Guest guest Posted May 22, 2004 Report Share Posted May 22, 2004 Congrats on your successful surgery! If you don't mind, would you be willing to add your surgeon to the database here? achalasia/database?method=reportRows & tbl=1 That way anyone in the future will be able to see a doctor recommendation, even if they don't happen to see your post. Hope that everything continues to go great for you! Debbi in Michigan > Had my hellers myotomy at mount sinai hospital in nyc two months > ago....my only complaint is not having done it earlier. The > surgeon's specialty was in thoracic surgery, but he does about two > of these surgeries a month. > > The surgery was not difficult. I'm told the the surgery took four > hours - In recovery, I had only minor pain from the sutures, but > much less than other surgeries that I have had. Three days to get > out of the hospital, mostly waiting for the anestesia to wear off so > that they could remove the catheter. > > Anyone afraid of this surgery shouldn't be...It's one of the easier > ones, and you feel better almost immediately. > > Within two weeks of the surgery, I was able to eat pretty much > anything that I wanted. I still have to wash down everything with > warm or hot water, but I can eat anything..... > > Only a few remaining problems (ones that I can live with) > - I have to take anti-reflux medication (for the rest of my > life) , - > - I sleep with a 'wedge' under my pillow, > - If I sleep on my side, even for a few minutes, I get heartburn > severe enough to wake me, and send me down to the refrigerator for > some ice cream. (a little bit of ice cream does the trick) > - When I eat, if I don't wash it down with warm or hot water, it > doen't go down. > > If anyone wants the name of my surgeon, send me an e-mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2008 Report Share Posted January 31, 2008 Dear Bob Meador I agree totally - I had surgery by Dr. Rice on December 5 2007 and am eating pretty much anything, still some no, nos to work through. I also got a second opinion from Dr. Rice. Thanks - Millie in Virginiameaderrobe <meaderrobe@...> wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2008 Report Share Posted January 31, 2008 Congratulations Bob! I'm very happy to hear of yet another success story. I'm so glad you took the time to post. I'm sure there are several people who have a successful surgery and shortly "quit" our wonderful group. Personally, I am here to offer advice based on my experience after my two open myotomies and my esophagectomy on October 1st, 2007. As I sit here eating my jumbo cashews (my protein snack that I chew completely until they are mush) I am extremely grateful to have had such an amazing Doctor. Dr. Gehman is from London, Ontario and transferred to Thunder Bay last year to become our only gastroenterologist in our new hospital. I would highly recommend him to anyone in Ontario. I am seeing him again on February 19th, and I'm hoping he will give me permission to jog and do sit-ups. Gaining weight has been way too easy! Thanks again for letting us know how well you are doing, Thunder Bay, Ontario achalasia From: meaderrobe@...Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:49:22 +0000Subject: Successful Surgery Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hi Bob Meader, Thank you for your update. Posts like this are very helpful to people who are still in the decision process of what to do and where to go. Isn´t it a wonderful feeling to feel your food go down for the first time after surgery. I will never forget that experience! So special to achalasions, so normal for the rest of the world. Best wishes from HollandAstrid Successful Surgery Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Millie, I am glad that you emailed me. I am very happy you have had successful surgery but I am curious as to your no no's. Also when did you have your surgery? God Bless you! Bob Re: Successful Surgery Dear Bob Meador I agree totally - I had surgery by Dr. Rice on December 5 2007 and am eating pretty much anything, still some no, nos to work through. I also got a second opinion from Dr. Rice. Thanks - Millie in Virginiameaderrobe <meaderrobe (DOT) com> wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 , Thanks for the response. Interestingly Dr. Rice is from Canada so I can't vote for him for President. There are so few choices these days. I don't know by medical terms what you had done, but glad to hear that you are gaining weight. Good luck on the pending exercise. Stay toasty warm in Ontario! Bob Successful Surgery Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Astrid, Thank you for the response. The decision for me to have surgery was very easy. I had such significant pain while eating that something had to be done. Perhaps I placed too much trust in the doctor but my research indicted that my Doctor - Tom Rice was outstanding. So I made the decision and scheduled the surgery. I am deeply Christian so I prayed to Christ and he guided my decision. The first time I ate after surgery was an over ripened bannana and yogurt so it was uneventful. Nonetheless, I have been so pleased with the results and Dr. Rice! I believe it is a two fold decision. First the individual must decided on a competent, experienced surgeon, then decide to actually do it. I encourage everyone to pray about all decision in life, not simply achalasia surgery. To conclude I have never heard the term 'achalasions' before but it certainly makes sense. God bless you! Bob Successful Surgery Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 I am a believer of praying before any decisions in my life as well so I applaud you for seeking guidance be Blessed > > Astrid, > > Thank you for the response. The decision for me to have surgery was very easy. I had such significant pain while eating that something had to be done. Perhaps I placed too much trust in the doctor but my research indicted that my Doctor - Tom Rice was outstanding. So I made the decision and scheduled the surgery. I am deeply Christian so I prayed to Christ and he guided my decision. The first time I ate after surgery was an over ripened bannana and yogurt so it was uneventful. Nonetheless, I have been so pleased with the results and Dr. Rice! > > I believe it is a two fold decision. First the individual must decided on a competent, experienced surgeon, then decide to actually do it. I encourage everyone to pray about all decision in life, not simply achalasia surgery. > > To conclude I have never heard the term 'achalasions' before but it certainly makes sense. > > God bless you! > > Bob > > > > > Successful Surgery > > > Ladies and Gentlemen, > > I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, > Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three > alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short > time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for > the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland > Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the > relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am > now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire > experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, > techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this > horrible disease to always get a second opinion. > > God Bless each and everyone of you. > > Bob Meader > > > > > > > > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Looking for last minute shopping deals? > Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 Hi Bob I had my surgery on Dec 5, 2007 and the no nos were for the first two weeks and gradually adding into my diet. Peanut Butter, soft drinks, dry meats, etc. were just a few items they told me to be careful of, I am thinking it was to give my E time to heal and also for acid reflux possibilities. Currently, after 8 weeks going on 9, I am eating just about everything except oranges and they are a little too acid currently, no indigestions, just burns and feels a little uncomfortable. I will try again in a couple of weeks. I go back tomorrow, for check-up and 2 days of testing. God Bless - Millie in VA Meader <meaderrobe@...> wrote: Millie, I am glad that you emailed me. I am very happy you have had successful surgery but I am curious as to your no no's. Also when did you have your surgery? God Bless you! Bob Re: Successful Surgery Dear Bob Meador I agree totally - I had surgery by Dr. Rice on December 5 2007 and am eating pretty much anything, still some no, nos to work through. I also got a second opinion from Dr. Rice. Thanks - Millie in Virginiameaderrobe <meaderrobe (DOT) com> wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Never miss a thing. Make your homepage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 I am happy for you, and good luck. How much did it cost you? D Mahli Successful Surgery Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 The surgery cost just under $38,000.00 in total after my insurance picked up its' portion, so far it has cost me approximately $500.00. Obviously I am very blessed to have such good insurance. Bob Successful Surgery Ladies and Gentlemen,I was diagnosed with achalasia over one year ago. I live in Columbus, Ohio and went to a surgeon here who provided me with three alternatives. 1) Get a balloon treatment that would only last a short time, 2) Have him do surgery or 3) Get a second opinion. I opted for the third and on November 28, 2007 I had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Tom Rice. Words are poor instruments to describe the relief I have experienced from and through his wonderful surgery. I am now back to pre achalasia digestion. I am so thankful for my entire experience at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Rice, his team, the nurses, techs, and support staff. I would encourage anyone suffering from this horrible disease to always get a second opinion. God Bless each and everyone of you.Bob Meader Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Never miss a thing. Make your homepage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I had my second surgery on Tuesday, and other than having a nasty headache (rebound from anesthesia and vicadan I think) I'm doing great. The surgeon found only one polyp, and was able to remove the rest of the active infection. The maxillary and ephnoid sinuses were full of scar tissue from the infection and she modified some areas that were malformed and ossified. For those of you on Kaiser in Denver, I definately liked this doctor - Dr. Phyllis Bouvier. She used the stealth procedure and I don't feel really banged up the way I did the last time I had surgery. I didn't need packing this time, and I think that helped. I've got a call in to get my desensitization done now that the surgery is behind me. I think the fact that I only had one polyp is good news that I've been doing the right things to manage my illness. Hopefully the refurbished sinuses will be less likely to get infected and I will be able to hold steady for a good long while. Thanks for all the support. Jennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2009 Report Share Posted May 17, 2009 Great news, Jennie! Can you tell me which clinich Dr. Bouvier works in? I might get the septum surgery & polypectomy next fall, and while my ENT seems like a good guy, I'd be more comfortable going to someone recommended by the group. Jane has some good recommendations for docs at National Jewish, but I can't remember who she saw for her surgery. Becca > > ________________________________ > From: " gypsymouse@... " <jratico@...> > samters > Sent: Saturday, 16 May, 2009 1:09:37 > Subject: successful surgery > > > > > > I had my second surgery on Tuesday, and other than having a nasty headache (rebound from anesthesia and vicadan I think) I'm doing great. The surgeon found only one polyp, and was able to remove the rest of the active infection. The maxillary and ephnoid sinuses were full of scar tissue from the infection and she modified some areas that were malformed and ossified. For those of you on Kaiser in Denver, I definately liked this doctor - Dr. Phyllis Bouvier. She used the stealth procedure and I don't feel really banged up the way I did the last time I had surgery. I didn't need packing this time, and I think that helped. > > I've got a call in to get my desensitization done now that the surgery is behind me. I think the fact that I only had one polyp is good news that I've been doing the right things to manage my illness. Hopefully the refurbished sinuses will be less likely to get infected and I will be able to hold steady for a good long while. > > Thanks for all the support. > > Jennie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Becca, Dr. Phyllis Bouvier is at the lin Kaiser Clinic. It took a while to get in with her, but that seems true for all the ENT's at Kaiser. Jennie > > Great news, Jennie! Can you tell me which clinich Dr. Bouvier works in? I might get the septum surgery & polypectomy next fall, and while my ENT seems like a good guy, I'd be more comfortable going to someone recommended by the group. Jane has some good recommendations for docs at National Jewish, but I can't remember who she saw for her surgery. > > Becca > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: " gypsymouse@ " <jratico@> > > samters > > Sent: Saturday, 16 May, 2009 1:09:37 > > Subject: successful surgery > > > > > > > > > > > > I had my second surgery on Tuesday, and other than having a nasty headache (rebound from anesthesia and vicadan I think) I'm doing great. The surgeon found only one polyp, and was able to remove the rest of the active infection. The maxillary and ephnoid sinuses were full of scar tissue from the infection and she modified some areas that were malformed and ossified. For those of you on Kaiser in Denver, I definately liked this doctor - Dr. Phyllis Bouvier. She used the stealth procedure and I don't feel really banged up the way I did the last time I had surgery. I didn't need packing this time, and I think that helped. > > > > I've got a call in to get my desensitization done now that the surgery is behind me. I think the fact that I only had one polyp is good news that I've been doing the right things to manage my illness. Hopefully the refurbished sinuses will be less likely to get infected and I will be able to hold steady for a good long while. > > > > Thanks for all the support. > > > > Jennie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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