and Steve and Esophagectomy Group

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for an excellent post, and Steve, of course for your well founded concerns. Now, I'm going to throw in another factor, that Steve, I hope does not upset you, but I find myself forced to come forward rather than withhold.

I give my dearest Maggie credit for sending me this link. It fits into my plans, possibly 's and Steve, you are so close, but not yet wearing the hospital gown.

Here is the link. The report came out of Japan, but the surgery does not have to be there.

SpringerLink - Journal Article

Abstract Advanced end-stage achalasia was treated by esophagus-preserving surgery in four women. Their median age was 46.5 years, and the median duration of symptoms was 17.0 years. Advanced end-stage achalasia was defined as esophageal dilatation to more than 6cm in diameter and meandering on radiography. Myotomy, fundopexy, and posterior fixation with straightening of the lower esophagus were performed. Myotomy was carried out for 5cm in the esophagus and 2cm in the stomach. The outcome of surgery was evaluated by Paynes criteria and esophageal manometry. Laparotomy was performed in three patients and left thoracotomy plus laparotomy was done in one patient. The outcome of surgery was good to excellent in all cases by Paynes criteria, and postoperative esophageal manometry showed a longer lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and lowered lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP). Preservation of the esophagus should be attempted before performing esophagectomy for advanced achalasia.

Masaho OtaEmail: masaho@...Phone: +81-3-3823-2101Fax: +81-3-3824-1552

In a message dated 10/5/2006 8:49:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, tracylb@... writes:

Steve,

As another member of our esophagectomy group, I certainly don’t think that our postings should cause distress to others, but rather educate them on what could potentially be their future. I don’t mean that to sound cruel, but if I had know 16 years ago what I know now, I may not be facing this major decision right now.

Granted, that will never be known, and even if I had the proper treatment all these years and the necessary regular follow up I could still be in this position.

However, I think all of our talk about the esophagectomy and different doctors we have dealt with and how we got to where we are is all very valuable information that should be shared with the rest of the group. I like to think of our misfortune with this disease/disorder/condition (notice me covering my bases on that one – let’s not re-dispute that one) as something that can hopefully benefit others who aren’t as advanced as us. Maybe making others think and freaking them out a bit is exactly what they need to become better self-advocates and fight for the treatment options they deserve.

in NY

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of Steve LennoxSent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 5:45 PMachalasia Subject: Re: Re: back from Esophagectomy

Deborah,

Impossible to answer. You are quite right, many (most) live a full life never needing the oesophagectomy. The majority of people on this board for example.

I often wonder if my postings cause distress to others who may not want to hear the end stage stories and I did post this question back some time ago and suggested us oesophagectomy people clearly label our postings so that people can skip over them. I think most of our postings do have that in the title. I am sorry if we have given you some extra worries. I do wonder if in seeking help from others I have actually caused distress to others too. Apologies if this is the case. But I think in all honesty I would have liked to have known this could happen right from the start. I only found this group in february and I only found out that Achalasia could result in an oesophagectomy in March.

All the best

STEVE

Re: back from Esophagectomy

Dear Steve and Mike,

This Ectomy thingie is beginning to get into my brain, so, I've got

a question for you, for everyone here:

How many years are the norm. between having a Heller's and

having a Esophagectomy?

Big question, and, prob. many answers, including the idea that

not everyone will proceed right up to the Ectomy. But, for you two

gents, would you mind refreshing me on this one?

Oh, my. I am glad that you are both getting better but I am

also sending sympathies over the surgeries and the recuperation times,

etc.

The only other thing I want to say is, I'M GLAD ICE CREAM IS

A SOFT FOOD.

all best, Deborah

All new "The new Interface is stunning in its simplicity and ease of use." - PC Magazine