Advice for my Father with Achalasia

[Guest guest]

Greetings, My father, an otherwise healthy and vibrant 80-year old who still

goes to his office six days a week, was diagnosed with achalasia about a year

and a half ago. He had one botox injection, which offered him some relief, but

now the effects have worn off. His doctors have told him that he absolutely

needs to get the laparoscopic heller myotomy and dor fundoplication surgery. His

diet is very limited to cream soups, yogurts and nutritional drinks and he is

being absolutely stubborn about getting this surgery. He seems to be very

fearful of it and terrified that something will go wrong.

I would appreciate any feedback that I can offer him to guide him through this

process as well as positive or negative feedback for surgeons in the Los Angeles

area. He currently goes to Cedar Sinai hospital and was referred to Harmik

Soukiasian to perform the procedure, but hasn't consulted with him yet. Here is

his Web site:

http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Bios---Physician/P-Z/Harmik-J-Soukiasian-MD.aspx

Would also appreciate hearing about the recovery and results from this surgery.

Thanks in advance for sharing your advice and information!

Sunny