Guest guest Posted July 14, 2008 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 In a message dated 7/14/2008 11:36:03 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, pmleehere@... writes: I joined to get motivation on losing the last 30-40 pounds as I have been at a stand still for about a year and it is driving me nuts. I also have some issues with my "new body" and would like to know if other that are losing weight have issues! Hi a - welcome to our group and congrats on the weight you have lost!! I don't have issues (yet) with my new body - I am not quite half way to goal. I know I will have some mental issues to overcome - I have said that before - as my body continues to change. in WA310/250/170 (-60 total, 80 to go, 10 from half-way point) I've lost 66.5 inches!!The beginning is the most important part of any work.-PlatoGet the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2008 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 I grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis. Now I live in a small town north of the "cities" called Hugo. a Re: Re: New Member Where in Minnesota are you from? My husband grew up in a small town north of Mankato. Dacia <>< Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 14:27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2008 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 a, WOW! If you need motivation pretend you are not the person that just wrote this email and that all you have to 40lbs to lose, then tell yourself that if that lady can lose 180 I can surly lose 40. You go girl. From: pmleehere <pmleehere@...>Subject: New Member100-plus Date: Monday, July 14, 2008, 12:02 PM Hi,I just joined. I don't have 100 pounds to lose anymore, but I have about 40 more to go. I have lost about 150 so far. I don't really know where I started my weight loss journey, because my scale only went to 330 and I ERR that out for a long time! I officially started counting the pounds when I FINALLY stepped on the dr. scale after losing several sizes in clothes. I was 297. I am now about 180.I joined to get motivation on losing the last 30-40 pounds as I have been at a stand still for about a year and it is driving me nuts. I also have some issues with my "new body" and would like to know if other that are losing weight have issues!a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2008 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 My husband & I met at Concordia University in St. . I have a college friend who was from Hugo. Visited her home a couple of weekends while in college. Dacia<>< Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 14:27 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2008 Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 Jim I would love to attend in September. I have never been to such an event. I was suppose to attend some vaccine seminar with my son's speech pathologist..of all people, but did not make it. I really would like to attend. Please email me some info!! Thank You Kim mom to 4 boys Chicago,IL new member HI, I'm a new member this week.  I'm near Chicago, Illinois and have 2 kids under 5yrs. There is SO much information here, so forgive me if I don't jump into discussion right away. I need to wade through the archives etc and digest. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2008 Report Share Posted July 15, 2008 In a message dated 7/14/2008 2:36:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, pmleehere@... writes: I also have some issues with my "new body" and would like to know if other that are losing weight have issues! Welcome. What issues are you having? I can think of 5 that I have with the body clutter I carry. I am sure there are solutions just have to ask. N.H.Get the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2008 Report Share Posted July 15, 2008 >I don't have 100 pounds to lose anymore, but I have > about 40 more to go. I have lost about 150 so far. Wow! Congrats! Any special secrets? (If you already answered this in a later message, ignore this. My ISP is down and I have no idea when this message will make its way on-line.) > a Ack! 2 as on the list now. Would you mind using your last initial or some other identifier so we keep the 2 of you straight? Thanks. Sue in NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Hi all Calvin Heuer is the name...am a new member. I am an ALS paramedic (trained in SA), and have a keen interested in emergency / remote / tactical medicine. I have worked on a number of projects throughout Africa and recently the Middle East. I am currently working in North West Africa (Liberia). I wish to keep in touch with the international paramedic community, as well as keep up to date with the latest developments in the EMS industry / remote and tactical medicine. Regards Calvin Heuer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 Hi Paris,  Welcome to the world of high adventure and endless courses...first of all make sure you have your passport and airticket, then the world is your oyster or abalone so to speak.  P. From: parisandkim <parisandkim@...> Subject: new member Date: Wednesday, 23 July, 2008, 4:13 PM Hi all, my name is Paris Pearce (male) and I am currently working as an ALS paramedic in , Australia. I have come across remote medics in order to expand my experiences, I am looking to work and travel to different places in the world. Any advice and/or information to allow me to start my adventures. cheers Paris __________________________________________________________ Not happy with your email address?. Get the one you really want - millions of new email addresses available now at http://uk.docs./ymail/new.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 Howdy Paris. Welcome to the list. Donn " Liberty is telling people what they do not want to hear. " - Arthur Blair, from the preface to Animal Farm _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of parisandkim Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:13 PM Subject: new member Hi all, my name is Paris Pearce (male) and I am currently working as an ALS paramedic in , Australia. I have come across remote medics in order to expand my experiences, I am looking to work and travel to different places in the world. Any advice and/or information to allow me to start my adventures. cheers Paris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 Paris You should try ISOS. Is this your first time doing international remote work? If so, ISOS is a good place to start, they have many contracts, and are reliable. Contact Diane Hutchinson (diane.hutchinson@...) Regards Calvin new member Hi all, my name is Paris Pearce (male) and I am currently working as an ALS paramedic in , Australia. I have come across remote medics in order to expand my experiences, I am looking to work and travel to different places in the world. Any advice and/or information to allow me to start my adventures. cheers Paris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2008 Report Share Posted July 26, 2008 hi Shane welcome, Im currently working in Australia as an ALS paramedic and am very interested in coming over and working in the middle east, an interesting place I hear? I also hear the ambulance service is developing? where abouts in the middle east are you and how are the conditions (for example; pay, holidays, accommodation etc.) cheers Paris -- In , " shakinship " <cyborg540@...> wrote: > > Hi to all the member > > The name is Shane, a paramedic working in the Middle east. Find the > site and chats very interesting. Later > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Welcome Holly, You will find a wealth of information and support from the members here!!! We are all located all over the world and are of various ages! Ask anything you are worried about or curious about and I'm sure someone will pitch you some info!!! I can tell you that my experience with Achalasia has been a bit of an on going issue.most have issues of some sort through their lives. The key is to have a GREAT GI doc and an EXECLENT surgeon!!!! Who is doing your surgery? Where are you having it done? Hope to hear more from you. in Arkansas From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of ta2rdr18 Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:57 AM achalasia Subject: New member Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would greatly appreciate any advice I can get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 > > Welcome Holly, > > You will find a wealth of information and support from the members here!!! > We are all located all over the world and are of various ages! Ask anything > you are worried about or curious about and I'm sure someone will pitch you > some info!!! I can tell you that my experience with Achalasia has been a bit > of an on going issue.most have issues of some sort through their lives. The > key is to have a GREAT GI doc and an EXECLENT surgeon!!!! Who is doing your > surgery? Where are you having it done? > > Hope to hear more from you. > > in Arkansas > > > > From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf > Of ta2rdr18 > Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:57 AM > achalasia > Subject: New member > > > > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Hi Holly, Besides looking for people to respond to your thoughtful questions, I would suggest you take some time to read on this Board what many people have already written about their experiences. In doing so, you will also come across much which has been written about how important the experience of the surgeon is who will be performing the myotomy on you.  Having a good deal of respect about a well intended surgeon may not be enough to give you the outcome you desire. It is one thing to anticipate how you might be feeling afterwards (your question), but I would give a higher priority to finding a doctor who is very well versed with this surgery, so that you can worry less about how you feel shortly afterwards and from that point on.  This is very specialized surgery and you would not be out lf line to ask a surgeon how many myotomies he has done. If only a few, regardless of how you feel about him, you should look elsewhere. There are certain techniques involved in doing this that only a surgeon who has done this numerous times (we usually go with 50) has mastered. As you have said, you don't want to come out of this feeling worse than when you came in. While there are never any guarantees, you want to improve the odds as much as possible. I understand you have insurance and financial concerns and sadly that complicates matters. There are a number of people on this Board who may have suggestions for you as to how best to go about this. New member > > > > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Welcome to the group, Holly. You will find a wealth of information here. In VA > > > > Welcome Holly, > > > > You will find a wealth of information and support from the members > here!!! > > We are all located all over the world and are of various ages! Ask > anything > > you are worried about or curious about and I'm sure someone will > pitch you > > some info!!! I can tell you that my experience with Achalasia has > been a bit > > of an on going issue.most have issues of some sort through their > lives. The > > key is to have a GREAT GI doc and an EXECLENT surgeon!!!! Who is > doing your > > surgery? Where are you having it done? > > > > Hope to hear more from you. > > > > in Arkansas > > > > > > > > From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] > On Behalf > > Of ta2rdr18 > > Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 10:57 AM > > achalasia > > Subject: New member > > > > > > > > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest > colorado. > > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am > scheduled > > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if > anyone > > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. > I > > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up > large > > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done > after > > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. > Im a > > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful > stories > > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Holly wrote: > ... If anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. ... > We are all different and our experiences vary. For many of us the surgery was not as bad as others things we have been through. For me it was easy. The day of the surgery I was sore but not more than I could cope with. I did not have the shoulder pains that some get though. I only pushed the button on my pain control system once to help sleep. I was choosing to use so little that they were concerned that I was not using enough pain medication. The next day I felt ready to go home and they released me. I tried the pain medication before going to bed but didn't like the effect and did that only once. I have been in other situations where I could not get enough pain medications. Once my wife called my primary doctor to ask about the pain medication that another doctor had prescribed because I was still in unbearable pain waiting at home for a surgery on some broken bones. He said double the dose and double the frequency and check my pulse every 30 min.. The pain from the myotomy was nothing like that or the like the other very painful experiences I have had. Thanksgiving day was two weeks after my surgery and was the first day off the soft diet for me. Others may be told to stay on a soft diet longer. I was up and about and having a good time. I had no problem eating but I was full quickly and being full was a little uncomfortable. Again not a terrible pain but more uncomfortable than being full should be. Not everyone is able to eat without problems right away or with out more pain than I had, but most seem to quickly do very well. The small holes used for the devices to go through your flesh seem to heal quickly and in time disappear for most people. I have one, the larger one that is still looks like a small scar. The others have gone. You can find pictures of people after their surgeries in the photo section of the web site. Two and a half years latter I eat anything I want without problems. Very dry cracker or such, may need something to wash them down with, but most meals I can eat without even drinking anything. I try to drink a little while eating but I could eat a normal meal without drinking. Other people have had varying success with eating but most, by far, are happy with the results. A few had unsuccessful myotomies. Some had to have dilatations to make them better and others had to have the surgery redone. Some had to have a fundoplication undone or redone because it was too tight. For some the myotomy was not long enough and that is the reason it had to be redone. Some people have the problems return over time because the myotomy was not completely through the muscle layers and that allowed the muscles to regrow through the myotomy and then the myotomy had to be redone. For some scarring of the myotomy is a problem and a dilatation is needed to take care of it. Needing a dilatation after a myotomy is not a big deal. Getting a good clean myotomy completely through the muscles layers without going to far and causing a perforation is a skill that is learned from doing myotomies. Also, judging just how long to make the myotomy, where to start and stop is also a skill that is learned by doing them. Avoiding damage to the vagus nerve and other important structures is also learned from doing them. There are risks. There are the risks that go with any surgery like this. There are also the risks of perforations of the esophagus and damage to the vagus nerve. Perforations while having a myotomy are generally not a big deal and may just heal on their own. They can be serious though and cause infections that could be fatal. If the vagus nerve is damaged it can cause various problems but in that area generally mean your stomach will either be to slow or to fast (dumping) letting food through. In the long-term even with a good myotomy your esophagus may still deteriorate. Years latter a few will need another myotomy or even an esophagectomy. It may be nice to have a medical center that you can count on years latter to have someone very skilled and have access to your records and be familiar with the doctors and methods from the past at that center. I know you may be limited in your options but if I were you I would see if there was anyway I could get approval to go to a doctor and canter that is skilled at doing this surgery and does them often. I would ask my doctor to help me do that. That is what I did so I could go to Mayo. Even with limited options and a surgeon that is new to it, myotomy may still be your best option. Most people are happy with the results and would do it again. notan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 > > > ... If anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. ... > > > > We are all different and our experiences vary. For many of us the > surgery was not as bad as others things we have been through. For me it > was easy. The day of the surgery I was sore but not more than I could > cope with. I did not have the shoulder pains that some get though. I > only pushed the button on my pain control system once to help sleep. I > was choosing to use so little that they were concerned that I was not > using enough pain medication. The next day I felt ready to go home and > they released me. I tried the pain medication before going to bed but > didn't like the effect and did that only once. > > I have been in other situations where I could not get enough pain > medications. Once my wife called my primary doctor to ask about the pain > medication that another doctor had prescribed because I was still in > unbearable pain waiting at home for a surgery on some broken bones. He > said double the dose and double the frequency and check my pulse every > 30 min.. > > The pain from the myotomy was nothing like that or the like the other > very painful experiences I have had. > > Thanksgiving day was two weeks after my surgery and was the first day > off the soft diet for me. Others may be told to stay on a soft diet > longer. I was up and about and having a good time. I had no problem > eating but I was full quickly and being full was a little uncomfortable. > Again not a terrible pain but more uncomfortable than being full should > be. Not everyone is able to eat without problems right away or with out > more pain than I had, but most seem to quickly do very well. > > The small holes used for the devices to go through your flesh seem to > heal quickly and in time disappear for most people. I have one, the > larger one that is still looks like a small scar. The others have gone. > You can find pictures of people after their surgeries in the photo > section of the web site. > > Two and a half years latter I eat anything I want without problems. Very > dry cracker or such, may need something to wash them down with, but most > meals I can eat without even drinking anything. I try to drink a little > while eating but I could eat a normal meal without drinking. Other > people have had varying success with eating but most, by far, are happy > with the results. A few had unsuccessful myotomies. Some had to have > dilatations to make them better and others had to have the surgery > redone. Some had to have a fundoplication undone or redone because it > was too tight. For some the myotomy was not long enough and that is the > reason it had to be redone. Some people have the problems return over > time because the myotomy was not completely through the muscle layers > and that allowed the muscles to regrow through the myotomy and then the > myotomy had to be redone. For some scarring of the myotomy is a problem > and a dilatation is needed to take care of it. Needing a dilatation > after a myotomy is not a big deal. > > Getting a good clean myotomy completely through the muscles layers > without going to far and causing a perforation is a skill that is > learned from doing myotomies. Also, judging just how long to make the > myotomy, where to start and stop is also a skill that is learned by > doing them. Avoiding damage to the vagus nerve and other important > structures is also learned from doing them. > > There are risks. There are the risks that go with any surgery like this. > There are also the risks of perforations of the esophagus and damage to > the vagus nerve. Perforations while having a myotomy are generally not a > big deal and may just heal on their own. They can be serious though and > cause infections that could be fatal. If the vagus nerve is damaged it > can cause various problems but in that area generally mean your stomach > will either be to slow or to fast (dumping) letting food through. > > In the long-term even with a good myotomy your esophagus may still > deteriorate. Years latter a few will need another myotomy or even an > esophagectomy. It may be nice to have a medical center that you can > count on years latter to have someone very skilled and have access to > your records and be familiar with the doctors and methods from the past > at that center. > > I know you may be limited in your options but if I were you I would see > if there was anyway I could get approval to go to a doctor and canter > that is skilled at doing this surgery and does them often. I would ask > my doctor to help me do that. That is what I did so I could go to Mayo. > > Even with limited options and a surgeon that is new to it, myotomy may > still be your best option. Most people are happy with the results and > would do it again. > > notan > I thank you very much for your information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Holly, I am 38, was diagnosed in July of 2005, had it real bad (lost 80 pounds in 2 months), could not eat or drink (very dehydrated). I am stunned I never fainted.  Had a great doctor, and had the surgery in Feb of 2006. I still need water to get some things down, but I eat anything I want. After the surgery I was back at work in 2 weeks. I was eating Taco Bell on day 3 (probably not advised). Had some bad diareaha for about 2 weeks (it did worry me, but it was normal), and I was sore as could be. Other than that, no real complications. I was out of the hospital in less than 24 hours.  Due to the fact that the original symptoms took so much out of me, it took me a good 2 years to really get back to myself physically and mentally. I was in real bad shape before the operation.  I would recommend it to anyone.....but find a good, experienced doctor. Thanks, Vinnie From: oneofsevenwives <oneofsevenwives@...> Subject: Re: New member achalasia Date: Monday, July 28, 2008, 12:53 PM Welcome Holly, You've come to the right place. The folks on the board have a wealth of knowledge about achalasia. In VA > > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Hello Holly,  Welcome to the Group.    Don't be frightened by some of the bad reports you read, as naturally most people will be posting when they have problems and need to ask for help. There are many of us who are doing very well after the myotomy. If we started sending good reports day after day -Tuesday: " Hi. everybody, I am fine today " - Wednesday: " Hi Folks, nothing to report, everything going down " ...... it might get a bit boring. LOL  Good Luck with your research and decisions. Best Wishes from Ann in England. From: oneofsevenwives <oneofsevenwives> Subject: Re: New member achalasia@grou ps.com Date: Monday, July 28, 2008, 12:53 PM Welcome Holly, You've come to the right place. The folks on the board have a wealth of knowledge about achalasia. In VA > > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Hi Ann, That's exactly why I haven't posted for such a long time! I am doing fantastic, although I'm about 10 lbs more than I've ever weighed. It's so hard to slow down when you've been starving for so many years! I was extremely saddened to read about Joe. What a terrible shame. If anyone has any esophagectomy questions / concerns, I do check my email daily, I just don't post much anymore. Thunder Bay, Ontario P.S. , I also crunch ice cubes all day long. I buy bags and keep them in my freezer so I never run out! Even after I brush my teeth before bed, I still have ice in my mouth when I crawl into bed ( It drives my husband nuts ) achalasia@...: lilac_blossom_lady@...: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:57:51 +0000Subject: Re: Re: New member _________________________________________________________________ Find hidden words, unscramble celebrity names, or try the ultimate crossword puzzle with Live Search Games. Play now! http://g.msn.ca/ca55/212 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Hi Holly,  I am fairly new to this group but will offer my comments. I am 62 years old and have had " A " for approximately 10 years, misdiagnosed, until 2007. I had a myotomy in Dec. 2007, stayed 1 night in the hospital, 2 nights in a motel room across from the hospital. Never took any pain medication other than what was given during the operation. No sickness afterwards and I traveled over 400 miles home on Saturday after the surgery on Wednesday. Eat anything I want with a little water to push it down. Only problem is when I over eat. Dr. Rice at Cleveland Clinic did my surgery and I am forever grateful to the people on this board for encouraging me to find a specialist in this stuff. I think I could have been in deep trouble if I had not found them. So my comments are to get informed and listen to these individuals they know what they are talking about.  Millie - VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Hi I have only just revisited this site after a long period of absence, trying to get on with life. I had my Hellers back in 2006. The surgery went very well, it took me a few weeks to stop feeling nausea and to gain strength, but it was all worth it. I can now eat anything I want, with water to push it down. Occasionally food will stick but water always helps get it down. I dont have that overwhelming feeling anymore. I still have spasms and am still learning to deal with them. I guess that for me is the hardest thing right now. I highly recommend the surgery, I could not imagine life without having had the surgery. Biljana \ > > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 #01 get a good Gi and good surgeon My daughter , is 8 and just had the Heller w/Dor July 16 2008..less than 1 month ago. I would get with a surgeon, repeat the tests: upper gi, endoscopy, and manometry for children you are asked to be on clear liquids for 2 days before the heller procedure ( I think it's longer for adults, maybe 5 days...someone chime in ) 1-2 days before your surgery, you will get pre-op stuff done, papers labs and ekg and chest x-ray day of surgery will be long, bring stuff to do ( music or books) we arrived 10:00 am and went in to pre-op about 1:00 pm. they let me dress up in surgical gear to walk back with . they re-check allergies , meds and start hooking you up to everything. Adults I believe would get an IV in the arm in the pacu room, then get wheeled away. you will get a n-g tube, a breathing tube, 1 or 2 IV's ( one in each arm for us), and a catheter.( most adults have the same, may vary) upon wake-up, had her breathing tube in as she was waking up and they gave her meds to kinda knock her out again and keep her comfortable. ( not sure why, maybe she was slow to respond to the " wake-up drugs " , and only seemed an addition 20-30 minutes) the procedure was about 3hours long from pre-op to seeing her parents. nice: they empty your bladder so no bathroom trips for about 4-6 hours at least. was very sleepy, so we let her sleep, we waited a while for a room on the peds floor. At about 7 pm we got our room. Only liquids, (popsicles were 's choice)for the first night. now only 2 IV's ( one in each arm) IV liquids are pushed. nurse will come in about a thousand times to check on you. meds given though an IV and we had the IV solution to pull along with us for every bathroom trip. in the a.m. another upper Gi ( barrium swollow) easy small sips...checking for leaks. back to the unit , eat a soft diet lunch, then usually hospital discharge. discharge instructions including a diet recommendations or a visit from a dietician. I specifically asked about protien and caloric intake ( I wanted the numbers looked up and written down) especially since our diet was sooooo out of whack. have a pillow and a bottle of water for any trips over the next 3 days..coughs and bumps can hurt. we also used a metal chip clip to adjust the seatbelt down and off the area. we stayed at a hotel nearby and drove only about 2-4 blocks, needed a wheel chair to get from car to the room. first 3 days of recovery needed assistance to bathroom, mainly getting from lying down to sitting or standing position. tylenol and motrin were also needed round the clock for these 3 days. tummy is sensitive to touch, shirts may bug area, hugs (tummies touch) are unwanted. was starving and managed to overeat and hurt later( kinda like a holiday indulgence) watch out for portion control, I had to manage this and we are still adjusting as time goes on. There was the shoulder pain alot in the hospital and for the fisrt 3 days, this is from gas escaping the tummy area( the surgeons put in). It will come and go and can last about 30-60 minutes about 4 times a day max. ??? everyone is different. doctor visit day 3 , removes bandaides and looks at body, asks a few questions, reviews barrium swollow( upper GI).( people who live close to the surgeon may be seen after 1 week) used a gentle stool softener ( fiber source), found in the crystal light/koolaide powdered drink area, " Vita Splash Rasberry lemonade fiber infusion " in a purple box made to go in single water bottles. only had to drink 1/2 bottle, more as a preventative measure. day 4 we were able to go to a movie and ride in the car 30 mins one way. still had to take it slow, walking about 5-6 mins then resting, definately at a slower pace. now only tylenol and motrin after a big activity or before bed. now able to sleep on side. day 5 we were able to drive 400 miles back home, could walk better, still tough doing curbs and stairs( we have a Ford Expedition , a little high to climb in). 2 of the 5 incinsion sites less painful, able for her and I to touch and feel on and around them. As far as eating she can eat thicker foods than before the surgery, we always thinned out foods with milk, water or broth and blended many items. the mac and cheese in cups to go came in handy at the hotel. tomorrow is the 3 week mark, is basically back to normal with exercise and energy level. (we really have only tried walking ..no swimming or bikeriding yet) sleep is fine. not allowed to eat bread or tough meats yet. we did try a chicken breast that is usually soft as prepared, could feel it get stuck and drank water..no problems. ( just too early for that food) eats pasta, grapes, chicken( like tuna fish) on crackers, cereal, grilled cheese sandwiches, and lots more. ( could not do before surgery) WE are planned for a follow up 2 months after surgery date, re-peat tests and now do a PH-test to determine if any reflux issues are present, etc. that is also when the breads and meats are suggested to be added back to the diet. good luck good luck good luck -Dana & Mills In VA ta2rdr18 <ta2rdr18@...> wrote: Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would greatly appreciate any advice I can get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2008 Report Share Posted August 7, 2008 Dana, Thank you so much for telling us your experience (very detailed) and that helps me alot as far as my nerves go. I have actually decided against surgery for now. I wish your daughter and you the very best Holly > Hello my name is Holly and I am 24 years old from southwest colorado. > I have been suffering from achalasia since i was 15 and I am scheduled > for my first esophogeal myotomy Aug. 14th and was wondering if anyone > could tell me about their personal experiences with the procedure. I > have had dilations done and had an ER scare back in May when I > developed bleeding ulcers in my esophagus and began throwing up large > amounts of blood and was put in the ICU. I had a dilation done after > that but it was recommended that I have the myotomy surgery done. Im a > bit afraid of having the surgery done after hearing some awful stories > of worse symptoms aftewards and I am also a very slow healer. If > anyone can tell me anything at all of their experiences I would > greatly appreciate any advice I can get. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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