Re: Embarassment of Vomiting

[Guest guest]

HI Kathy,

 

Yup, been there, done that.  I don't know why the concept of having a large

plastic bag with me never crossed my mind, back in the early days of achalasia.

Seems to be an easy solution if there is no bathroom available. Of course, it

won't keep the sound level down if you are wretching, but it helps to know that

you can carry your own " toilet " with you.

 

More importantly, it sounds as if have reached the point of needing a Heller

Myotomy. What can you share with us what doctors have said about this

alternative?

 

From: Kathy <kmlyons1946@...>

Subject: Embarassment of Vomiting

achalasia

Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 8:11 PM

 

I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back up.

One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw up and

didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining room. I

ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make it past

the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't even

notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when I am

out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me. Any

thoughts from others facing this problem?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

I haven't seen my doctor in three years, but it is time to make an appointment.

I am going to try to hold out until after the holidays.

>

>

> From: Kathy <kmlyons1946@...>

> Subject: Embarassment of Vomiting

> achalasia

> Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 8:11 PM

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back up.

One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw up and

didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining room. I

ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make it past

the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't even

notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when I am

out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me. Any

thoughts from others facing this problem?

> Kathy

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

can totally relate to this - it's a horrible feeling. I bought the small

dispenser (pink/black houndstooth) for doggie poop bags (pink) and carry it in

my purse for those inopportune times. It keeps the bags handy, is small and easy

to carry in your purse.

Kim

________________________________

From: Kathy <kmlyons1946@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 8:11 PM

Subject: Embarassment of Vomiting

 

I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back

up. One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw

up and didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining

room. I ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make

it past the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't

even notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings

when I am out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me.

Any thoughts from others facing this problem?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

I'm prolly not the one to answer this as the first thing I'd say is: IT'S *NOT*

VOMITING!! I KNOW vomiting -- with my first kid, I vomited my

guts/brains/everything out multiple times a day for 8 months (from two weeks

after I got pregnant until two weeks before he was born). At one point the only

food that would stay down was: chocolate milk, chocolate donuts, and bananas.

Don't know how he turned out so good, lol! That was when I learned to carry

bags (you're not wanting to throw up on friends' dashboards, or people next to

you in class, or, or, or. . . .)

One thing WE have going for us is that the esophagus doesn't hold as much as the

tummy. And it's not acid.

As for spitting up: I keep one of those smaller sized dry catfood bags with the

flat bottoms next to my desk. . . . In the car, I have a big cup. I don't have

passengers, but I guess I could use a lid if I did. I don't eat for hours before

going to town, so there's not much to deal with (so far), and so far I've always

been able to reswallow. But I *like* the doggie pick up bags. Gonna get me

some.

As for the sound: run water in the sink. Let *them* worry about what's

happening.

Here's a list of things (GERD paper, Chart 13-1) that RELAX the LES. Onions,

Chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, acid, peppermint, fat (think butter).

You could get a nicotine patch, carry caffeinated mints, drink lots of coffee,

and drink a lot of red wine. Eat onion rings (fat AND onions). Also get lots

of chocolate. Except for the alcohol and onions, that's pretty much what my

body was telling me to do those last three/four months before I ended up in ER,

starving and dehydrated. The LES just outran my ability to keep up with it. (I

smoke, so I didn't need the patch, grin.) Since the endo dilation was only

15mm, and seems to be shrinking again, I'm still doing it all, as I try to stay

alive long enough to get a doctor to DO something. I can't take calcium channel

blockers, which work, because I'm allergic, and can't get the GIs to prescribe

nitrates, which also work.

The gawdawful long link for the table is here:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v & q=cache:Bn6H9N-4ijsJ:www.tsda.org/documents/P\

DF/Weekly%2520Curricula/Curricula%2520Docs/s%2520Hopkins%2520Manual/Chapter_\

13_GERD_and_Primary_Es.pdf+ & hl=en & gl=us & pid=bl & srcid=ADGEEShHj7egTaW4L1ha4-ME03T\

aSAz0m1GsJUET7ERnDLWz7TjNlp1FtOhkUmf99t4QduRDav1dxnE5cqGQnzcgIovFfE4CleytPJNZfLE\

TZhcWvYAvuytYYsufAriOUAzkLC-f0pvp & sig=AHIEtbTlnDqvtwTjQzeUGOPef0VnExXULQ

I'd call your doc, let 'em know you're in trubble (because you are), and at

least see what they can prescribe to get you through the holidays. Otherwise:

chew on a LOT of candy canes, and eat chocolates.

xox (in WV)

>

> I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back

up. One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw

up and didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining

room. I ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make

it past the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't

even notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings

when I am out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me.

Any thoughts from others facing this problem?

> Kathy

>

[Guest guest]

Great Info. Simplified form below.

At lunch I use a LOT of butter on a toasted and I mean almost dark brown English

Muffin as my fatty meal, covered with cheese slices.

I buy muffins with 8 grams of fiber.

Like I use a can of real COKE to get the muffin down or coffee.

I buy frozen onion rings, broil them brown, sometimes take the

onion out if stringy, the cover is fatty so works for me, take

small bites.

In the evenings I use Cambells Chicken noodle soup, half can, diluted with a

bit of water, then add more noodles with fibre,

remove the chicken. It is funny it slips down great for me, maybe

it is the salt.

Of couse I have had no operations. I have a blood pressure pill with a bit of

calcium channel blockers in it. Chocolate is great and wine.

And I use Magnesium 250 mg twice a day.

If you have night time GERD do not look at items that open the LES as shown in

the table.

Remember each evening you must clean out the e, other wise you might get GERD

during sleep. Before bed while watching late night shows, I drink a lot of water

from a bottle, put the head back and try to swallow. If necessary I have a spit

up glass, most junk comes up with 16 oz of water.

As we all know every body is different. I used to have GERD but when I clean out

the e at night, very rarely get GERD.

Ray CA OC 81

Table 13-1

GASTROESOPHAGEAL

REFLUX AND PRIMARY

ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY

DISORDERS

Malcolm V. Brock

Foods That Decrease LES Pressure

Chocolate

Fatty meals

Yellow onions

Smoking

Coffee

Alcohol

Peppermint

Gastric acidification

Medications That Decrease LES Pressure

Nitrates

Calcium channel blockers

Theophylline

Meperidine

Anticholinergics (Atropine)

epam

Barbiturates

Morphine

Nicotine

Progesterone

Antispasmotics

Antidepressants

Hormones That Decrease LES Pressure

Cholecystokinin

Secretin

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

Somatostatin

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide

Glucagon

> >

> > I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back

up. One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw

up and didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining

room. I ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make

it past the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't

even notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings

when I am out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me.

Any thoughts from others facing this problem?

> > Kathy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

We did the same thing...but for the car. My child would get carsick before her

HM. And I asked for a waste basket to be placed by her desk at school. again

before HM.

I understand everyone gets upset , but really we all get sick. When I get the

flu, I AM A MESS!!.

I'm not at all trying to compare 1 week of inconviencence to a lifetime of

trouble.

Maybe I can make someone laugh today_ but remember the book " everyone poops "

well, everyone vomits. I think other people aren't as judgemental as you think.

I rememeber a time before kids , when I wouldn't dare leave the house without

being " done up " and dressed nice...for those who know Pregnancy & kids has

certainly changed that. Now I'm happy with clean clothes,

that haven't been stained by my kids ( human napkin syndrome) and my hair is

brushed. Ahhh! the good ol'days.

 

I have also found the analogy helpful when explaining Achalasia. Since no one

seems to understand why somethings go down and all that.

 

You know when you( or a kid) swollows a quarter, some foods are able to pass and

others can't. It also depends on how the quarter is lying, too.

Usually a lightbulb goes off. and at least that can explain why some days are

good and some are bad, etc.

 

Another silly thing, but I have allergies, where my nose will just drip like

crazy, and I can go into sneazing fits. When I worked in the hospital I always

found myself saying:

" don't worry it is only allergies " .

Like don't worry I'm not contagious with the Black plague. Haha.

I hope I've inspired someone to smile today.

 

and one more thing, you are eating and worrying about vomiting and the guy next

to you is hoping you don't notice how bald he is. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Again I'm proud of all of you and I am very grateful, without you I would not

have had an easier time with my daughter. That is PRICELESS.

Thank-you all again.

Dana  In VA

 

________________________________

From: Leda Mae <leda444@...>

" achalasia " <achalasia >

Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 9:57 PM

Subject: Re: Embarassment of Vomiting

 

can totally relate to this - it's a horrible feeling. I bought the small

dispenser (pink/black houndstooth) for doggie poop bags (pink) and carry it in

my purse for those inopportune times. It keeps the bags handy, is small and easy

to carry in your purse.

Kim

________________________________

From: Kathy <kmlyons1946@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 8:11 PM

Subject: Embarassment of Vomiting

 

I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back up.

One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw up and

didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining room. I

ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make it past

the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't even

notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when I am

out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me. Any

thoughts from others facing this problem?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Yep, been there and done it. In the end i stopped socialising unless the

bathroom was fairly close. I really got fed up explaining to people why i

couldn't eat properly. When it got so bad that i missed my sister's wedding,

then i knew that it was time to do something. Good Luck. Keep us posted.

from the UK

________________________________

From: Leda Mae <leda444@...>

" achalasia " <achalasia >

Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 2:57 AM

Subject: Re: Embarassment of Vomiting

 

can totally relate to this - it's a horrible feeling. I bought the small

dispenser (pink/black houndstooth) for doggie poop bags (pink) and carry it in

my purse for those inopportune times. It keeps the bags handy, is small and easy

to carry in your purse.

Kim

________________________________

From: Kathy <kmlyons1946@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 8:11 PM

Subject: Embarassment of Vomiting

 

I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back up.

One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw up and

didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining room. I

ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make it past

the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't even

notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when I am

out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me. Any

thoughts from others facing this problem?

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Kathy wrote:

>

> I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my

> second balloon dilation.

>

I hope you are thinking about getting another treatment.

> ... I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when

> I am out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear

> me. Any thoughts from others facing this problem?

>

One thing I have learned is that if it isn't my fault, whatever it is

and I don't see choking and regurgitating being my fault, I should just

let things continue as if nothing has happened and put it out of my mind

as fast as possible. Like bad weather. Just let it pass and move on.

Nature can be embarrassed about these things. I have enough really

embarrassing things from my life to deal with. I don't need to add these

to the list. I know it isn't always that easy for everyone but that is

how I deal with such things.

I am healing from some broken bones and surgery to fix them. When I am

in public people notice how slow and awkward I walk and can see the pain

in my face. Not my problem. For a few months I was the guy in the wheel

chair. People looking was not my problem. Other people have to deal with

what they see not me, but I do try to help them some. I have two hand

carved waking sticks/canes. They look very interesting and it gives

people who look something else to focus on. I get a lot of comments

about the canes. I also try to look as alive and vigorous as possible

not morbid.

Give the people who notice your " bad weather " something else to think

about and remember. Perhaps you could wear something nice. If they look

at you let them be thinking how nice you dress. A cute pendent or nice

earrings an outfit that says you are there to enjoy life. Then as soon

as the weather clears act normal not embarrassed. If you act embarrassed

you focus them on it and they will continue to think that much more

about it. Get right back into the action. Follow or join the

conversation or even better add something very good to it. The sooner

you move on the sooner everyone moves on to a new focus. Letting that

new focus be you can give them something better to remember about you

and reason to forget the weather. This is your show. The spotlight is

your's. Make it a good one. Die a little or live a little, help others

live a little, it is your opportunity.

notan

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement!

>

> We did the same thing...but for the car. My child would get carsick before her

HM. And I asked for a waste basket to be placed by her desk at school. again

before HM.

> I understand everyone gets upset , but really we all get sick. When I get the

flu, I AM A MESS!!.

> I'm not at all trying to compare 1 week of inconviencence to a lifetime of

trouble.

> Maybe I can make someone laugh today_ but remember the book " everyone poops "

well, everyone vomits. I think other people aren't as judgemental as you think.

> I rememeber a time before kids , when I wouldn't dare leave the house without

being " done up " and dressed nice...for those who know Pregnancy & kids has

certainly changed that. Now I'm happy with clean clothes,

> that haven't been stained by my kids ( human napkin syndrome) and my hair is

brushed. Ahhh! the good ol'days.

>  

> I have also found the analogy helpful when explaining Achalasia. Since no one

seems to understand why somethings go down and all that.

>  

> You know when you( or a kid) swollows a quarter, some foods are able to pass

and others can't. It also depends on how the quarter is lying, too.

> Usually a lightbulb goes off. and at least that can explain why some days are

good and some are bad, etc.

>  

> Another silly thing, but I have allergies, where my nose will just drip like

crazy, and I can go into sneazing fits. When I worked in the hospital I always

found myself saying:

> " don't worry it is only allergies " .

> Like don't worry I'm not contagious with the Black plague. Haha.

> I hope I've inspired someone to smile today.

>  

> and one more thing, you are eating and worrying about vomiting and the guy

next to you is hoping you don't notice how bald he is. Don't be so hard on

yourself.

> Again I'm proud of all of you and I am very grateful, without you I would not

have had an easier time with my daughter. That is PRICELESS.

> Thank-you all again.

> Dana  In VA

>  

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Leda Mae <leda444@...>

> " achalasia " <achalasia >

> Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 9:57 PM

> Subject: Re: Embarassment of Vomiting

>

>

>  

> can totally relate to this - it's a horrible feeling. I bought the small

dispenser (pink/black houndstooth) for doggie poop bags (pink) and carry it in

my purse for those inopportune times. It keeps the bags handy, is small and easy

to carry in your purse.

>

> Kim

>

> ________________________________

> From: Kathy <kmlyons1946@...>

> achalasia

> Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 8:11 PM

> Subject: Embarassment of Vomiting

>

>

>  

> I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back up.

One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw up and

didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining room. I

ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make it past

the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't even

notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when I am

out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me. Any

thoughts from others facing this problem?

> Kathy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Notan. I will remember your advice.

> >

> > I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my

> > second balloon dilation.

> >

>

> I hope you are thinking about getting another treatment.

>

> > ... I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings when

> > I am out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear

> > me. Any thoughts from others facing this problem?

> >

>

> One thing I have learned is that if it isn't my fault, whatever it is

> and I don't see choking and regurgitating being my fault, I should just

> let things continue as if nothing has happened and put it out of my mind

> as fast as possible. Like bad weather. Just let it pass and move on.

> Nature can be embarrassed about these things. I have enough really

> embarrassing things from my life to deal with. I don't need to add these

> to the list. I know it isn't always that easy for everyone but that is

> how I deal with such things.

>

> I am healing from some broken bones and surgery to fix them. When I am

> in public people notice how slow and awkward I walk and can see the pain

> in my face. Not my problem. For a few months I was the guy in the wheel

> chair. People looking was not my problem. Other people have to deal with

> what they see not me, but I do try to help them some. I have two hand

> carved waking sticks/canes. They look very interesting and it gives

> people who look something else to focus on. I get a lot of comments

> about the canes. I also try to look as alive and vigorous as possible

> not morbid.

>

> Give the people who notice your " bad weather " something else to think

> about and remember. Perhaps you could wear something nice. If they look

> at you let them be thinking how nice you dress. A cute pendent or nice

> earrings an outfit that says you are there to enjoy life. Then as soon

> as the weather clears act normal not embarrassed. If you act embarrassed

> you focus them on it and they will continue to think that much more

> about it. Get right back into the action. Follow or join the

> conversation or even better add something very good to it. The sooner

> you move on the sooner everyone moves on to a new focus. Letting that

> new focus be you can give them something better to remember about you

> and reason to forget the weather. This is your show. The spotlight is

> your's. Make it a good one. Die a little or live a little, help others

> live a little, it is your opportunity.

>

> notan

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I find that chocolate gives me painful spasms

> > >

> > > I am having trouble with my achalasia again after 3 years since my second

balloon dilation. Either my esophagus feels blocked or everything comes back

up. One night this happened at a dinner party and I knew I was going to throw

up and didn't know where to go since their bathroom was right off of the dining

room. I ended up going out the front door to head for the grass and didn't make

it past the sidewalk. Luckily my husband helped me out and some guests didn't

even notice. I felt so embarrassed and miserable. I have the same feelings

when I am out and have to use a public bathroom, knowing everyone can hear me.

Any thoughts from others facing this problem?

> > > Kathy

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

i still take donatal and also bentyl. it helped me some with my les not opening

up. then one day it stopped working. but i still take them for spasms. i try not

to take it if i dont need it. a glass of wine really works well or a cocktail to

open the les . about the regurg... no, it isnt vomit.. i too was sick for 9

months with both of my babies and i also until the past few years had terrible

motion sickness so it is really different- the regurg..     .Now!!! i love

purses and i love BIG purses,, and that was a good thing because desperate times

call for desperate measures-- i always took some of those throw away 20 oz

plastic cups (carried a few stacked inside each other inside of a gallon zip

lock bag) and some paper towel to put into the " spit " cup to avoid spillage. i

then had the cup situated  inside of a empty plastic shopping bag to avoid

spillage..when i filled the cup i grabbed the bag and pulled it out and tossed

it.. and fixed another

one.. i was desperate to get anything liquid down. you would be surprised how

one can shop and spit and just carry on as if nothing happened. i never would

have thought i could do that. but i did. and if i have to go back to that place

i will do it again. it got tiring and my sweet girlfriends were so patient and

sweet. and my husband too of course. but i , like you just figured out a way to

manage with the spitting up and not embarrass myself in public. my heart goes

out to your little children that have A. and have to manage in school. 

[Guest guest]

Sorry for the late response but I have been real backlogged with emails lately.

Until my last dilation I would carry around a tall ceramic coffee cup with a top

on that had a sippy hole. It was much easier to hide those embarrasing moments

when they hit and would have to dump it whenever I could get to a bathroom. I

always had one at my desk at work because our bathrooms are so far from where I

work.

 

Kim A ( from Kenosha )

________________________________

From: Kim <kimellenbailey@...>

" achalasia " <achalasia >

Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2011 10:36 AM

Subject: Re: Embarassment of Vomiting

 

i still take donatal and also bentyl. it helped me some with my les not opening

up. then one day it stopped working. but i still take them for spasms. i try not

to take it if i dont need it. a glass of wine really works well or a cocktail to

open the les . about the regurg... no, it isnt vomit.. i too was sick for 9

months with both of my babies and i also until the past few years had terrible

motion sickness so it is really different- the regurg..     .Now!!! i love

purses and i love BIG purses,, and that was a good thing because desperate times

call for desperate measures-- i always took some of those throw away 20 oz

plastic cups (carried a few stacked inside each other inside of a gallon zip

lock bag) and some paper towel to put into the " spit " cup to avoid spillage. i

then had the cup situated  inside of a empty plastic shopping bag to avoid

spillage..when i filled the cup i grabbed the bag and pulled it out and tossed

it.. and fixed another

one.. i was desperate to get anything liquid down. you would be surprised how

one can shop and spit and just carry on as if nothing happened. i never would

have thought i could do that. but i did. and if i have to go back to that place

i will do it again. it got tiring and my sweet girlfriends were so patient and

sweet. and my husband too of course. but i , like you just figured out a way to

manage with the spitting up and not embarrass myself in public. my heart goes

out to your little children that have A. and have to manage in school.