Re: Pros vs. Cons HM vs. Ballon Dilitation

[Guest guest]

First, take a deep breath. Then do some reading around here. A ton of really

good information is available. And slow down (unless you are spitting up

virtually everything you eat).

For me, the balloon dilation is more attractive because there is less acid

reflux. It can be, and mostly seems like it is, repeated, as needed. And at my

age (71) is most likely to *take* permanently. It's much less invasive and

expensive. The HM, at your age, is going to need to be watched because of the

acid reflux, which can lead to Barrett's Esophagus, a precancerous situation.

You'll be taking PPIs forever. Which *will* affect how well you digest food.

You also might want to think about your certainty or uncertainty of health

insurance (if you're in the US) now versus later. This is going to be long

term, no matter what you choose.

All of us with Achalasia simply have a drop tube for an esophagus. Works by

gravity instead of all that nice squeezing that other people have. The main

difference between treated and untreated, as near as I can tell, is that for the

treated, the opening we're dropping food into is *larger* than for the

untreated. Which is not to be sniffed at, but to be profoundly grateful for.

But no matter what we do, there is no return to PREachalasia.

Good luck, and blessings!

>

> Please help. I've seen a GI doc about balloon Dilitation and a Surgeon about

HM. I feel like i'm overwhelmed and mixing everything together. Can anyone

help me with the pros vs. the cons for both situations. I'm a 29yr female with

no other problems (except this major one)!

> Thank You

>

[Guest guest]

Each of us is unique and how we respond to various treatments as well as

the foods we can tolerate. I had major acid reflux from my first pregnancy

in 1961 til the day I had my Myotomy in 2009. They did a Dors

Fundoplication and that took care of the reflux. Not a single episode since

then. What a

blessing! I do have other things...air stuck in the E and food doesn't

want to go past it til i burp and lots of foam that prevents food from going

down too. i can eat most foods, but a few are difficult....

I encourage you to ask about a fundoplication and what it can do for you.

No matter what they do, you will still have Achalasia. The symptoms and

how you will have to deal with it vary with each of us.

Good luck

in Santa Barbara

[Guest guest]

My biggest decision before I had the HM was which one to do!  I was afraid of

surgery, but was told by this group that finding the BEST surgeon that KNOWS

about Achalasia makes a huge difference. I wanted a face to face with the

surgeon, I had a list of questions that I needed answered before I could trust

someone.  My biggest concern was in my situation what my odds would be for a

successful HM.  My surgeon was very good and her answers made me feel totally

at ease and I decided to do it. 

 

The balloon could be a temporary fix, needing more dilitations and possibly

ruining your chances of a good outcome for surgery someday. Each time

you dilate it can cause scar tissue which in my opinion is not a good thing. 

But you must talk to these doctors face to face and read " everything " you can

about these procedures and then when you feel confident go for it.  

 

I've read here that some surgeons put their patients on PPI's

immediately after the HM.  My surgeon NEVER puts anyone on that unless they

have problems after surgery, also keep in mind that we are all different...I

never had acid problems before surgery nor any after surgery, I did have a fundo

" Dor " with the HM.  My surgery was over a year ago and I am doing great, have

very little problems so far.  

 

Julee (Now from Oregon)!!!   

 

From: <ebijans@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 11:52 AM

Subject: Pros vs. Cons HM vs. Ballon Dilitation

 

Please help. I've seen a GI doc about balloon Dilitation and a Surgeon about HM.

I feel like i'm overwhelmed and mixing everything together. Can anyone help me

with the pros vs. the cons for both situations. I'm a 29yr female with no other

problems (except this major one)!

Thank You

[Guest guest]

Okay. Done some additional reading (which I didn't think was possible, lol!)

and found this: http://www.sages.org/publication/id/ACHALASIA/ Have to say, it

changed MY mind about the direction I was headed. . . . Looks like the Heller

is the definitive way to go. Read it a couple of times (or more); go slowly,

look up words if you have to, and take your time.

Good luck!

xox,

>

> Please help. I've seen a GI doc about balloon Dilitation and a Surgeon about

HM. I feel like i'm overwhelmed and mixing everything together. Can anyone

help me with the pros vs. the cons for both situations. I'm a 29yr female with

no other problems (except this major one)!

> Thank You

>