Dawn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/1/2002 6:02:13 AM Central Daylight Time,

writes:

<<

Hi Sara,Karyn and all, this is me, Dawn and I havent been on in

alittle while and miss you all!! But just been struggling with a

decision so would appreciate you all's prayers for us in this. But I

am writing you cause I know you are truely the experts in this area!!

Yes, in foster parenting,(some individuals, life time foster care!)

but we have spoken with a woman who came to our home from Omni

Visions and they have a special contract with DCS to place those

individuals in homes with different situations. Mostly harder to

place folks. This has been in my heart for a while, Sara I enjoyed

your posts about foster parenting recently and this helped me to

continue my quest. I know what a serious life long commitment this

is, I also know I want to take in someone with a disibility, my

husband is with me and we are praying for the right decision. >>

What a big decision. I agree with Sara that it would be great if you could

try doing respite or short term care first. I guess so much of my answer

would depend on the agency and supports being provided. Their history of

follow-through and appropriate placement. Can you get names of other families

that the agency has clients placed with and talk to them about how it has

gone for them and what you should be aware of?

So much of it also depends on the individuals being considered for placement.

Here in Wisconsin the individuals that are still in institutions (called

state centers here) are either very medically fragile or have difficult

behaviors. Not many of them would fit well into a family structure. I don't

know where your state is at with the clients still institutionalized.

I admire you for considering caring for someone else's child that is in need

(even adults are someone's child). I just want it to be a positive experience

for your family and the person needing care.

Good luck and best wishes in your decision.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

Karyn, thanks so much for your response, I feel like you are right in

that it is a huge decision!! In our state, Tn. there are some

institutions that needed to be closed down and happily they have

been, I know they have been around for so long. There are some

individuals that have no place to go (they are still in the

institutions untill placements are found) I am glad the state is

gonna take care of this. These individuals may have significant

disabilities but have been in these institutions for so long, they

may be older folks, I dont think they are all medically fragile but I

know she said she would not put someone with us who had dangerous

behaviors. I so appreciate your help, I just want to make sure as

you said, it is the right decision for everyone! Karyn, thanks so

much, I will let ya know, Dawn (boy do I have more questions for the

woman I spoke with! I know it would be wrong to jump too fast.)

> In a message dated 9/1/2002 6:02:13 AM Central Daylight Time,

> @y... writes:

>

> <<

> Hi Sara,Karyn and all, this is me, Dawn and I havent been on

in

> alittle while and miss you all!! But just been struggling with a

> decision so would appreciate you all's prayers for us in this.

But I

> am writing you cause I know you are truely the experts in this

area!!

> Yes, in foster parenting,(some individuals, life time foster

care!)

> but we have spoken with a woman who came to our home from Omni

> Visions and they have a special contract with DCS to place those

> individuals in homes with different situations. Mostly harder to

> place folks. This has been in my heart for a while, Sara I enjoyed

> your posts about foster parenting recently and this helped me to

> continue my quest. I know what a serious life long commitment this

> is, I also know I want to take in someone with a disibility, my

> husband is with me and we are praying for the right decision. >>

>

>

> What a big decision. I agree with Sara that it would be great if

you could

> try doing respite or short term care first. I guess so much of my

answer

> would depend on the agency and supports being provided. Their

history of

> follow-through and appropriate placement. Can you get names of

other families

> that the agency has clients placed with and talk to them about how

it has

> gone for them and what you should be aware of?

> So much of it also depends on the individuals being considered for

placement.

> Here in Wisconsin the individuals that are still in institutions

(called

> state centers here) are either very medically fragile or have

difficult

> behaviors. Not many of them would fit well into a family structure.

I don't

> know where your state is at with the clients still

institutionalized.

>

> I admire you for considering caring for someone else's child that

is in need

> (even adults are someone's child). I just want it to be a positive

experience

> for your family and the person needing care.

> Good luck and best wishes in your decision.

>

> Karyn

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

I'm not sure what all I have going on this weekend yet. Let me think about it

for a day or two then I will let you know. It's early right now and I can't

think straight. lol

I am a little familiar with Hillsboro Rd. I am trying to figure out where the

Mc's is but can't picture it in my head. We come to Hillsboro Rd. about

once a month. My son's dermatologist is in that area. What else is by the

Mcs?

Tomorrow Hannah and I will be at Vandy to see the endo. She is hypo. but not yet

on meds. for it. I am also hypo. so I know how yukky having a thyroid problem

can be.

Talk to you soon Dawn and I can't wait to meet you!!!!

Pam

dpligon37129 wrote:Hey there Pam!!!! Just wandering if you can still meet in

N-ville

some coming weekend? There is a mcdonalds right in green hills which

is on Hillsboro Rd. right down from Vandy, Vandy is on 21st ave.

which is what Hillsboro Rd. turns into. Just thought you could see

what you have going on and pick a Sat. or Sun. and meet us? Just let

me know, I would sure love to finally meet you all! I had my thyroid

scan and I am still overacative, so will have to go back on med. I

have this done but will take to the ds clinic this Thurs. and

then have that done! Hope I learn alot there, take care Pam and hope

we can work it out, I will call ya if you want me to tell you more

about where in N-ville I am talking about. Just thought it may be a

place we both know cause of Vandy, Dawn

--------------------------------------------------

Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and photos of our

kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other information by including them.

Don't forget, messages are a permanent record of the archives for our list.

--------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hey Pam, I am gonna call you soon and we can work out a time and

place, doesnt it feel overwhelming with all the appointments? Anyway,

I want to meet you so I will call, and we can figure it all out for

when it is best for you, anytime is okay with me, it doesnt have to

be this weekend, sometime when you have not just been to N-ville

sounds like it would be better for you, it is longer for you I know,

Hope yall are okay, take care, Dawn

Hey there Pam!!!! Just wandering if you can

still meet in N-ville

> some coming weekend? There is a mcdonalds right in green hills

which

> is on Hillsboro Rd. right down from Vandy, Vandy is on 21st ave.

> which is what Hillsboro Rd. turns into. Just thought you could see

> what you have going on and pick a Sat. or Sun. and meet us? Just

let

> me know, I would sure love to finally meet you all! I had my

thyroid

> scan and I am still overacative, so will have to go back on med. I

> have this done but will take to the ds clinic this Thurs.

and

> then have that done! Hope I learn alot there, take care Pam and

hope

> we can work it out, I will call ya if you want me to tell you more

> about where in N-ville I am talking about. Just thought it may be a

> place we both know cause of Vandy, Dawn

>

>

>

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

> Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and

photos of our kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other

information by including them. Don't forget, messages are a permanent

record of the archives for our list. ds-

autism

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

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

I have a great idea! The twins and I are going to the Buddy Walk they have every

year at Cool Springs on Oct. 5th. Why don't you come up there too and we can

meet then. I say I am going every year then something happens and we don't make

it. Cross your fingers noone gets sick this time so we can come. People tell me

it's always a lot of fun. If this sounds like a good idea to you then that's

what we can do.

Take care Dawn

Pam

dpligon37129 wrote:Hey Pam, I am gonna call you soon and we can work out a time

and

place, doesnt it feel overwhelming with all the appointments? Anyway,

I want to meet you so I will call, and we can figure it all out for

when it is best for you, anytime is okay with me, it doesnt have to

be this weekend, sometime when you have not just been to N-ville

sounds like it would be better for you, it is longer for you I know,

Hope yall are okay, take care, Dawn

Hey there Pam!!!! Just wandering if you can

still meet in N-ville

> some coming weekend? There is a mcdonalds right in green hills

which

> is on Hillsboro Rd. right down from Vandy, Vandy is on 21st ave.

> which is what Hillsboro Rd. turns into. Just thought you could see

> what you have going on and pick a Sat. or Sun. and meet us? Just

let

> me know, I would sure love to finally meet you all! I had my

thyroid

> scan and I am still overacative, so will have to go back on med. I

> have this done but will take to the ds clinic this Thurs.

and

> then have that done! Hope I learn alot there, take care Pam and

hope

> we can work it out, I will call ya if you want me to tell you more

> about where in N-ville I am talking about. Just thought it may be a

> place we both know cause of Vandy, Dawn

>

>

>

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

> Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and

photos of our kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other

information by including them. Don't forget, messages are a permanent

record of the archives for our list. ds-

autism

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

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pam sounds perfect, that is a great idea! Closer to this date we can

pick a spot and time and find each other!!! And yes we will hope

nothing changes before then!!! Thanks Pam see ya soon, Dawn

Hey there Pam!!!! Just wandering if you can

> still meet in N-ville

> > some coming weekend? There is a mcdonalds right in green hills

> which

> > is on Hillsboro Rd. right down from Vandy, Vandy is on 21st ave.

> > which is what Hillsboro Rd. turns into. Just thought you could

see

> > what you have going on and pick a Sat. or Sun. and meet us? Just

> let

> > me know, I would sure love to finally meet you all! I had my

> thyroid

> > scan and I am still overacative, so will have to go back on med.

I

> > have this done but will take to the ds clinic this Thurs.

> and

> > then have that done! Hope I learn alot there, take care Pam and

> hope

> > we can work it out, I will call ya if you want me to tell you

more

> > about where in N-ville I am talking about. Just thought it may be

a

> > place we both know cause of Vandy, Dawn

> >

> >

> >

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

> > Checkout our homepage for information, bookmarks, and

> photos of our kids. Share favorite bookmarks, ideas, and other

> information by including them. Don't forget, messages are a

permanent

> record of the archives for our list.

ds-

> autism

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

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

Thanks for the prayers. Zeb is doing ok. Cait will make me nuts until this

baby is born. I hope all is well with you and .

Charlyne

Mom to Zeb 9 DS/OCD ?

[Guest guest]

-Thanks Gail, I guess I am beginning to think about the holidays, are

you? Notice I just said think, I feel overwelmed if I start doing

instead of thinking, we will have lots of company, our " big kids " and

other family (plus add a few boyfriends of our big kids) anyway, I am

looking forward to it!! I am also thrilled for you about Seth's

learning through play, this is such a huge thing!! Give Seth a hug

from , guess I will go put him in bed now, he is winding down

after another big day!! Dawn

-- In @y..., smilinggail@a... wrote:

> Hi Dawn,

> Sure sounds like you are on top of things and that you are making

's

> education the best it can be, for now. I have to keep questioning

myself if

> the education for Seth is what *I* want, or if it's what *HE*

needs. I guess

> it's what he needs because if it was what *I* wanted, it would be

inclusion

> and academics. He's no where ready for that, YET. LOL He's

doing great

> just learning through mostly play time. He's not losing skills and

is making

> gains, so I'm thrilled. His cognitive abilities are growing the

most, and

> that's what I felt was important right now. What a good Mama you

are to

> see it through for ! He's a lucky little boy! Are you

getting ready

> for all the upcoming holidays yet?

> Gail :-)

>

> << Thanks Gail for asking about , he is okay but school is

not

> what it needs to be yet, the teacher resigned so this shows what a

> tuff situation it is, I believe right now I am just still supposed

to

> go with him for the short while, some days longer than others.(the

> teacher said if this were her son she would do the same thing) I

have

> written several letters asking for class to be separated, more

help,

> less confusion (you cannot imaging the confusion!) sensory rooms

some

> behavior therapist help, but oh well we will see.I am glad Seth

seems

> happy in school!!! yeaaa!!! how is your husband? Been thinkin of

you

> all!! God Bless, Dawn (Gail, you take good care!)

>

> >>

[Guest guest]

This is life. The important thing is that you continue try and try

again. I have a theory: the more times we pick ourselves up and try

again, the easier it will become, and the less we will have to do it.

Life is definately an ongoing/everyday struggle at times, but it's

better than the alternative anyday.

Welcome back,

Becky

> Hi there! I have been struggling for a year now. I tried to be a

part of

> another plan that failed then I signed up for it again... Leaving

myself

> feeling lost and no one to turn. I hate to keep coming back crying

that I

> am having a hard time then leave or... telling the world I am back

then

> leave. So I will keep my challenges quiet until I feel I am here

for good

> again!

>

> That being said I think I am ready to get back to where I was a

year ago. I

> saw a picture of myself last year at this time and I looked good !

Really

> good and I thought I was fat! I would love to be that fat again!

>

> Hope to speak to you more often

>

> Dawnn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/6/2004 6:37:58 AM Central Standard Time,

writes:

CAN'T FIND A

DENTIST WHO WILL SEDATE MY SON TO CHECK HIS TEETH!! IT'S BEEEN A MONTH

NOW.

We see a specialist called a Pedidontist for Kody. His anxiety issues make

him freak out when we go to the dentist. This dentist treats children only, and

most have some sort of medical disability. This dentist gives us a sedative

prior to dental visits, and has told me that if Kody needs extensive dental work

(fortunately so far we've been lucky there) he would do it in the hospital

under general anesthesia. I would suggest that you look up pedidontists in your

area. For us, there is not a choice, there is only one office, but he's really

great so that is a relief!

Diane, Mom to Takoda, AKA Kody, Di Syndrome, Hypogammaglobulinemia,

Seizure Disorder, Asthma, GERD, bowel dysfunction, learning disabled w/25 pt.

drop in IQ, CAPD, generalized anxiety disorder, and all around really great kid!

Also Mom to Arika age 16, Kaila age 13 (asthma), and Sami age 10 (dyslexic).

Please visit my website at www.geocities.com/schmidtzoo/SNAK

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn -

Where in New England do you live? I was born in Worcester, and lived in

that general area until 4-1/2 years when we moved to Colorado, then Florida,

and now Georgia!

, Mom to , 3-1/2, IgA Deficient, asthma, chronic ear/sinus

infections and Connor, 5

Re: Re: Dawn

> THANKS SO MUCH...I DID FIND A DENTIST IN BOSTON IT'S 1 HOUR AND 15

MINUTE

> DRIVE BUT I KNOW IT WILL BE WORTH IT.. THANKS DAWN

[Guest guest]

You are in my thoughts! good luck on your meeting. We go to the new doc.

Monday where we will test to see if is completeli IgA deficeint ot

produces a little. What meds is your son on for asthma? ALex takes

flovent and serevent everyday. My fingers are crossed!

Bilingual Special Education

Wheeling High School

847-718-7181

scoleman@...

[Guest guest]

My daughter is IgA Deficient and has asthma, so I guess she proves the

doctor's theory! I didn't know that was common with kids with asthma, but my

daugther is consistent with the theory.

. iga levels that are low are common in asthma kids??

that's what he says. thanks dawn

[Guest guest]

Sherry,

I live in Covington, Ohio (close to Troy).

I started with Dr. Richter before he left and

transferred to Dr. Vaezi.

My swallowing has improved so far, I hope not to

regress.

--- Sherry DeBord <sld102@...> wrote:

>

> Hi,

> My Dr at TCC is Rice.He is suppose to be the

> best.I had my

> lap heller done on Dec 1st.I was still having

> problems swallowing so

> he did a dilation on Dec 20th.I'm still having some

> problems but I'm

> hoping it gets better so I don't have to go back for

> another

> dilation.Where do you live?

> Sherry from Ohio

>

>

>

>

=====

Mark Dodson

Miami Quality Services

2760 Washington Road

Covington, Ohio 45318

937-620-9625 mobile

937-335-4532 fax

bullscreek@...

[Guest guest]

Sandi hello thanks for the post. What is it?? Tethered cord? He does see

an ortho. they have tested for md as well. Thanks Dawn

--- sassykay59@... wrote:

> In a message dated 6/25/2005 4:19:52 PM Pacific Standard Time,

> nwd30@... writes:

> has had a strange gait to

> his walk since he could walk.

> Hi Dawn,

> Did they check for Tethered Cord?? They thought my son had it, but

> the

> strange gait is one of the hallmark features.

>

>

>

> Sandi, Mom to , age 12--CVID, Tetrology of Fallot, Pulmonary Valve

> transplant (2003), allergies (including meds), asthma, GERD, Carnitine

> deficiency--also an aspiring Doctor and Director!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/29/2005 3:17:52 PM Pacific Standard Time,

sassykay59@... writes:

Here is a link describing Tethered Cord. There are many more on Google.

I'm sure your son's Ortho will know about TC.

Dawn,

I'm sorry, I forget that links don't go through on this list. If you do a

search on www.google.com it will bring up lots of information for you on TC.

Sandi, Mom to , age 12--CVID, Tetrology of Fallot, Pulmonary Valve

transplant (2003), allergies (including meds), asthma, GERD, Carnitine

deficiency--also an aspiring Doctor and Director!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dawn

--- sassykay59@... wrote:

> In a message dated 6/29/2005 3:17:52 PM Pacific Standard Time,

> sassykay59@... writes:

> Here is a link describing Tethered Cord. There are many more on Google.

>

> I'm sure your son's Ortho will know about TC.

> Dawn,

> I'm sorry, I forget that links don't go through on this list. If you

> do a

> search on www.google.com it will bring up lots of information for you on

> TC.

>

>

>

> Sandi, Mom to , age 12--CVID, Tetrology of Fallot, Pulmonary Valve

> transplant (2003), allergies (including meds), asthma, GERD, Carnitine

> deficiency--also an aspiring Doctor and Director!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

So sorry to hear you have been so sick. How scary. Please take care of

yourself. We will pray that you continue to recover.

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

So sorry to hear you have been so sick. How scary. Please take care of

yourself. We will pray that you continue to recover.

[Guest guest]

-Before I had the full A symptoms I was being treated for acid as

well. I only found mild help form them. A friend of mine who was

bering treated for cancer at the time told me to try barley greens.

It is in poder for and you mix a spoon full with juice. It tastes

exactly and looks like ground up grass. If you have no trouble with

grass allergies maybe it is worth a try. Barley greens are a natural

body alkaliser. I am not saying to stop your drugs or anything I am

not qualified. In my case it did help. Until acid was no longer my

problem and it turned to A. I have not acid since.

I beleive it is available in tablet form too now.I noticed the

differnence in less that 2 weeks

Some trivia for you to think about.

-- In achalasia , " Ann " <lilac_blossom_lady@...> wrote:

>

>

> Dear Dawn,

>

> I can understand why you would be reluctant to take daily medication

> because there is probably not a drug in existence which does not

have

> its drawbacks. After all, all drugs are toxic to a certain

extent. If

> you needed an acid suppressant you would know that you did by the

> persistent heartburn. And in that case you would have to weigh up

the

> balance between the danger of taking drugs and the danger that the

acid

> could cause, and it that case I really believe that the drug would

be

> the better option, otherwise you would be risking the health of your

> oesophagus.

>

> I am really glad for you that you do not need the acid suppressants

and

> hope you continue to do well. It must be extremely difficult for

> Surgeons when they produce a wrap, to get it just right. In fact

I do

> not know how they do a job like that at all. I am completely in

awe of

> these clever people.

>

> Just as a matter of interest, does anyone know if there is a

correct way

> to pronounce Achalasia? Is the first syllable Ak or Ache? And the

last

> bit: should it be pronounced like the continent Asia or azia?

>

> NB Kathie need not answer this last question. I do not want to tax

her

> brain too much (Joke darling)

>

> Best Wishes to all from Ann in England xx

>

> > >

> > > Mobunny6, welcome to the group. The surgery that is done is

> > called a

> > > Heller's myotomy. The surgeon will cut the muscles that control

> > the valve to the

> > > stomach to relieve the constriction and thus allowing better

> > passage of food

> > > and liquids into the stomach. It can be done several ways. I

> > have had my

> > > first surgery done laproscopic through the abdomen. Then last

> > May I had to have

> > > an open Heller's redo. They did not crack any ribs or anything

> > like that

> > > but I do have a nice scar that follows my rib cage from the left

> > to the right.

> > >

> > > The surgery is the best option for people that have Achalasia

and

> > are able

> > > to make it through a surgery. Yes, there is a concern about acid

> > reflux but

> > > there are way they can help prevent that. One way is either to

do

> > a partial

> > > wrap or full rap of the oesophagus. This is done by using the

> > top part of the

> > > stomach or the fundus to help give back some structure from

> > cutting the

> > > muscles that control the valve to the stomach. I do not have a

> > wrap now so I am

> > > taking Prilosec and that seems to be doing just fine for me.

> > >

> > > There is a lot of information on this site so take time and look

> > over it

> > > with your husband. Write down as many questions that you might

> > think of and

> > > there are some on the site you may want to print out. Try and

> > find a specialist

> > > that deal with this disease. In the end you and our husband need

> > to do what

> > > is best for you and your family. I hope this helps you out. If

> > you have

> > > any other questions please feel free to ask or if you want to

> > contact me my

> > > e-mail is _muellmeris@_ (mailto:muellmeris@) .

> > >

> > > Again welcome to our family and I hope your husband and you find

> > relief

> > > soon.

> > >

> > > in Suffolk

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Heck some people just do daily injections,

from Dale

Warning: in the " old days " doctors would do muscular injections of IgG.

Do NOT let a doctor do that to your child. It is excruciating and

there is no way for enough IgG to be injected to get to therapeutic levels.

However, as mentioned, there are some doctors playing around

with Sub-Q on a daily basis. This is injected just under the skin (just

like SCIG) but done daily instead of once or twice a week. That I have

no problem with, in fact. it sounds like a feasible plan similar to

insulin injections.

There are still doctors out there using outdated methods. So I want to

make sure that everyone on this list knows the difference between these

two methods.

In His service,

dale

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Anita. I will try to make a bigger effort to be supportive. I

have been encouraging him to have the myotomy surgery, but after

reading today's posts, I am worried that this might not be the answer I

am hoping for.

Dawn

>

> After the wonderful replies from , and Isabella, there

> is not much more that I can say except I read your post and my heart

> goes out to you and your husband. It wasn't too long ago when I was

> in your husband's position, only able to eat snickers and milkshakes,

> but fortunately I had a very supportive husband. I would have been

> lost without his support. This board is the best thing that ever

> happened to me as I found the doctor, thru this board, who gave me my

> life back. The only support I had was from my husband as no one

> believed I was sick and said many cruel and hurtful things to me ( as

> if I wasn't having enough trouble with Achalasia , I needed that!)

> Please be there for your husband. He needs you and get the best

> doctor you can and hopefully your lives will turn around.

> Hugs,

> Anita from Pa.

>

[Guest guest]

Dawn wrote:

> ...I will try to make a bigger effort to be supportive. ...

That's great!

This may sound obvious but sometimes these kind of things are good to

hear anyway. It is not your fault or his fault, the achalasia, or the

doubts, fears, depressions, and disaffections that achalasia can cause

in both of you.

I have had other long-term disorders that for me were worse for my

relationships than achalasia. One I had from the time I was child and

was not diagnosed until my forth year of college. For all those years I

had been told that my real problem was that I was just too lazy to try

to overcome what seemed to be the problem. As a child that was actually

comforting. It made sense to me that someday I would be able to be like

others if I wanted or needed to. In high school I developed another

problem and could not stay a wake. This lasted for years. I had quickly

gotten a diagnosis which was probably wrong, but at least I had one and

people knew I wasn't just lazy. Yet, it was hard, too hard, for them and

me to not think I should have tried harder. I saw the look of hurt on

their faces many times. If I had a fever and looked sick they could have

looked at me and thought I was too sick that day, and not expected much

from me, but I looked normal and their expectations were not met. I

couldn't remember what life was like any other way. I would wonder if

maybe it was that hard for everyone and so maybe I really was just too

lazy. We all felt badly about how I let people down. After years of it

for unknown reasons it was gone. I remember what it was like and I don't

feel that way now unless I am very sick, on very strong pain medication,

or have been awake for over a day. I didn't have to feel the guilt and

they didn't have to blame me. I know that now. I also know we couldn't

help ourselves. We were all victims.

Maybe it would have been different if I had a group like this back then,

but there wasn't one. Today many people know about the stages of grief

after a loved one dies but few understand that family, and friends, of

someone with a chronic disease may also go through similar stages. In

death we lose our loved ones. In a chronic disease we lose them in part.

Sometimes, in some ways, they are there for us. Sometime they are not.

Like a junkie, we go into withdrawal. We want our thrills, highs and

comforts. We want our fix and we don't want to live in this now

colorless numbing world of depression. We feel a need to place blame and

we blame the dead or in this case the infirm, who is going though his

own withdrawal. So, if you have felt any of this, it is all normal.

Welcome to the club. A group like this can help you understand that

whatever the progress of achalasia there are ways to get passed this

stage. If he either can't or won't get better (I think it likely he

will), you may have to replace some thrills and highs with others. You

can both cope with this, but it is up to you. Hang in there and stay in

love always.

notan

[Guest guest]

Dawn wrote:

> ... I have been encouraging him to have the myotomy surgery, but after

> reading today's posts, I am worried that this might not be the answer I

> am hoping for.

>

At his age, if his esophagus in not to out of shape, large and curved,

either myotomy or dilatation may be very likely to give good results.

Myotomy has something like an 80 - 95% success rate based on how

patients judge their symptoms before and after. Dilatation works better

on the older patients than on young ones, and has a success rate of

something like 70 - 90%. We hear a lot about bad cases in this group

because those people are more likely to need a group like this than

others. Also those that have been successfully treated often move on and

put all this behind them. If your husband had been quickly and

successfully treated you probably wouldn't be here either.

notan

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

I had the Hellar Myotomy and Fundo surgery 11 years ago. I lived

with Achalasia for 16 years and had 5 dilitations before having the

surgery. I had a great doctor (Dr. ph )from Piedmont

Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. I do have ocassional spasms, which are

very painful but overall the surgery was a success.

> > ... I have been encouraging him to have the myotomy surgery, but

after

> > reading today's posts, I am worried that this might not be the

answer I

> > am hoping for.

> >

>

> At his age, if his esophagus in not to out of shape, large and

curved,

> either myotomy or dilatation may be very likely to give good

results.

> Myotomy has something like an 80 - 95% success rate based on how

> patients judge their symptoms before and after. Dilatation works

better

> on the older patients than on young ones, and has a success rate

of

> something like 70 - 90%. We hear a lot about bad cases in this

group

> because those people are more likely to need a group like this

than

> others. Also those that have been successfully treated often move

on and

> put all this behind them. If your husband had been quickly and

> successfully treated you probably wouldn't be here either.

>

> notan

>