Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Hello : My name is Ana and I joined the group yesterday. I have read all the group emails, including yours with both sadness and excitement. Why sadness? Because it took 17 years for doctors to determine I had achalasia; it took seventeen years to be in touch with people like you. I was on and off psychiatric and psychological treatment all these years (in order to control my "psycho-somatic problems"). Now, I feel rather excited about the future! I had the surgery done two weeks ago at the University of Florida Hospital. I am hoping for the best. I had no pain at all and feel good. I do have heartburn and feel as if my stomach was way too sensitive and weak. I still swallow with problems. However, I am hoping things will get better with time. I assume it takes time for the full benefits of the surgery to be seen. Right?!! I wish you the best. Please be positive. I am sure the surgery will be a success. Will be in touch with you all.. Best, Ana Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Ana: Hi. I live in Central FL, wondered who did your surgery and some of your symptoms prior. I am going for a myotomy in Tampa on 6/5. It took 8 years for me. Tammy Re: RebeCca in Cali Hello : My name is Ana and I joined the group yesterday. I have read all the group emails, including yours with both sadness and excitement. Why sadness? Because it took 17 years for doctors to determine I had achalasia; it took seventeen years to be in touch with people like you. I was on and off psychiatric and psychological treatment all these years (in order to control my "psycho-somatic problems"). Now, I feel rather excited about the future! I had the surgery done two weeks ago at the University of Florida Hospital. I am hoping for the best. I had no pain at all and feel good. I do have heartburn and feel as if my stomach was way too sensitive and weak. I still swallow with problems. However, I am hoping things will get better with time. I assume it takes time for the full benefits of the surgery to be seen. Right?!! I wish you the best. Please be positive. I am sure the surgery will be a success. Will be in touch with you all.. Best, Ana Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search. Shape in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://us.rd./evt=48517/*http://surveylink./gmrs/_panel_invite.asp?a=7 hot CTA = Join our Network Research Panel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 Hi Ana - nice to meet you. I feel for you. My diagnosis only took 5 years and I still feel like it's in my head sometimes - it's the wierdest thing. I see my surgeon on Thurs in Vancouver, BC and will schedule my surgery. Please keep in touch and let us know how things are progressing. Donna > > Hello : > My name is Ana and I joined the group yesterday. > I have read all the group emails, including yours with both > sadness and excitement. Why sadness? Because it took > 17 years for doctors to determine I had achalasia; it took seventeen years > to be in touch with people like you. I was on and off psychiatric and psychological > treatment all these years (in order to control my " psycho-somatic problems " ). > Now, I feel rather excited about the future! > I had the surgery done two weeks ago at the University of Florida Hospital. > I am hoping for the best. I had no pain at all and feel good. I do > have heartburn and feel as if my stomach was way too sensitive and weak. > I still swallow with problems. However, I am hoping things will get better with time. > I assume it takes time for the full benefits of the surgery to be seen. Right?!! > > I wish you the best. Please be positive. I am sure the surgery will be a success. > Will be in touch with you all.. > Best, > Ana > > > > --------------------------------- > Luggage? GPS? Comic books? > Check out fitting gifts for grads at Search. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 Dear Tammy: How great it is to get your message. I live in Gainesville right now and will be moving to Lexington, KY in July. Dr. Cendan did the surgery at Shands Hospital (UF Hospital). He has performed several Heller M... I had the first difficulties swallowing when I was 19 years old. I am 36 years old now. More than anything, I had SERIOUS difficulties swallowing; nothing would go down no matter how small. I also had heartburn and strong pain in the chest. My family and I saw 7 gastroenterologists back then, and nothing wrong came in the X-rays. The last three doctors told my family that they needed to stop playing my game, and find emotional help for me. My problems were deemed as emotional ever since that time. Accordingly, I was anorexic and bulimic.I remember the doctors telling me, the more you focus on the symptoms,the more it will take for you to deal with the issues you are avoiding. I have done therapy; taken anxiety medication; done yoga and tai chi; done bio-feedback. I only eat only small portions of certain foods, always pushining it with a huge glass of water. I have to go to the bathroom after each meal to do the pushing in private (many times this is not succesful and I end up throwing everything up). Because of this, I avoided restaurants and would not eat at social events. With time, I just learn to eat and live a happy life this way. I am excited about the idea that this will change. Last February ( a day after a bio-feedback session!) I had to go to the emergency room due to breathing problems. The doctors screened my lungs, which were fine, found that I had a gigantic esophagus (5 times bigger than it is supposed to be). The rest is history.... Going back to your question...I guess heartburn, reflux, muscular pain, and problems swallowing, have been the worst. I have done a lot of vomiting also because of the "water strategy" that I "developed." I was often dehadrated. Good luck with the surgery. It is important that you have faith and confidence in your doctor. Will be praying for your well-being. Please tell me more about your case. Hugs, Ana Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 Ana, I know just how you feel about how some doctors and even friends think you have head issues and not our disease. When you move are you going to drive up I-75? If you are and you would like to get a cup of tea let me know. I live in Warner Robins Ga. and I-75 goes right by there. in Georgia"Ana S. Q. Liberato" <analibqui@...> wrote: Dear Tammy: How great it is to get your message. I live in Gainesville right now and will be moving to Lexington, KY in July. Dr. Cendan did the surgery at Shands Hospital (UF Hospital). He has performed several Heller M... I had the first difficulties swallowing when I was 19 years old. I am 36 years old now. More than anything, I had SERIOUS difficulties swallowing; nothing would go down no matter how small. I also had heartburn and strong pain in the chest. My family and I saw 7 gastroenterologists back then, and nothing wrong came in the X-rays. The last three doctors told my family that they needed to stop playing my game, and find emotional help for me. My problems were deemed as emotional ever since that time. Accordingly, I was anorexic and bulimic.I remember the doctors telling me, the more you focus on the symptoms,the more it will take for you to deal with the issues you are avoiding. I have done therapy; taken anxiety medication; done yoga and tai chi; done bio-feedback. I only eat only small portions of certain foods, always pushining it with a huge glass of water. I have to go to the bathroom after each meal to do the pushing in private (many times this is not succesful and I end up throwing everything up). Because of this, I avoided restaurants and would not eat at social events. With time, I just learn to eat and live a happy life this way. I am excited about the idea that this will change. Last February ( a day after a bio-feedback session!) I had to go to the emergency room due to breathing problems. The doctors screened my lungs, which were fine, found that I had a gigantic esophagus (5 times bigger than it is supposed to be). The rest is history.... Going back to your question...I guess heartburn, reflux, muscular pain, and problems swallowing, have been the worst. I have done a lot of vomiting also because of the "water strategy" that I "developed." I was often dehadrated. Good luck with the surgery. It is important that you have faith and confidence in your doctor. Will be praying for your well-being. Please tell me more about your case. Hugs, Ana Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Beta. <FONT face="comic sans ms" color=#ff0000 size=5> in Georgia </FONT><IMG src=" "> Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 Ana: Thanks for your reply. I live in Eustis, about an hour and half from you. Sounds like you haVe been through the mill, osrry for all the DUMB doctors. I have had symptoms about 8 years, first with the SEVERE pain and then difficulty with liquids and eventually solids. About 9 months ago, began regurigitating and knew I had to go to yet another set of doctors. In 2003, went to Shands but they said it was esophageal spasms, none of the meds worked and things progressed. In March went to Mayo in JAX and they diagnosed A. So....have been doing more research and now ready for surgery 6/5 at Tampa General with Dr. Rosemurgy who does 2-3 a week and over 400 with A. patients. I am a speech pathologist and knew it was my swallow, however, trying to convince GI doctors, was another story. Many thought it was in my head or I had taken on symptoms of my patient!!! Heard that a lot on this site. Anyway, if you want to talk, email me and I will send my number. stla_c@.... Good luck Tammy Re: RebeCca in Cali Dear Tammy: How great it is to get your message. I live in Gainesville right now and will be moving to Lexington, KY in July. Dr. Cendan did the surgery at Shands Hospital (UF Hospital). He has performed several Heller M... I had the first difficulties swallowing when I was 19 years old. I am 36 years old now. More than anything, I had SERIOUS difficulties swallowing; nothing would go down no matter how small. I also had heartburn and strong pain in the chest. My family and I saw 7 gastroenterologists back then, and nothing wrong came in the X-rays. The last three doctors told my family that they needed to stop playing my game, and find emotional help for me. My problems were deemed as emotional ever since that time. Accordingly, I was anorexic and bulimic.I remember the doctors telling me, the more you focus on the symptoms,the more it will take for you to deal with the issues you are avoiding. I have done therapy; taken anxiety medication; done yoga and tai chi; done bio-feedback. I only eat only small portions of certain foods, always pushining it with a huge glass of water. I have to go to the bathroom after each meal to do the pushing in private (many times this is not succesful and I end up throwing everything up). Because of this, I avoided restaurants and would not eat at social events. With time, I just learn to eat and live a happy life this way. I am excited about the idea that this will change. Last February ( a day after a bio-feedback session!) I had to go to the emergency room due to breathing problems. The doctors screened my lungs, which were fine, found that I had a gigantic esophagus (5 times bigger than it is supposed to be). The rest is history.... Going back to your question...I guess heartburn, reflux, muscular pain, and problems swallowing, have been the worst. I have done a lot of vomiting also because of the "water strategy" that I "developed." I was often dehadrated. Good luck with the surgery. It is important that you have faith and confidence in your doctor. Will be praying for your well-being. Please tell me more about your case. Hugs, Ana Expecting? Get great news right away with email Auto-Check.Try the Beta. Get the toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2007 Report Share Posted May 24, 2007 Dear : Thank you so much for your words. They really help. Thank you all for participating in this wonderful network. Hope the best for those having the surgery today or in the coming weeks and months. , I am not sure if I will drive. I am going crazy trying to find a place in Lexington while doing other things here in Gainesville. I may pay for the move in order to avoid more stress.. I will let you know if I decide to drive (sometime in July); I would not like to miss the tea and the pleasure to meet you. I should know early in July. Hope all is well with you. I will se the doctor tomorrow (for the regular check up two weeks after the surgery). Have a good night..!!! Best, Ana Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2007 Report Share Posted May 24, 2007 Ana, moving can be a very stressful thing to do. My wife is in the military and we have had our fun in moving. Last August we movd from England to middle Georgia. Trying to find a house and get the kids is school and looking for a new job. Just try and take some time to relax and let as much stress go as you can. Stress does effect how our throats work. Keep us posted on how your doctors visit goes. If you do end up driving this way just let me know we now have a Starbucks in Warner Robins. Even if you need a place to stay over night we have a little room here in our house. Keep smiling. in Georgia"Ana S. Q. Liberato" <analibqui@...> wrote: Dear : Thank you so much for your words. They really help. Thank you all for participating in this wonderful network. Hope the best for those having the surgery today or in the coming weeks and months. , I am not sure if I will drive. I am going crazy trying to find a place in Lexington while doing other things here in Gainesville. I may pay for the move in order to avoid more stress.. I will let you know if I decide to drive (sometime in July); I would not like to miss the tea and the pleasure to meet you. I should know early in July. Hope all is well with you. I will se the doctor tomorrow (for the regular check up two weeks after the surgery). Have a good night..!!! Best, Ana Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. <FONT face="comic sans ms" color=#ff0000 size=5> in Georgia </FONT><IMG src=" "> Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with the Search weather shortcut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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