Zeke

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathie,

I wouldnt mind telling you at all (and I dont mind you asking questions at all :-)). I did however copy/pasted this from a website :-)Pneumatic (balloon) dilation — This is widely thought to be the best initial treatment. In balloon dilation your doctor passes an endoscope, a flexible telescope, into your stomach while you are sedated, and then inflates a balloon at the level of the LES. The muscle fibers will be stretched, relieving the pressure that blocks food from passing easily into the stomach. Between 51 percent and 93 percent of people experience relief from their symptoms for several years following dilation. To maintain relief, repeat dilation may be necessary, or other treatments may be used. The chief risk of balloon dilation is a tear in the esophagus, which occurs in 2 percent to 3 percent of patients and requires emergency surgery.I am having 3 in the same week because (from what I understand) it improves your succesrate. At least, that is what I have been told. Otherwise your spincter might 'bounce' back sooner. (help me out if I am not explaining this very well, everyone :-)).

I am located in The Netherlands. There arent a lot of A patients over here so finding an experienced doctor is pretty difficult. I am at the best motility centre of my country at this moment (Utrecht). Yes, my Heller did give me some relief and I can eat. This is what I eat: 3 sandwiches (no crust though) with mayonaise and grated cheese, chocolate and I eat my dinner pureed. I didnt have to puree my dinner after my surgery but I have started doing this again a few weeks ago. Every single night (if I ate my food solid) I would have this choking-sensation in my throat. My doctor says it is because food is still in front of my LES and he hopes I will be able to eat my dinner normal again after my dilations and wont have that choke-feeling anymore.

I also have to say that I have severe A. Very dilated E and no more peristalsis anymore. The doc who did my very first gastroscopy told me he could fit at least 8 to 10 scopes in my E......people with a healthy E can only have about 3 fit in there E. So you might have an idea how dilated my E is.

If you have more questions......feel free to ask them !Hugs,Biancka

Re: Hospital dates known.

Good moring Biancka: I am pretty new to the group and to Achalasia. Would you mind telling me what pneumodilations are and why you would get that 3 days in a row? I thought dialations were once and that they last different amount of times for different people. Where are your located? I am in Pittsburgh, PA, USA I wish you well. I think the idea of a short vacation is a terrific idea. I hope you are able to enjoy it. Are you able to take any food at this point? Hope you do not mind my asking questions. Hope your stay goes extremely well. You will be in my prayers. GOOD LUCK Kathie from Pittsburgh (ZEKE)-- In achalasia , ": b i a n c k a :" <biancka@b...> wrote:> Well, just got a letter from the hospital. My pneumodilations will be done on April 4th, 6th & 8th. All onder light sedation. Hopefully I wont be in too much pain after the dilations (I didnt have any pain at all after the 6th dilations last year) so I can go to the pc/internet-corner at the hospital and keep you guys updated. First we are going to go on a little vacation. Cant wait to go away. We'll be leaving on the 21st of Feb and be back home the 25th (very very very short vacation !! LOL). But I am going to need it. > > If things go allright and there are no complications (please pray for me that there wont be any complications.....had enough of that last year after my heller) I can go home on April 9th. > > Hugs,> > Biancka

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