on a

par three course at a leisurely pace.

I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest that you think about a visit to your

local library for a book or two that you haven't had a chance to read.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Matt

Dave Thoma wrote:

>

> Hello my fellow C-toma brothers and sisters,

>

> I have my first sugery to remove c-toma from my left ear early

> friday morning. I must say I am getting more and more nervous about

> it the closer I get as I have never had surgery of any kind before

> and I am 32. All I have symptom wise is some ringing in my left ear

> and the occasional popping sound. So basically I am going from

> feeling pretty good to like crap for however long after the

> surgery. Ugh!!!! Although I do get a month off work as they said

> because of the repair of my eardrum I will not be allowed to lift

> over 20 lbs. Man am I gonna be bored. I have read a lot of posts

> on here ever since I was diagnosed about a month ago. Everybody

> seems to react differently so its hard to gauge how I feel. I have

> learned a lot from you guys and I hope to give some of you some good

> insight as I will be sure to share with you my experiences. Even

> when I get better I plan on being active on this sight as this is a

> truely scary but managable disease. Wish me luck my brothers and

> sisters! I just hope this Indiana boy doesn't say anything too

> stupid while recovering from anestesia. I'll give an update as sson

> as I can. Good luck to all

>

> Dave

>

> PS oh yeah and I am still working on that c-toma spray where it just

> dissolves the c-toma and there will be no need for

> surgery.....ahh...we can dream can't we:)

>

>

--