Guest guest Posted February 2, 2001 Report Share Posted February 2, 2001 Hi ; His name is Dr. J. Mentzer. He's part of the Thoracic Surgery division at Brigham and Woman's. One of his areas of specialty is eusophogeal cancer, and he's also co-director of the lung transplant team and a professor of surgery at Harvard. Best of all, he was super nice and I felt like he was willing to sit there all day and answer all my questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2001 Report Share Posted February 2, 2001 , What is the name of the surgeon who will perform your myotomy in Boston? I know things will go well for you. Surgery scheduled Hi to all;Well, I met with the surgeon today and I'm scheduled for a "video-assisted, thorascopic eusophogeal myotomy" on the 26th of February at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston, MA. The timing is good, because I'll have 2 months to recover before my Wedding on April 28th.When I asked him how long I'd be on a soft diet, he said "Well, I've gotten a lot more liberal about that over the last 10 years." I guess he's done these for a while!!! He made a few comments about how, just for fun, he and his other thorascopic surgeon colleagues will debate the pros and cons of different techniques. I feel pretty confident in his ability.I have some pre-op testing on the 12th, and should be home from the hospital in 1 - 3 days following, and back to work about 10 days after the surgery. The hardest adjustment I'll have to make is that he very strongly urged that I not eat anything for 4 hours before bedtime, to help control reflux. I'll barely get home from work and have time to cook something if I'm to stick to that schedule, and it will certainly throw a kink in going out to dinner any later. It's tough, because my fiance works in sales and is often not home until 8:00. I guess it's better than not being able to eat at all.Well... now comes the wait till the end of the month.... Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2001 Report Share Posted February 3, 2001 Thanks , I like the idea of knowing someone who performs these things just in case I should ever need to be refered to. I live about an hour's drive away from Boston. I hope I never need to but one can never tell.I am 70 years of age and feel I may be too old for it having had 7 dilatations so far and am not having too much difficulty eating. Re: Fw: Surgery scheduled Hi ;His name is Dr. J. Mentzer. He's part of the Thoracic Surgery division at Brigham and Woman's. One of his areas of specialty is eusophogeal cancer, and he's also co-director of the lung transplant team and a professor of surgery at Harvard.Best of all, he was super nice and I felt like he was willing to sit there all day and answer all my questions. Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2001 Report Share Posted February 5, 2001 , this was a big problem for me too, I wouldn't get home from work till about 6:30 then had to cook for the family (6 of us) by the time we were done it was at least 7:30 and I'm not supposed to eat for 6 hours before bedtime. Well with getting up at 6 in the morning the whole timing was just not working. I've been off work for a while now, I find it all I can do to keep up the house and cooking and getting everyone off to work and school. I hope after the myotomy, I will feel better, maybe get some energy back, and if I can eat up untill 4 hours before bedtime, that should work not too bad!! Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2001 Report Share Posted December 28, 2001 Good luck Betsy! I like how you coined " myotomy club " LOL. Keep us posted. Sincerely, Elena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2001 Report Share Posted December 28, 2001 BETSY!! You go, girl! I WILL say a prayer for you and will be anxiously awaiting your first post as a myotemy club member! Best of luck to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2001 Report Share Posted December 28, 2001 Betsy, Sounds like you found a doctor you like. Don't worry about anything! You are going to feel so much better! My only regret after I booked my surgery was that I had to wait! One week seemed like a month because I just wanted to get it over with and be on the other side of it. But, you'll be there soon. Load up on books and movies before hand, cook in advance so you'll have some good soups and stuff ready to grab when you come home. Plan on enjoying your recovery by indulging yourself in laziness and relaxation and pampering yourself. A new nightgown helps too! Ask your doctor if he premedicates with pain medicine and numbing drugs at the incision sites prior to anesthesia. I'm convinced that made a ton of difference post operatively with pain. I'm really a pain wimp and I would be the first to grab medicine if I needed it. In two prior surgeries (ankle and lap hysterectomy), I don't remember having such an easy time of it. I am convinced that attitude also has a lot to do with it. Once I made up my mind to do it, I realized that worrying would do nothing positive except make me worried! I decided to let go and just trust that everything would be great. I was laughing and joking with nurses and other patients in pre-op. Afterwards, I was in the BEST mood. I marveled at how much easier this surgery was than my other two. I think this time I really WANTED surgery, whereas last time I had to do it. Big difference. This time, I was uncomfortable when I moved, but when I was still I was not in any pain. You are going to be SOOOO glad you did this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2002 Report Share Posted March 7, 2002 , You are in prayers! sounds like you are in good hands. J.C. surgery scheduled > Hi everyone, > > I haven't been posting much lately but I do continue to read the > group. I've noticed the digests do not always show up in my email, > so I think I'll go back to getting each message separately. > > After much deliberation I had a surgical consult and have now > scheduled the myotomy. It will be on Monday March 18th - less than > two weeks now. > > The surgeon was very nice and reassuring about the procedure. Said > the lap procedure was no problem for me (contrary to what my GI doc > was speculating which really caused me to think I wouldn't ever have > the surgery!) and she has done this particular surgery between 10 and > 20 times with good results and very few complications. > > She performs the partial wrap, which she said is good because no wrap > at all leads to GERD and potential higher risk of cancer due to the > constant acid exposure. The full wrap she indicated can lead to > achalasia symptom recurrence as the wrap may restrict the sphincter. > The partial wrap apparently makes it so that the LES opens when it > needs to - e.g. vomiting, but is normal the rest of the time. It > also allows free movement of the mucosa, which has been freed from > the muscle (which was cut during the procedure) and prevents it from > being restricted due to the muscle scarring or whatever. > > I'm pretty nervous because I've never had surgery before and I still > have qualms about having something like this done when it only treats > one symptom of the condition - and does not address the cause at all. > > My surgeon is Dr Toth at UW Health in Madison, WI. She seemed very > nice - great bedside manner - which is important to me. My GI doctor > said she has the best laparascopic hands in the area. > > Fingers crossed! > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2002 Report Share Posted March 7, 2002 --- Hi , Good luck with your surgery on the 18th,I will be following close behind with mine scheduled for the 28th. My surgeon also does the partial wrap for the reasons you mentioned. He is going to fix a small hiatal hernia while in there for the myotomy and said the surgery will take about 3 hours. Please let me know how you get on. Very best wishes, from Australia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2002 Report Share Posted May 24, 2002 --- tanja7007 <tbeshear@...> wrote: <HR> <html><body> <tt> Hi friends,<BR> After 10 years of managing Achalasia without treatment, I finally <BR> decided to go for the surgery. It is scheduled for June 06.<BR> Reasons for doing the surgery:<BR> 1. I am & quot;sick and tired & quot; of the symptoms, even though I learned to <BR> manage OK (under the supervision of a great GI doctor, with regular <BR> endoscopy and barium swallows to keep an eye on my esophagus). <BR> 2. Recent barium swallow showed that my & quot;A & quot; is progressing, with my <BR> esophagus widened to 5cm, the LES opening is quite small. Surgery is <BR> still very promising because the esophagus is not starting to sag yet <BR> (making in S shape, rather than going straight down). <BR> 3. I found a great surgeon locally, who is very experienced in doing <BR> the laparoscopic Heller Myotomy for & quot;A & quot;, he has done it about 50 <BR> times. He routinely does a similar surgery for people with GERD (he <BR> has done hundreds of those). He works at a very good local hospital, <BR> and encouraged me to go for the surgery at this point, before <BR> damaging the esophagus further.<BR> 4. I currently have good health insurance. (You never know).<BR> 5. I am otherwise healthy, which makes me a good candidate for <BR> surgery.<BR> 6. I want to live at least another 40 years (I am 40 already) and <BR> enjoy it.<BR> <BR> Thanks to everybody for the good discussions, info and support in <BR> this group. I'll let you know how everything goes. <BR> Tanja & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; <BR> E-mail to tbeshear@...<BR> <BR> <BR> </tt> hi I would just like to wish you well for you op. Regards Chris <br> <!-- |**|begin egp html banner|**| --> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2> <tr bgcolor=#FFFFCC> <td align=center><font size= " -1 " color=#003399><b> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 25, 2002 Report Share Posted May 25, 2002 > Hi friends, > After 10 years of managing Achalasia without treatment, I finally > decided to go for the surgery. It is scheduled for June 06. > Reasons for doing the surgery: > 1. I am " sick and tired " of the symptoms, even though I learned to > manage OK (under the supervision of a great GI doctor, with regular > endoscopy and barium swallows to keep an eye on my esophagus). > 2. Recent barium swallow showed that my " A " is progressing, with my > esophagus widened to 5cm, the LES opening is quite small. Surgery is > still very promising because the esophagus is not starting to sag yet > (making in S shape, rather than going straight down). > 3. I found a great surgeon locally, who is very experienced in doing > the laparoscopic Heller Myotomy for " A " , he has done it about 50 > times. He routinely does a similar surgery for people with GERD (he > has done hundreds of those). He works at a very good local hospital, > and encouraged me to go for the surgery at this point, before > damaging the esophagus further. > 4. I currently have good health insurance. (You never know). > 5. I am otherwise healthy, which makes me a good candidate for > surgery. > 6. I want to live at least another 40 years (I am 40 already) and > enjoy it. > > Thanks to everybody for the good discussions, info and support in > this group. I'll let you know how everything goes. > Tanja > E-mail to tbeshear@h... , I hope that you, like me, will not believe how much better you feel following your surgery. I went for my surgery right after being diagnosed as I didn't want to risk damage, either. Sounds like you are in great hands. Just think, in another few weeks you'll be eating steaks and hamburgers and corn on the cob...all those summer foods. I have had three surgeries in my life. THis one was a cakewalk compared to the other two. If you have a good surgeon, and it sounds like you really do, RELAX, spend the next few days before your surgery preparing for your restful recovery. Rent some movies, stock up on some books and CD's. get organized to pamper yourself afterwards. I probably had my " A " for about 8 years prior to diagnosis. I tried every proton pump inhibitor on the market, some with dastardly side effects for me. Now I can eat anything and Ihave no reflux. I sleep great, and I feel great. I Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 im tryng to post messages but they dont work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2002 Report Share Posted July 20, 2002 , I was just curious, who is 's surgeon? Gee I wish I still lived in KC J.C. Surgery Scheduled Well, we met with the surgeon today. Surgery is scheduled for nest Thursday, July 25. (We actually got the date earlier this week.) He wanted to push out to mid-August (his vacation), but I don't want to miss the start of the school year - we start on Aug. 19. And 7th grade is tough enough!! Anyway, he is doing the myotmy and partial anterior wrap. Not sure how I feel about the wrap. I almost thought they were going to admit him right then and there today. He had an " attack " - not sure if heartburn, spasms, or what - he's never had heartburn, so can just tell me that " it hurts. " Anyway, he turned sheet white and had to lie down for a few minutes. Ten minutes later he was fine. is scared, but also very ready for the surgery. He just wants to eat. (His " A " progressed very quickly from food sticking to regurgitating almost every bite - he eats at least 10 times what anyone else does and is still hungry. His weight fell from 82 pounds to 64 pounds in a few months). His biggest concern is food limitations - he doesn't like the instructions for no solids the entire day before the surgery, and soft foods only for two weeks after. He's just not a soup-mashed potato-pudding kid of kid. I did learn something new today - that " Achalasia " is pronouced with a hard " A " at the beginning - I'd been pronouncing with a soft " A " . And BTW - There are two 's here - me with , my 12 year old, and the one who, I believe, started the " I think I have " A " " chain - just watch those user IDs!!!! I thought I was going crazy when I was reading responses to " " that were answering questions/concerns I was pretty sure I hadn't raised!!! Thanks for you support. B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2002 Report Share Posted July 20, 2002 He will be in my prayers! Poor little guy, whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, I think of kids like him, who have had to struggle so much in their short time, and I am grateful for the relatively easy time I had for 40 years! Take care, remind us all on the 23rd or 24th. Janet - -- In achalasia@y..., " lisafromks2002 " <lbickle@k...> wrote: > Well, we met with the surgeon today. Surgery is scheduled for nest > Thursday, July 25. (We actually got the date earlier this week.) He > wanted to push out to mid-August (his vacation), but I don't want > to miss the start of the school year - we start on Aug. 19. And 7th > grade is tough enough!! > > Anyway, he is doing the myotmy and partial anterior wrap. Not sure > how I feel about the wrap. > > I almost thought they were going to admit him right then and there > today. He had an " attack " - not sure if heartburn, spasms, or what - > he's never had heartburn, so can just tell me that " it hurts. " > Anyway, he turned sheet white and had to lie down for a few minutes. > Ten minutes later he was fine. > > is scared, but also very ready for the surgery. He just wants to > eat. (His " A " progressed very quickly from food sticking to > regurgitating almost every bite - he eats at least 10 times what > anyone else does and is still hungry. His weight fell from 82 pounds > to 64 pounds in a few months). > > His biggest concern is food limitations - he doesn't like the > instructions for no solids the entire day before the surgery, and soft > foods only for two weeks after. He's just not a soup-mashed > potato-pudding kid of kid. > > I did learn something new today - that " Achalasia " is pronouced with a > hard " A " at the beginning - I'd been pronouncing with a soft " A " . > > And BTW - There are two 's here - me with , my 12 year old, > and the one who, I believe, started the " I think I have " A " " chain - > just watch those user IDs!!!! I thought I was going crazy when I was > reading responses to " " that were answering questions/concerns I > was pretty sure I hadn't raised!!! > > Thanks for you support. > > B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2002 Report Share Posted July 23, 2002 Good Luck to with the surgery!! I feel with him. I also hated the liquid diet prior to surgery. I was on 3 days liquid diet (my A was pretty bad). 2 days full liquids, 1 day clear liquids only. It really stinks, but it makes the surgery safer and the surgeon's job so much easier. My surgeon says that cleaning out the esophagus (endoscopically) takes longer than the whole surgery itself. They really need to make sure that get everything out, so nothing can get into the lungs while you are sedated. So I just figgered that there is not much I can do to " help " in the surgery other than to make the doctor's job as easy and quick as possible. Staying with the liquid diet, cutting out rough foods as early as possible, was just my little part in the surgery. (And still my doctor said he had to take the biggest tube to get all the liquids out). Surgery went well for me, no complications. And I tell you the ice- chips after surgery tasted SUPER DELICIOUS. And I LOVED the breakfast of Yello, broth and a popsicel. It went down, I was in heaven! Don't worry about the soft foods diet afterwards. I had not much appetite right after surgery. You need a couple of days anyway to get your system back into gears. And anything will taste super delicious. So much, that after 6 weeks I gained already 10 pounds (which I needed). So all the best wishes to , he will do just fine. The laparoscopic surgery is almost nothing compared to having to deal with A on a daily basis. My heart goes out to you and all the parents who care for their sick kids and suffer with them. Take good care of yourself. Relax as much as you can, it helps your kid relax too. Do something good for just yourself, take care of your own needs once in a while. You deserve it, you are a great mom!!! Tanja > Well, we met with the surgeon today. Surgery is scheduled for nest > Thursday, July 25. (We actually got the date earlier this week.) He > wanted to push out to mid-August (his vacation), but I don't want > to miss the start of the school year - we start on Aug. 19. And 7th > grade is tough enough!! > > Anyway, he is doing the myotmy and partial anterior wrap. Not sure > how I feel about the wrap. > > I almost thought they were going to admit him right then and there > today. He had an " attack " - not sure if heartburn, spasms, or what - > he's never had heartburn, so can just tell me that " it hurts. " > Anyway, he turned sheet white and had to lie down for a few minutes. > Ten minutes later he was fine. > > is scared, but also very ready for the surgery. He just wants to > eat. (His " A " progressed very quickly from food sticking to > regurgitating almost every bite - he eats at least 10 times what > anyone else does and is still hungry. His weight fell from 82 pounds > to 64 pounds in a few months). > > His biggest concern is food limitations - he doesn't like the > instructions for no solids the entire day before the surgery, and soft > foods only for two weeks after. He's just not a soup-mashed > potato-pudding kid of kid. > > I did learn something new today - that " Achalasia " is pronouced with a > hard " A " at the beginning - I'd been pronouncing with a soft " A " . > > And BTW - There are two 's here - me with , my 12 year old, > and the one who, I believe, started the " I think I have " A " " chain - > just watch those user IDs!!!! I thought I was going crazy when I was > reading responses to " " that were answering questions/concerns I > was pretty sure I hadn't raised!!! > > Thanks for you support. > > B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2003 Report Share Posted December 2, 2003 Hi Jane, Glad to hear that the surgery will be a short one!. I have a question for you and anyone else that would like to comment. My son is about 5 wks. post-op and will be having a tube put in, in about 3-4 wks. He is considering putting a long lasting one in this time and I wondered how youve done with yours? Ive read that there is a higher rate of perforation to the eardrum, and more scarring can occur. He had a large amount of scarring after his first surgery, which led the need for another surgery after the eardrum collapsed again. All of this happened in a span of 6 months. Thankfully no C-toma the 2nd time around. I guess Id just like to hear what you and others think about the difference between the different types of tubes. I will of course discuss this with our Doctor before we have this done, but I value anyones input before hand. I always learn so much from the group. Thanks, Sincerely, Renonda (s Mom) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2003 Report Share Posted December 2, 2003 Hi Renonda, I've agreed with my doc regarding tubes for me because my eustacian tubes have never worked like they were suposed to. My left has had a tube for 2 years now and my right one had one for 18 months following my initial c-toma surgery. (now 3 years ago.) I almost feel a hole in my ear is better than my ear drum being sucked back all the time. Anytime I would have sinus problems (often) or go to a higher altitude (often, I live in Colorado and love going into the mountains) my ears won't adjust and I have to " pop " them. And sometimes it won't work so my ears hurt till I manage to equalize the pressure. I do get problems with high pitched womens voices on the phone and hand clapping. They seem to bore into my head. With all my " pro " reasons for going ahead with tubes - I'm 45 years old. If I was doing it with a young child (mine's now 18 and has healthy ears) I would have to think a lot harder especially since you have said he had already had problems with scaring. I would have a long heart to heart with your doctor telling him your concerns and see if you agree with his answers. A lot of the ear problems children have they do grow out of, but not always. My son had a few ear infections as a child and now he never has one. I had them a lot when I was young. The ear infections became much less frequent but my eustacian tube never started working correctly and so I developed a C-toma, in one ear only, and it was my better ear! The tubes do restrict me some. They limit my underwater play, and I have to be careful when I'm in water to not go under (or get pushed under). As I mentioned above certain sounds are painful. I know that there is some thought out there that tube encourage c-toma's to start, but they can also help keep them from happening too. Jane >From: nonnykay1@... >Reply-cholesteatoma >cholesteatoma >Subject: Re: Surgery Scheduled >Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2003 15:43:29 EST > >Hi Jane, >Glad to hear that the surgery will be a short one!. I have a question for >you >and anyone else that would like to comment. My son is about 5 wks. >post-op and will be having a tube put in, in about 3-4 wks. He is >considering >putting a long lasting one in this time and I wondered how youve done with >yours? Ive read that there is a higher rate of perforation to the eardrum, >and more >scarring can occur. He had a large amount of scarring after his first >surgery, which led the need for another surgery after the eardrum collapsed >again. >All of this happened in a span of 6 months. Thankfully no C-toma the 2nd >time >around. I guess Id just like to hear what you and others think about the >difference between the different types of tubes. I will of course discuss >this with >our Doctor before we have this done, but I value anyones input before hand. >I >always learn so much from the group. >Thanks, >Sincerely, >Renonda >(s Mom) _________________________________________________________________ Share holiday photos without swamping your Inbox. Get MSN Extra Storage now! http://join.msn.com/?PAGE=features/es Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2003 Report Share Posted December 2, 2003 Jane, Good luck to you. Glad it will be a quickie. Michele, Group ModeratorJane Blanchard <tribble7@...> wrote: Hi all,I went to see my Doctor yesterday and have scheduled surgery for January 9th. This surgery will be a quick one. I'll probably be under for less than an hour. I should be back at work on Monday.He will peel back the ear drum in my bad ear to see why the prosthetic isn't working as well as it had been. He may replace it, may reset it, and he may nick some cartlidge from my ear to put behind the ear drum. He also may or may not replace the tube that is currently in that ear. It's been there 2 years now. He will also be putting a long lasting tube in my good ear since my eustacian tube still doesn't work very well. So when I wake up I'll be hard of hearing in both ears! At least this time I'll be prepared for how poorly I will be able to hear for a short time.Jane_________________________________________________________________Is there a gadget-lover on your gift list? MSN Shopping has lined up some good bets! http://shopping.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2003 Report Share Posted December 2, 2003 Hi Jane, I wish you much luck with your surgery. I know not hearing will be a challange for you. It is hard on every one. I have hearing imparment. I taught my husband basic sign when we married. So it does make it much nicer to communicate. Hope you have a fast recovery and you get your sound back soon! > Hi all, > > I went to see my Doctor yesterday and have scheduled surgery for January > 9th. This surgery will be a quick one. I'll probably be under for less than > an hour. I should be back at work on Monday. > > He will peel back the ear drum in my bad ear to see why the prosthetic isn't > working as well as it had been. He may replace it, may reset it, and he may > nick some cartlidge from my ear to put behind the ear drum. He also may or > may not replace the tube that is currently in that ear. It's been there 2 > years now. He will also be putting a long lasting tube in my good ear since > my eustacian tube still doesn't work very well. So when I wake up I'll be > hard of hearing in both ears! At least this time I'll be prepared for how > poorly I will be able to hear for a short time. > > Jane > > _________________________________________________________________ > Is there a gadget-lover on your gift list? MSN Shopping has lined up some > good bets! http://shopping.msn.com > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2003 Report Share Posted December 3, 2003 Hi Jane All the best for the surgery... Lorna > Hi all, > > I went to see my Doctor yesterday and have scheduled surgery for January > 9th. This surgery will be a quick one. I'll probably be under for less than > an hour. I should be back at work on Monday. > > He will peel back the ear drum in my bad ear to see why the prosthetic isn't > working as well as it had been. He may replace it, may reset it, and he may > nick some cartlidge from my ear to put behind the ear drum. He also may or > may not replace the tube that is currently in that ear. It's been there 2 > years now. He will also be putting a long lasting tube in my good ear since > my eustacian tube still doesn't work very well. So when I wake up I'll be > hard of hearing in both ears! At least this time I'll be prepared for how > poorly I will be able to hear for a short time. > > Jane > > _________________________________________________________________ > Is there a gadget-lover on your gift list? MSN Shopping has lined up some > good bets! http://shopping.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2005 Report Share Posted May 16, 2005 Hello Charmaine: Welcome Back. I just posted to Dr. Bessell. I think it is terrific that he came on line. Thanks for recommending the group to him. He sure sounds like he knows what this is all about. I am very happy that you found such an experienced Doctor. How many surgeries has he done on Achalasia? I had my Lab Hellers on March 16, 2005, so I will hit 9 weeks this Wednesday. I am 57 years old with a few other health issues (diabetes and possibly Mysathesia Gravis), so I may have a different outcome than you. However, I feel mine was VERY positive. I was in the hospital 4 days (3 nights). My Surgeon was Dr. Luketich, who has done many of these surgeries and I feel he was excellent. When I came home, I was able to do almost everything for myself ... EXCEPT lift anything more than 10 pounds for 3 weeks, not permitted to take a bath for 6 weeks (a shower was fine as soon as I got home) ... I limited the amount of time on the stairs, not permitted to drive for 3 weeks. Although I found myself to get tired quickly, I really did not feel all that bad. No one was at my home with me, but I was very limited on the foods that I was permitted, so it was just a matter of going to the fridge for something to eat. Pain was minimal. The air they put in the abdomen circulates to the shoulder area and that is uncomfortable, but certainly not devasting. I had liquids for 3 days in the hospital, and puddings, soups, ensure, etc when I came home for 2 weeks. My first " real " food was scrambled eggs and tasted heavenly! I cut my food absurdly small and chew it to death, but I really do not want to get anything stuck, so although it is annoying, I personally feel it to be worth it. I thought I was experiencing Heartburn before my surgery, but I am now assuming that it was spasms. I have had 12 of them since my surgery ... I do not feel that is that bad. My spasms, however, are terrible ... about 2 hours long. I find walking around helps me, but it still takes a long time. Mine are in my chest area and jaw. I posted about this earlier, so I do not want to go on and on about it. This is still about the same amount of spasms in the time frame as before the surgery. My doctor said if they continue or become more frequent, I am to call him and he will decide if I may need a dialation. At this point, I do not feel that is the case. Charmaine, the difference in my life post myotomy is unbelievable. I would not hesitate to do it again. I was quite nervous and I was horribly sick before. (I had lost 50 pounds in 14 weeks). I am very grateful that there are doctors such as Dr. Luketich who could help me. I wish you the very best. I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Good Luck. Kathie in Pennsylvania > Hi Everyone > > I just wanted to let you all know that I'm scheduled to have my lap > Heller on 1 June. I'll be having my surgery performed by Dr > Bessell (who has recently joined our group and posted a very > informative article on Achalasia) in Adelaide. > > I was wondering if I could trouble those of you who have had a Lap > Myotomy for some advice. > > How long before you were walking around comfortably post-op? How > long was your hospital stay? Were your spasms (if you suffer from > them)worse or less frequent post op. And finally, how long before > you were eating solids? > > If I could get as many replies as possible I can get an idea of what > to expect. > > Cheers everyone > Charmaine in Liverpool, UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2005 Report Share Posted May 16, 2005 blackshinydog wrote: > How long before you were walking around comfortably post-op? How > long was your hospital stay? Were your spasms (if you suffer from > them)worse or less frequent post op. And finally, how long before > you were eating solids? Good luck Charmaine - I hope it goes really well. I'm going to answer from Stephi's point of view because children don't have any preconceptions and are used to just getting on with life, without thinking 'I'm in hospital/just had an op therefore I should be ill'. So: Wed 2pm - surgery Wed 4.30pm - return to ward Wed/Thur overnight - knocked oxygen mask off a zillion times due to itchy nose caused by diamorphine (heroin) pain relief. Lack of oxygen led to reduced O2 levels, led to alarm going off, mum jumping out of bed and putting mask back on. Thurs early am - reduction in painkiller - diamorphine drip turned down to low level on understanding it can be turned up if necessary Thurs 9am. Ward round. Stephi asks for Yorkshire pudding and gravy for breakfast. Doc says toast and butter best we can do. :-((( Eats lots of toast. Lunch - eats lousy hospital food Tea/Supper - asks my mum to fetch ham and pickle wrap from Sainsburys down the road as hospital tea not enough Thurs evening - annoyed at having to drag drip stand round, goes to play 'Frustration' (how apt!) in the play area with her dad, my sis, sis's boyfriend, and me (looking on - it's a 4 player game). Fri am - all drips removed. Leaves ward. Stopped by surgeon - where are you going? To get some decent breakfast. OK - you're out later today then instead of tomorrow. 4pm-ish - Leave hospital (on reflection, a little sore on abdomen as slightly stooped on photos of leaving). 5 days later. Removed dressings (steristrips?) at family bbq where she's playing on climbing frame, running round garden playing with water hose. Slight redness on one wound - antibiotics next morning from GP 9 days-ish post op. Went to fun day at Kew Gardens. She was upset cos she couldn't roll down the hill with her friends cos she was feeling a bit sore. After this I don't remember anything other than Steph being Steph. FWIW, I have already mentioned I had a c-section with Steph. I didn't know I was uspposed to behave in any particular way post surgery, as my c-section was unplanned. Consequently I astounded everyone with my recovery as I was up and about the next day. I didn't do so well later on though - not sure if that was down to CS or just having a baby! But it's so important to listen to your body. Don't kid yourself you're up for it when you aren't and don't lie around doing nothing 'cos I'm ill'. Just live :-) It's not a dress rehearsal. Once again, good luck -- Sue Nottm UK -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.10 - Release Date: 13/05/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 > Hi Everyone I have similiar questions more specifically on eating after words. My surgery is shooting for May 27/05 by Dr. M Anvari in Hamilton. > > I just wanted to let you all know that I'm scheduled to have my lap > Heller on 1 June. I'll be having my surgery performed by Dr > Bessell (who has recently joined our group and posted a very > informative article on Achalasia) in Adelaide. > > I was wondering if I could trouble those of you who have had a Lap > Myotomy for some advice. > > How long before you were walking around comfortably post-op? How > long was your hospital stay? Were your spasms (if you suffer from > them)worse or less frequent post op. And finally, how long before > you were eating solids? > > If I could get as many replies as possible I can get an idea of what > to expect. > > Cheers everyone > Charmaine in Liverpool, UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 This is how it happened for me: Wednesday 1.30pm surgery 4.30 back in the ward, struggling to stay awake. Oxygen mask on, drip in. First spasm at 5.30pm, given morphine and anti nausea med. In and out of sleep for the rest of the day. Thursday - More morphine because of bad spasm at 4pm in the morning. Drip still in, oxygen mask off, got up and had a shower in the morning. Able to walk around but not comfortably because of drip and still very tired. Given VERY small sips of water all day. Dinner time given jelly, broth and tea (Clear fluids). They wanted to make sure that I could tolerate clear fluids before going onto free fluids the next day. I was given anti nausea medication regularly because it was extremely important that I didnt vomit - dry reach.) Friday - Still tired, still had drip in, asked if I could go home, wanted me to stay one more night but then said that I could go home after lunch if I could tolerate it and then needed to speak to a dietition. Breakfast had porridge and tea. Lunch time, had pureed meat, pureed potato and broccoli, custard. Once I proved that I was ok they then took the drip out. Went home. Was able to walk around fine. Very tired, was given plenty of pain medication throughout and tummy was very tender. Went home and rested. Had soup and custard for dinner. Next 4 days I ate lots of soup, porridge, custard, jelly and ice cream and mashed vegetables. After 7 days I had porridge, mashed potato with gravy, pureed steak, pureed roast beef, cooked vegetables, hamburgers that I fork mashed and added gravy, meatloaf fork mashed with gravy. Tried waffles with lots of maple syrup and ice cream cut into tiny pieces. Lots of custard, creamed rice. Spasms - Before surgery I had regular spasms usually at night, after surgery they were worse. I was given medication to take home, and some of them were stopped with water. After about a week they subsided. I now havent had a spasm for about 4 days which is unusual for me. Biljana > > Hi Everyone > I have similiar questions more specifically on eating after words. My surgery is shooting > for May 27/05 by Dr. M Anvari in Hamilton. > > > > > > I just wanted to let you all know that I'm scheduled to have my lap > > Heller on 1 June. I'll be having my surgery performed by Dr > > Bessell (who has recently joined our group and posted a very > > informative article on Achalasia) in Adelaide. > > > > I was wondering if I could trouble those of you who have had a Lap > > Myotomy for some advice. > > > > How long before you were walking around comfortably post-op? How > > long was your hospital stay? Were your spasms (if you suffer from > > them)worse or less frequent post op. And finally, how long before > > you were eating solids? > > > > If I could get as many replies as possible I can get an idea of what > > to expect. > > > > Cheers everyone > > Charmaine in Liverpool, UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 I was off of work for 1 week after my lap Heller's. I was in hospital for three day I think. It was not that bad at all and I resumed all my normal activities within a couple of weeks. in Suffolk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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