Husband Died from complications after surgery

[Guest guest]

I did not know whether to post this or not but feel it may help someone else.

My husband, Gerry Rayburn and I took 's advice and went to UCLA medical

center and had Dr. Maishe do the myotomy for my husband plus take out a

diverticulum. He suffered with achalashia or years but managed. A week ago he

had surgery and came through it well. All seemed well, up and walking or the

next 3 days. He was so anxious to get his first liquid meal o broth and jello.

It tasted so good he had seconds. He was so happy he had the surgery, he marked

the calendar each week as to how long he had to be on the liquid diet and so

looked forward to that steak at the end. Something happened on the 4th day,

noone knows or sure how it happened but he aspirated and ended up in critical

condition in ICU for 3 days hooked up to breathing tubes, dialysis, etc. Maybe

he laid down too soon, usually he sleeps more upright but after the surgery he

thought it might be all right to lie flatter. The damage was too great to his

body, developed ARDS and then he passed away on the 4th day. We were to

celebrate our anniversary of 37 years that Friday. I still can't believe he's

gone. He had never aspirated before the surgery. My best to all of you and

those having surgery be extra careful not to lie flat too soon after surgery. I

wish now he never would have had the surgery.

Melina Rayburn, heartbroke wife with family in mourning.