Re: New Member - - for Michele

[Guest guest]

Michele,

GREAT to hear from you. As newly myotomized achlasians, we always love to

hear from people that have had long term durability from their myotomies. You

are one of them! 20+ years! That is great. Something we all hope for.

How often do you get follow up? Barium swallows, endoscopies, etc? Has there

been any deterioration in the size and shape of your esophagus over time?

Thank you for posting and giving us hope that we too can all achieve long

lasting results!

Cara

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> Hi ,

> First of all I hope all went well with your dilatation. I’ve am a

non-active member on this wonderful, informational board. I read that you are

interested in Dr. Mark Orringer. I was diagnosed for achalasia in 1982, had

many dilatations, and in 1990 Dr. Orringer did my open surgery when I was 26

years old. I underwent a transthoracic esophagomyotomy and modified belsey

hiatal hernia repair for achalasia. To date I have not had any problems other

than the occasional sticking of food, being my fault for not eating slower and

(what I use to call heartburn or spasms) which is now referred to as NCCP’s. I

eat normally everyday and say my surgery was a great success. My surgery was

almost 21 years ago, obviously surgeries have changed since then. I’m not

sure what type of surgery Dr. Orringer is doing these days. I see a GI doctor

here in Saginaw, MI once a year for a checkup and every 5-6 years he does a

scope (EGD) to check the esophagus/stomach with great results.

> I hope some of this helps in your decision. I would be glad to answer any

questions you have. In my opinion since I have not had any issues I would

recommend Dr. Orringer. May you do well with your dilatation and not have to

worry about surgery for awhile…

> Take Care, Michele in Michigan

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[Guest guest]

Cara,

Thank you I feel very fortunate with no problems from the result of achalasia or

from the surgery itself. I am trusting in my GI doctor (same one for 20+ years)

to do what best for me, I see him once a year. He does the endoscopy every 5-6

years but as far as a barium swallow I haven’t had that in some time, it’s

been so long that I don’t remember when. But thanks for the reminder, I will

suggest it to him. I just had an endoscopy last year and the results were

great, I have no issues with swallowing, I am assuming that’s why he hasn’t

suggested a barium swallow. But always good to ask….

Michele