New Here

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. You’ve come to

a really great place for information and support. I think we’re all a

pretty wonderful group of people here, sometimes more like a family.

In answer to your questions about time off

of work; If everything goes well with your surgery you

should be in and out in 2 days. You are young and shouldn’t have a

problem with recovery, you’ll probably bounce right back, but to be on

the safe side, just in case of complications, you might expect up to a week in

the hospital and 2-3 weeks recovery. I had complications, my E perforated due

to a lot of scar tissue, but my surgeon was able to keep my surgery Lap and

didn’t have to open me up. I was in the hospital for a week and my

recovery was a bit longer. I was doing my grocery shopping 2 weeks after having

surgery, but I nearly passed out in the store. It wasn’t easy. I also remember

going to the fair a little over a month after having surgery. It was hot (104)

and I felt really weak and needed to go home, however I’m 20 years older

than you are.

Being a full time student myself, if I was

to put my surgery experience into the whole school scenario, I think the most

difficult part of going to school post surgery would be walking across campus

to get to my classes. It can be a long walk if you can’t find a good

place to park!

Also, I don’t know if you do any

lifting at school, but you shouldn’t plan on doing any lifting for around

6 weeks after having your surgery. Carrying all your books to your classes

could be a strain, but maybe your friends could help. Just some things to think

about!

Summer break is coming up, could you wait

that long?

Good luck at your appt on Friday!

Take Care, , I wish you all the best.

Sandi

in No CA

New here

Hi all, I joined the group a few days ago and have

kind of been

lurking. Just enjoying the messages and learning

alot. I was

diagnosed with " A " only a few weeks ago,

though I have had it for

about 2 years (my last doctor was a total quack

and never once

questioned why the anti-reflux meds were't

working.... i switched

docs and after 3 months of constant tests got an

answer!!!). Once

the diagnosis was made, my doc recommended a

dialation. I got

online, did alot of research and decided to have

the Heller instead

(I am only 27 and learned that the dialation is

less effective on

those under 40). I discussed it with him,

and he was thrilled that

I went out and got info to make a truly INFORMED

dicision. I have

an appointment on Friday with the surgeon and we

will schedule the

Heller then. I never thought I would be

anxious to have surgery

*grin* I am just looking forward to

drinking a nice big glass of

ice water (mostly ice) LOL. Like many

others I am on the Ensure

and soup diet right now, and though I love the

weight loss, I can't

wait to be able to eat again.

Just a few questions.... with the Lap

Heller, I know they say 2

weeks out of work... what about school? I am a

full time student and

can't afford to miss that much school.

Also, is " A " covered under the

Americans with Disabilities Act?

Someone told me to look into that, so the college

cant drop me for

missing too many days due to Dr.s appts.

Thanks ya'll so much for making me feel

less nervous and alone.

in NC

[Guest guest]

A couple of thoughts from Debbi....

I think the most difficult part of going to school post surgery would be walking across campus to get to my classes. It can be a long walk if you can’t find a good place to park!

I'm not sure of the laws in each state, but I believe you can get a temporary handicapper permit w/ a doctor's excuse. I know my brother had one for a couple months after some knee surgery --- they just put a date on it to expire based on the doc's note.

Carrying all your books to your classes could be a strain, but maybe your friends could help.

A little rolling "pilot's case" (luggage) would do the job, too! )Deb

[Guest guest]

Re: New here

Debbi wrote:

I'm

not sure of the laws in each state, but I believe you can get a temporary

handicapper permit w/ a doctor's excuse. I know my brother had one for a

couple months after some knee surgery --- they just put a date on it to expire

based on the doc's note.

Good points Debbi… I was wondering if you could get a temporary

handicap permit, that’s good to know!

A little rolling

" pilot's case " (luggage) would do the job, too! )

I hate those rolling cases myself, they can be difficult to maneuver,

and you’ve got that shoulder pain going on from the gas they inflate you

with…I was hurting for about a month

because

of the gas! It would definitely be

something to consider as an option, but I think it would be difficult having to

drag that around after having surgery!

Well, I’m going to be late for school if I don’t get out the

door. I have a final in my class from H… today! :-(

Have a nice day everyone!

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome! you will definitely find support here. Lots of knowledge and

total understanding you will find within this group. I'm still one of

the newbies here, lots of times I just read to gain knowledge. Ask

any question you might have, someone will always respond.

I came across the same situation about dilation vs. surgery. I did

much research and decided on surgery as well, and 98% of it came from

this group.

Keep us posted!

Again, Welcome,

Genia in Michigan

[Guest guest]

Maggie, right now I go to the local community college, but will

transfer to UNC-CH Fall of '05

> , well come to the group. I have not had

> the Heller and can't answer your questions

> but glad you found us and was able to research

> this disease and know what you wanted.

>

> Some of the members here who have had the

> surgery can probably answer your questions

> about attending classes. I would certainly ask

> the surgeon about that when you see him as well.

>

>

> Where do you attend school? I have a granddaughter who attends

UNC at Chapel

> Hill.

> I think the quarter there will be over in April

> and if you don't go during the summer quarter,

> as Cindi said maybe you could schedule it then.

>

> Please let us know what the surgeon says.

>

> Hugs,

> Maggie

> Alabama

[Guest guest]

WElcome - What part of PA? My husbands family is from

Bradford/Smethport.

How long have you had A? Did the dilation and botox just not work

for you?

Only suggestion I have is when you are with the surgeon ask, ask,

ask - any and all questions that come to your mind. Be your own best

advocate and do what FEELS right. All A sufferers have different

symptoms and find different treatments work for them, experiment and

stick with what works for you.

Good luck, let us all know how your appointment on the 20th goes.

- in Va. Beach

> I am new here. My name is . I live In PA. After dilation and

> botox my gastroenterologist has referred me to a surgen and

> reconmended a lap heller myotomy (I hope the spelling is right).

The

> surgen he reconmended is Dr. Koren. His specialty is the

> weight loss surgerys but supossibly he does this surgery as well. I

> meet with him on the 20th of this month. I am very nervous about

the

> whole procedure and my recovery. I have never been under general

> before, just the twilight with the demerol and The other stuff that

> makes you forget everything. My mind is drawing a blank. I also

have

> a almost 3 year old daughter at home so that alone makes me

nervous.

> Any suggestions? Anyone else live in my area?

>

>

[Guest guest]

What part of PA?

I live in Easton, PA

How long have you had A?

I want to guess I have had it just over a year, maybe a year

and a half but I have had issues all my life but had no idea

what it was.

Did the dilation and botox just not work for you?

The dialation and botox worked but both not for long. My doc

doesn't want to put more scaring there since it would make

for a harder surgery later.

I figured this was the esiest way to answer the questions

without leaving the whole message there, or not at all.

[Guest guest]

-Hi

I know there are some members from your area.I live in Southern

Ohio.I go through PA to visit my daughter in NY but don't know alot

about the area.How many dilations and botox have you had? I have not

had botox or surgery.You probably need to find out how many lap

Heller Myotomies he has done? Keep in touch.You are in a good place

to get answers. Sherry from Ohio

-- In achalasia , " " <lgallin@r...> wrote:

> I am new here. My name is . I live In PA. After dilation and

> botox my gastroenterologist has referred me to a surgen and

> reconmended a lap heller myotomy (I hope the spelling is right).

The

> surgen he reconmended is Dr. Koren. His specialty is the

> weight loss surgerys but supossibly he does this surgery as well. I

> meet with him on the 20th of this month. I am very nervous about

the

> whole procedure and my recovery. I have never been under general

> before, just the twilight with the demerol and The other stuff that

> makes you forget everything. My mind is drawing a blank. I also

have

> a almost 3 year old daughter at home so that alone makes me

nervous.

> Any suggestions? Anyone else live in my area?

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/10/2004 2:42:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time, lgallin@... writes:

I am new here. My name is . I live In PA. After dilation and botox my gastroenterologist has referred me to a surgen and reconmended a lap heller myotomy (I hope the spelling is right). The surgen he reconmended is Dr. Koren. His specialty is the weight loss surgerys but supossibly he does this surgery as well. I meet with him on the 20th of this month. I am very nervous about the whole procedure and my recovery. I have never been under general before, just the twilight with the demerol and The other stuff that makes you forget everything. My mind is drawing a blank. I also have a almost 3 year old daughter at home so that alone makes me nervous. Any suggestions? Anyone else live in my area?

,

Welcome.

There are many members from your area, I'm sure by now, your post has already been answered! Sounds like you have good doctor care, but you want to find out from the surgeon how experienced he is! That seems to be a leading indicator on the outcome of the surgery.

Good luck and welcome.

Jan from NKY

[Guest guest]

A couple dilations and one Botox. All 3 didn't last long at

all. I also have mild cerebral palsy so that will cause

those things not working well. I see a neurologist along

with my GI for my A.

[Guest guest]

,

My wife, (also a member of this board), had surgery performed by Dr. Rice at the CCF in Sept of 2002. She has only had 2 dilation's since then. So we consider it a very successful surgery considering where she was before.

She is the Co-Founder, along with Mueller IV(also of this board) of the website achalasia.us You can read their stories and others plus much more informationi on that site.

Hope that helps.

- Husband of

On 1/12/07, <slaffer@...> wrote:

Hi all.I'm new here and looking for advice with achalasia. I originally gotsymptoms a little less then a year ago and went to see my doctor. Hewas unsure and sent me for tests while everyone else thought I had

some type of eating disorder (anorexia, bulimic, etc.). The testsindicated there was something wrong and referred to another local"specialist". There the doctor sent me to more tests over the courseof months and came up with achalasia. He offered me 3 options, botox,

surgery or nothing. I did nothing for the time being and pursued thisand found Dr Rice at the Cleveland Clinic. There he ran more tests andconfirmed that in fact it was achalasia. We explored the options and I

found out in fact that botox was not right for me (being a male, 25)could have future complications, while there was a balloon dilationoption. That had its risks and moderate success rate and finely wediscussed the surgery. That is the option that I have now elected to

do toward the end of next month. I have done some reach and spoke thedoctor about the procedure but any information or experiences withthis would help me.It's going to be:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100143_5.htmThanks,

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our not so little group anymore, LOL we have tons of

members and a lot of knowledgeable members here that I’m sure are more then

willing to help you with any questions you may have.  So ask away and we will

all do our best!!!

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Friday, January 12, 2007 1:26 PM

achalasia

Subject: New here

Hi all.

I’m new here and looking for advice with achalasia. I originally got

symptoms a little less then a year ago and went to see my doctor. He

was unsure and sent me for tests while everyone else thought I had

some type of eating disorder (anorexia, bulimic, etc.). The tests

indicated there was something wrong and referred to another local

“specialistâ€Â. There the doctor sent me to more tests over the course

of months and came up with achalasia. He offered me 3 options, botox,

surgery or nothing. I did nothing for the time being and pursued this

and found Dr Rice at the Cleveland Clinic. There he ran more tests and

confirmed that in fact it was achalasia. We explored the options and I

found out in fact that botox was not right for me (being a male, 25)

could have future complications, while there was a balloon dilation

option. That had its risks and moderate success rate and finely we

discussed the surgery. That is the option that I have now elected to

do toward the end of next month. I have done some reach and spoke the

doctor about the procedure but any information or experiences with

this would help me.

It’s going to be:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100143_5.htm

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hi -Welcome to the board.I just wanted to let you know you have

found one awesome DR! My son 13 had surgery with Dr Rice Oct

27 and is doing very well.If you have questions or would even like

to chat on the phone just let me know.Where are you located?

Tonia

>

> Hi all.

> I’m new here and looking for advice with achalasia. I originally

got

> symptoms a little less then a year ago and went to see my doctor.

He

> was unsure and sent me for tests while everyone else thought I had

> some type of eating disorder (anorexia, bulimic, etc.). The tests

> indicated there was something wrong and referred to another local

> “specialistâ€. There the doctor sent me to more tests over the

course

> of months and came up with achalasia. He offered me 3 options,

botox,

> surgery or nothing. I did nothing for the time being and pursued

this

> and found Dr Rice at the Cleveland Clinic. There he ran more tests

and

> confirmed that in fact it was achalasia. We explored the options

and I

> found out in fact that botox was not right for me (being a male,

25)

> could have future complications, while there was a balloon dilation

> option. That had its risks and moderate success rate and finely we

> discussed the surgery. That is the option that I have now elected

to

> do toward the end of next month. I have done some reach and spoke

the

> doctor about the procedure but any information or experiences with

> this would help me.

>

> It’s going to be:

> http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100143_5.htm

>

>

> Thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

HI ,my daughter, 27, went through a similar experience of being suspected of having an eating disorder - she had no option but the operation as she could not get anything to go down.However, she had her operation in July 2003 and it changed her life dramatically. The operation itself was 4 hours long - she had very little pain. the spasms went and have never come back. She put back on 3 stone and is now on her second pregnancy. She has the occasional blip if she does not drink with her food and sometimes when she is really stressed it makes her throat feel uncomfortable - but she eats out and lives a 'normal' life again. <slaffer@...> wrote: Hi all. I’m new here and looking for advice with achalasia. I originally got symptoms a little less then a year ago and went to see my doctor. He was unsure and sent me for tests while everyone else thought I had some type of eating disorder (anorexia, bulimic, etc.). The tests indicated there was something wrong and referred to another local “specialistâ€. There the doctor sent me to more tests over the course of months and came up with achalasia. He offered me 3 options, botox, surgery or nothing. I did nothing for the time being and pursued this and found Dr Rice at the Cleveland Clinic. There he ran more tests and confirmed that in fact it was achalasia. We explored the options and I found out in fact that botox was not right for me (being a male, 25)

could have future complications, while there was a balloon dilation option. That had its risks and moderate success rate and finely we discussed the surgery. That is the option that I have now elected to do toward the end of next month. I have done some reach and spoke the doctor about the procedure but any information or experiences with this would help me. It’s going to be: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100143_5.htm Thanks,

Finding fabulous fares is fun.Let FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to our group. I'm 24 y/o and was diagnosed 2 yrs ago. I

myself was going through the options of dilation vs surgery. I

chose a diltaion first through the Cleveland Clinic and it only

worked for one year and my symptoms returned. I then made and appt

with Dr Rice and I knew right away he was the right man for the

job. I had a Heller Myotomy July 2006 with complications that I

really felt was related to the dilation. Dilations create scar

tissue in the esophagus. When Dr Rice was doing my Lap procedure,

my esophagus perforated and he had to " open " me. It really sounds

worse than it actually was... but if I were to start all over, I

would have went right to Dr Rice and did surgery as my FIRST

intervention. I am doing wonderful now, my swallowing is better than

ever!

I wish you the best in your treatments/ decisions. There's a lot of

information from everyone in this group. Please ask away and feel

free to email me privately if you want to. Mandyw1011@....

in Michigan

>

> Hi all.

> I’m new here and looking for advice with achalasia. I originally

got

> symptoms a little less then a year ago and went to see my doctor.

He

> was unsure and sent me for tests while everyone else thought I had

> some type of eating disorder (anorexia, bulimic, etc.). The tests

> indicated there was something wrong and referred to another local

> “specialistâ€. There the doctor sent me to more tests over the

course

> of months and came up with achalasia. He offered me 3 options,

botox,

> surgery or nothing. I did nothing for the time being and pursued

this

> and found Dr Rice at the Cleveland Clinic. There he ran more tests

and

> confirmed that in fact it was achalasia. We explored the options

and I

> found out in fact that botox was not right for me (being a male,

25)

> could have future complications, while there was a balloon dilation

> option. That had its risks and moderate success rate and finely we

> discussed the surgery. That is the option that I have now elected

to

> do toward the end of next month. I have done some reach and spoke

the

> doctor about the procedure but any information or experiences with

> this would help me.

>

> It’s going to be:

> http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/presentations/100143_5.htm

>

>

> Thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Crystal.

My brother with DS did not have any heart defects, so I'm sorry I can't answer your questions. I'm sure others on here will though. You may also get more info regarding the heart defect at the link below:

Downs-Heart/

HTH's,

QadoshyahGot Down Syndrome?www.gotdownsyndrome.netBlog: http://gotdownsyndrome.blogspot.com

New here

HI, I am new here. My good friend has a son who is getting ready tohave surgery for Patent Ductus Arteriousus, and Atrial Septal Defect.She isn't too internet savvy, so I joined on her behalf. We knowdoctors do not tell you everything, sometimes, and I have learned morefrom other people who have underwent the same things. Has anyone hadchildren with these conditions who did or did not have surgery? THANKSCrystalOh, he is three!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the list Crystal :-)He must be doing very well for them to wait til he was three to repair those things.ASD is a hole in the upper chamber of the heart. Repairing it totally depends on the size of the hole. Some close on their own with out any help while others need to be patched. I would assume they have been watching this all along and have decided that it's not going to close enough with out a patch.They typically do an ultra sound of the heart and a cardiac cath to get a really good look in there. PDA's can also fix themselves, but typically very early on. I *think* once you get past a certain time there is little to no chance of it closing on it's own. All babies are born with PDA's as it's normal for an unborn baby. Once born, they switch over to typical heart function and it

closes off. With some heart defects, there is time frame in which you *can* repair the heart. Once out of that time frame, it will do more harm then good to fix it and the kids are left with un-repaired defects that cause a whole lot of other problems.Is your friend using a good Children's Hospital? She can get a second opinion too, it's very common, lots of of do and did. :-) Carol in IL AIM doihavtasay1Mom to seven including , 6 with TOF, AVcanal, GERD, LS, Asthma, subglottal stenosis, and DS.My problem is not how I look. It's how you see me. Join our Down Syndrome information group - Down Syndrome Treatment/ Listen to oldest dd's music http://www.myspace.com/vennamusic----- Original Message ----From: delightedtomother <jesces@...>Down Syndrome Treatment Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 2:19:16 PMSubject:

New here

HI, I am new here. My good friend has a son who is getting ready to

have surgery for Patent Ductus Arteriousus, and Atrial Septal Defect.

She isn't too internet savvy, so I joined on her behalf. We know

doctors do not tell you everything, sometimes, and I have learned more

from other people who have underwent the same things. Has anyone had

children with these conditions who did or did not have surgery?

THANKS

Crystal

Oh, he is three!

Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debatein the Answers Food Drink Q&A.

[Guest guest]

I was referred to this site, I also have achalasia since about 1988.

With the help of this internet, I can finally get some others to lend

some support. I live in So. Cal, female age 49. I have not had any

surgery for this condition, so I need help regarding what to do next,

finding good doc's in this area. Would like to find others who can

relate and discuss this problem. Feel free to email at

sayitso001@..., my name is .

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I think we talked about a year ago or less? I live in Long Beach and had surgery about 3.5 years ago. I'm doing wonderfully. I don't remember anyone having surgery at Loma , (well, my MIL had brain surgery, and that didn't turn out so well, but that is another issue).

I had my surgery at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. I started at UCLA, Dr. Ippoliti, who later moved to Cedars. I've recommended Cedars in the past, and still do, but the last person I know that went there, got lost in the cracks and Dr. Fuller has been slow to non-existent in calling her back. Perhaps the holidays got in the way, but there have been issues sometimes, not always, with his follow through and service from the office staff. The person before her had a very positive experience, so I don't know what is up there.

There is UCLA, Dr. Maisch, I've heard of one person having surgery with her, and USC probably has someone. I know some who had surgery at USC and UCLA, but general surgeons, not the names you hear here often. Some were referrals from their HMO and by the time they got to them, they didn't want to wait to fight with the HMO to get to an esophageal specialist. I haven't heard anything negative about their outcomes, but don't know the doctors they went to... I could probably find out though, if I dig.

If I was starting again, I'd probably start w/ Dr. Ippoliti, let him rediagnose and run tests and make recommendations. He is at Cedars and is a highly regarded gi. There are other places, of course, but since you are relatively close I'd start with the doctors in the LA area.

Call me if you want, anyone... kids are home, so I have time, they are old enough to be self entertained, I just monitor the traffic.

Sandy in Long Beach, CA 562 494 6760

PS... to all my achalasian buddies, Happy New Year!

> > I was referred to this site, I also have achalasia since > about 1988. > > With the help of this internet, I can finally get some others to > lend > > some support. I live in So. Cal, female age 49. I have not had any > > surgery for this condition, so I need help regarding what to do > next, > > finding good doc's in this area. Would like to find others who can > > relate and discuss this problem. Feel free to email at > > sayitso001@, my name is . > > > > Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 4-H Leader extraordinaire!> > All-Star Advisor to the most awesome> > kids of Amador County!> > > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with > Search.> >>

[Guest guest]

>How have you been doing?? Have you had A > for a long time?? Please let me know! Thanks again.> >

Hi, ,

I began having swallowing difficulties nearly two years ago. A year ago, eating became a chore--and I love to eat! I can still eat most things, except bread, with effort and plenty of warm water and time. There were conflicting reports on some of the tests that were done in San Diego during 2007, although docs here concluded that I have Achalasia. In Los Angeles Dr. Steve DeMeester at USC repeated all of the tests using improved technology. He confirmed that I do have Achalasia and recommended either a myotomy or a pneumatic dilatation. Dr. DeMeester performs laproscopic myotomies robotically. In January there will be a consultation with Dr. Kline at USC who does dilatations at that Medical Center.

I hope that we can meet each other. My best wishes to you on your important decisions.

Love in San Diego

[Guest guest]

Hi - Hi and welcome!

Are you in NC ?

Tell us exactly where you are located and we can help get you with a

specialist.

Tonia iN Va

>

> Hi everyone. I am new to the boards and looking for imformation

on

> what to do after the myotomy. Seems like things are now far more

> complex now than in 2004 when they found out that it was

achalasia. I

> just went and bought Boost this morning since I am having such a

hard

> time with anything that has any bulk. I have been running on

cheetos

> and cheese nips since they work the best right now.

>

> I am very open to anything anyone can tell me. The doc that I am

> seeing at Duke leaves me feeling like they don't know what to do

for

> me. So if there is help out there I would love to find it before

too

> much longer.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry to hear you are having problems

again after your myotomy. It is difficult to know exactly how to advise you

without knowing your personal details, but in my particular case, I needed a dilatation

3 years after having a myotomy as my LES just gradually started closing up

again. I went to Dr Marco Patti, in San

Francisco at the time (he has recently moved). He

called it esophageal thickening and said it was due to the natural progression

of achalasia. I have been doing much better since I had the dilatation by Dr

Ostroff, but there is a definite risk of perforation. Another problem to

consider is the reflux that you might be left to live with as a result of

opening up the LES, which can lead to esophageal ulcers. This is what happened after

my dilation but I seem to be doing well now, I think because my LES has closed

up some more. I like it better this way as opposed to having the reflux and

ulcers, I struggle somewhat, but if it got really bad to the point that I

couldn’t get anything down, the decision would be easy for me.

I don’t know what they told you at

Duke, but if you are having problems post myotomy, you really need the specialized

care of a specialized specialist.

Dr Marco Patti, a surgeon who is highly

specialized in achalasia, gave me a choice of only 3 doctors in the US who were

experienced enough to perform a post myotomy dilatation on me, but this might

be due to the fact that I had previously had a perforation during my surgery

due to unexpected scar tissue.

The 3 doctors recommended to me by Dr.

Marco Patti who are specialized to perform post myotomy dilatations are Dr

Ostroff at UCSF, DR. Richter at Temple

University in Pennsylvania,

and Dr. Vaezi who I believe is now in Tennessee.

I hope this is of help to you.

Welcome to the group, and please let us

know more about your specific situation so we will know how better to help you!

Take care,

Sandi in No CA

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of sforshelly2000

Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008

5:51 AM

achalasia

Subject: New here

Hi everyone. I am new to the boards and looking for

imformation on

what to do after the myotomy. Seems like things are now far more

complex now than in 2004 when they found out that it was achalasia. I

just went and bought Boost this morning since I am having such a hard

time with anything that has any bulk. I have been running on cheetos

and cheese nips since they work the best right now.

I am very open to anything anyone can tell me. The doc that I am

seeing at Duke leaves me feeling like they don't know what to do for

me. So if there is help out there I would love to find it before too

much longer.

[Guest guest]

I am located about 47 north of Duke in a small town in Virginia called

South Boston. I am currently going through more testing and wil get

the results on the 5th of Feb. when I go to see the Doctor. I did have

a EGD and was told that a 17 dilator passed just find. At the last

barium swallow a 12mm pill got stuck and would not go down. I could

see the size of my esophagus. It looks like a first stomach. This was

not the case in 2004, it appeared normal in size then. I am just

fustrated due to the lack of help I can find. There has to be a better

way out there.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I live in Northern Virginia and also had a myotomy in 2004. Things

started going bad for me about a year ago. Dr. Rice at the Cleveland

Clinic performed my myotomy and will be performing my esophagectomy on

February 7th. I would highly recommend seeing him. You may need

nothing other than a dilation.

In Va

>

> Hi everyone. I am new to the boards and looking for imformation on

> what to do after the myotomy. Seems like things are now far more

> complex now than in 2004 when they found out that it was achalasia. I

> just went and bought Boost this morning since I am having such a hard

> time with anything that has any bulk. I have been running on cheetos

> and cheese nips since they work the best right now.

>

> I am very open to anything anyone can tell me. The doc that I am

> seeing at Duke leaves me feeling like they don't know what to do for

> me. So if there is help out there I would love to find it before too

> much longer.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

-I am in Rke Va- not too far from you. My son has achalasia and

we used Dr Rice also at the Cleveland Clinic.He done my sons open

myotomy. He is a very experienced surgeon in achlasia as well.

Myotomies he has done are 300 + and counting.Many of us here have

used him, and As you have read there are also a few other great

surgeons out there as well. Main thing is make sure they are mentioned

here and they are experienced!

IF you have any questions or want information about DR Rice just let

me know.

Tonia in Va

>

> I am located about 47 north of Duke in a small town in Virginia

called

> South Boston. I am currently going through more testing and wil get

> the results on the 5th of Feb. when I go to see the Doctor. I did

have

> a EGD and was told that a 17 dilator passed just find. At the last

> barium swallow a 12mm pill got stuck and would not go down. I could

> see the size of my esophagus. It looks like a first stomach. This

was

> not the case in 2004, it appeared normal in size then. I am just

> fustrated due to the lack of help I can find. There has to be a

better

> way out there.

>

>

>