Re: 2 yrs post myotomy with partial fund, symptoms coming back :(

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

Of course everyone is different and one's personal experience may not apply to

you. If you are convinced that your problem is not an " isolated incident(s), "

but rather " the start " of new problems, then I suggest you do the following.

Make an appointment with the GI doctor who you feel is very knowledgeable about

achalasia, and see if he recommends either a barium swallow, endoscopy, or both.

If the results indicate that you are probably retaining food, then when the

endoscopy is done (particularly if done after the barium swallow), that you have

a dilatation performed. It is possilbe that a minor dilatation performed now

might prevent additional damage from occurring later.  I was initially

resistant to having such a dilatation (after all, I had the myotomy, what more

did I need), but this relatively minor procedure has bought me many more years

of " useful life " of my esophagus. Otherwise, my esophagus had been slated for

the " trash bin. "

 

As far as " how long this surgery should hold up " there is no set rule and the

numerous variables make it impossible to predict.  Most people would agree that

2 years is way too short, but then again we have no idea what condition your

esophagus was in at the time of your surgery.  A good esophagus going into

surgery, accompanies by a great surgeon performing it, usually yields the best

results. 

 

Please keep us posted.

 

From: Anne <shelleyekg@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:52 AM

Subject: 2 yrs post myotomy with partial fund, symptoms coming back

 

Hi Group! It took 5 years for someone to finally send me for mannometry which

FINALLY diagnosed my achalasia. I then had lap heller myotomy and partial

fundoplication. That was 2 years ago. Never had the heartburn BUT I have severe

spasms, feeling like a heart attack. I am on Nexium 2x daily for that, helps

some.

Now in past few weeks I am starting to feel that terrible sensation of my food

being stuck and moving very slowly. Not REALLY bad but feels like " the start " .

Anyone know how long this surgery should hold up? I thought I was " fixed " with

the swallowing problem. Also having more spasms in this same time frame. OMG I

could not go through that operation again.....any thoughts? Thanks!

[Guest guest]

With this condition there is no norm....we are all unique. I had mild " a " 18

months ago, had HM w/dor April 2010 and by November 2010 I had moderate to

severe " A. " Since I had an obstruction I had a dilation that caused major

spasms. I tried to eat food easy to digest, small portions and my condition

still deteriorated rapidly. I changed doctors and my condition has stabilized.

Only the BEST doctors are necessary for all of us, they have more knowledge and

can recommend the best follow-up. Each day we need to watch our diet to

maintain. Good luck to each of you.....wishing good days ahead!!

Barb

-

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

I agree with what said in his post, a myotomy should last a long time,

but we are all different and I think you need to get things checked out with a

very good GI that knows a lot about achalasia.  After your surgery, did you

always have these horrible spasms continue?  Wondering why you need Nexium

twice per day, is it for the spasms or do you have really bad gerd??? 

 

I have to agree with the group that seeing a VERY experienced doctor is the best

thing, you could need that dilitation or get to the bottom of what is going

on.  My surgery has been a year now and things are going fine, I would dread

thinking of all my symptoms coming back.  Did the surgery appear to work really

well for you in the begining? Because we are so rare, it's good to have this

group and share information.  If you really liked the doctor that did your

surgery could you call them???  I'm so sorry you are going this. 

 

Julee So. Calif.  

From: Anne <shelleyekg@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 8:52 AM

Subject: 2 yrs post myotomy with partial fund, symptoms coming back

 

Hi Group! It took 5 years for someone to finally send me for mannometry which

FINALLY diagnosed my achalasia. I then had lap heller myotomy and partial

fundoplication. That was 2 years ago. Never had the heartburn BUT I have severe

spasms, feeling like a heart attack. I am on Nexium 2x daily for that, helps

some.

Now in past few weeks I am starting to feel that terrible sensation of my food

being stuck and moving very slowly. Not REALLY bad but feels like " the start " .

Anyone know how long this surgery should hold up? I thought I was " fixed " with

the swallowing problem. Also having more spasms in this same time frame. OMG I

could not go through that operation again.....any thoughts? Thanks!