Andy

[Guest guest]

You may have to mention that on Monday that your doctor sees you as

an urgent case.

I think you are right about treating you like a ordinary case.

Once the doctor had seen my baruim x ray I had an appointment with

my surgeon within two weeks and then surgery three weeks later.

Pippa

> > > > >

> > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for achalasia, and

some

> > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all. It will

> not

> > > be

> > > > a

> > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > >

> > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > >

> > > > > Hugs

> > > > > Maggie

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak peek of

> the

> > > all-

> > > > new AOL at

> > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy

I am so pleased that you rang the hospital today and got a better

appointment thats great to hear.

I didn't get to see my surgeon or consultant when I had my barium I

had to wait for another appointment. I only waited about two weeks

for that I am sure that once they see your results you will get a

quick appointment through too if not ring the again like you did

today.

When you get to see your consultant or surgeon ask as many questions

as you can think of. I am sure in the files or database section in

this group is a list of questions that you should ask. I know that

I made a list and took it with me and it was no bother to my surgeon

for me to ask the many questions that I had.

If they offer you surgery ask how many times has the surgeon

performed a heller myotomy, will it be with a wrap or not what is

his success rate, will it be open surgery or by keyhole.

I am sure that other members here can help with questions for you to

ask

Take care and let us know how it goes on Thursday

Pippa x

> > > > >

> > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for achalasia, and

some

> > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all. It will

> not

> > > be

> > > > a

> > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > >

> > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > >

> > > > > Hugs

> > > > > Maggie

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak peek of

> the

> > > all-

> > > > new AOL at

> > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Pippa and anybody else reading this...

I went for my follow up on Thursday and it appeared that this

was an extra appointment they had squeezed in for me with the Dr who did the

endoscopy. The one I had booked for October is still there but they are going

to try and bring that forward – that was with General Surgery and this

was with Upper GI team.

Anyway they went thro’ the endoscopy and barium results

and confirmed the diagnosis as A. My E is vey ‘baggy’ but

restricted at the bottom muscle and this was confirmed with the barium swallow.

They mentioned the usual endoscopic procedures i.e. dilation or Botox and also

surgery. They said it’s not a very clear outcome for any of these as some

work for some people better than others but hinted at surgery being the

possible treatment for me. Not sure whether they said this just to prepare me

mentally but that’s fine as that’s what I am thinking about anyway

as I want a fix that will last the longest as we all do I would imagine. Whilst

waiting for the next appointment they have taken some more routine blood sample

and have asked for an ultrasound of my tummy to make sure there’s nothing

else happening down there – is it a boy or a girl ;-)

I have managed to get the extra stone I lost back on again and

am now around the 10 stone mark – they took my weight so they can keep an

eye on it too.

What I can say is that with the help of this group I was fully

prepared for everything they told me and had nothing to ask at this stage –

forewarned etc.

Andy

Yorkshire, England

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of Pippa

Sent: 13 August 2007 22:08

achalasia

Subject: Re:Andy

Hi Andy

I am so pleased that you rang the hospital today and got a better

appointment thats great to hear.

I didn't get to see my surgeon or consultant when I had my barium I

had to wait for another appointment. I only waited about two weeks

for that I am sure that once they see your results you will get a

quick appointment through too if not ring the again like you did

today.

When you get to see your consultant or surgeon ask as many questions

as you can think of. I am sure in the files or database section in

this group is a list of questions that you should ask. I know that

I made a list and took it with me and it was no bother to my surgeon

for me to ask the many questions that I had.

If they offer you surgery ask how many times has the surgeon

performed a heller myotomy, will it be with a wrap or not what is

his success rate, will it be open surgery or by keyhole.

I am sure that other members here can help with questions for you to

ask

Take care and let us know how it goes on Thursday

Pippa x

> > > > >

> > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for achalasia,

and

some

> > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all. It

will

> not

> > > be

> > > > a

> > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > >

> > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > >

> > > > > Hugs

> > > > > Maggie

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak

peek of

> the

> > > all-

> > > > new AOL at

> > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy

Thats great that the ball is now rolling for you, what you have been

told is more or less the same as me I have been told that my E is

floppy!!!! and that it was tapered at the bottom.

I had a CT scan rather than and Ultra sound after the scope and

barium just to give the surgeon a clear picuture of what he was

dealing with.

I was never offered the dilation or botox I was told that the best

treatmeant for me would be the Heller myotomy and I didn't argue

with that.

I was weighed at every appointment too they like to see that you are

maintaining weight or if its falling.

You have done very well to gain the stone back how did you manage

that?

I hope that now they have seen you and know what they are dealing

with your appointment will be brought forward.

Do you know how many Helers that the surgeon has performed at that

particular hospital and how successful they were?

let us know how you get on and don't loose contact.

Take Care

Pippa x

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for achalasia, and

> some

> > > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all. It

will

> > not

> > > > be

> > > > > a

> > > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hugs

> > > > > > Maggie

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak peek

of

> > the

> > > > all-

> > > > > new AOL at

> > > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Not sure about the weight but I know I had a bad weekend recently

and then it was Ok again so I must have got it back on somehow but it seems to stabilise

around the 10 stone mark although that’s around 3 less than I was –

I could do with at least 1 – 2 being put back on. My arms and legs are

rather thin and my face is a little sunken in that my bone structure is quite noticeable

so that where I would like to ‘fill out’ eventually. Losing the old

beer belly is no bad thing  although I wasn’t a big drinker to say the

least.

Not asked any specific questions about success rates as yet but

will do when things get moving. What was Kettering like?

Andy

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of Pippa

Sent: 18 August 2007 19:27

achalasia

Subject: Re:Andy

Hi Andy

Thats great that the ball is now rolling for you, what you have been

told is more or less the same as me I have been told that my E is

floppy!!!! and that it was tapered at the bottom.

I had a CT scan rather than and Ultra sound after the scope and

barium just to give the surgeon a clear picuture of what he was

dealing with.

I was never offered the dilation or botox I was told that the best

treatmeant for me would be the Heller myotomy and I didn't argue

with that.

I was weighed at every appointment too they like to see that you are

maintaining weight or if its falling.

You have done very well to gain the stone back how did you manage

that?

I hope that now they have seen you and know what they are dealing

with your appointment will be brought forward.

Do you know how many Helers that the surgeon has performed at that

particular hospital and how successful they were?

let us know how you get on and don't loose contact.

Take Care

Pippa x

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for

achalasia, and

> some

> > > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all.

It

will

> > not

> > > > be

> > > > > a

> > > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hugs

> > > > > > Maggie

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ************************************** Get a

sneak peek

of

> > the

> > > > all-

> > > > > new AOL at

> > > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My surgeon is called Mr he says that he does about 4 maybe 5

Hellers a year some are open some are keyhole and so far only 1

patient has had problems after their surgery.

This patient though does suffer with other gastric and digestive

problems.

So to me that was good enough.

He has never hidden anything from me and has always been upfront and

happy to answer the many questions I had

To begin with he was surprised that I knew so much I mentioned that

I was in contact with other people with the same condition and he

was impressed with the knowledge that I had.

Pippa

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for achalasia,

and

> > some

> > > > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all. It

> will

> > > not

> > > > > be

> > > > > > a

> > > > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hugs

> > > > > > > Maggie

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak

peek

> of

> > > the

> > > > > all-

> > > > > > new AOL at

> > > > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Andy,

I haven't been on the board for a while so haven't had a proper

chance to catch up with how things are going for you. What's the

next step for you now? Are you waiting for a date now?

I had my open HM in May 07 and have managed to put on about half a

stone which is great, i had my surgery done at University Hospital

Coventry & Warwickshire by Dr Menon. He was, like Pippa's surgeon,

very relaxed and answered all of my MANY questions. This board is

the best and the people here helped me get through the op (and the

months since).

Keep us posted on how things progress.

Jo

Northamptonshire

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Pippa, I have had so many EGD's, some for achalasia, and

> some

> > > > > > for other things, so they don't bother me at all. It will

> > not

> > > > be

> > > > > a

> > > > > > bad procedure at all.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I promise, and I don't break promises,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hugs

> > > > > > Maggie

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ************************************** Get a sneak peek

of

> > the

> > > > all-

> > > > > new AOL at

> > > > > > http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Andy,

I know you may have posted this before, but what is the estimated in-

patient stay time and the estimated recovery from this? And don't

you live in Colorado now? You're quite brave to go through with this

(especially so close to the holidays!) and I hope that it really

helps your pain.

I don't blame you for being nervous. Even though it's " supposed " to

be a simple procedure compared to revision, you're likely having

memories of what a rough time that particular surgery was. I would

be nervous as all heck too!

I don't remember much about your personal life, but how is your

family dealing with additional surgery? I hope you get good support

at home, as it can make things so much more bearable!

I wish you the best as the time gets closer.

>

> Hey E,

>

>

>

> Do you accept Paypal? I can't remember!

>

>

>

> Thanks so much for your good wishes for my surgery (12/19). I'm

freaking out

> - just as much as before my revision, which makes no sense since

this is a

> much less dangerous and time-consuming procedure. I think it's time

to get

> into meditating again. I've got to calm myself down.

>

>

>

> I hope you're doing well and having a happy holiday season so far.

>

>

>

> Yours,

>

> Andy

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tonia, much appreciated.

Just trying to get some food down but not easy as lost all

appetite but what the A problem it’s even worse but I must eat and

I know this.

Andy

From: toniasdogsandi

[mailto:toniasdogsandi@...]

Sent: 15 December 2007 18:33

achalasia

Subject: Andy

I am very sorry to hear of your son's passing.I

cant imagine what you

and your family are going through.Just know we are all here for you! I

just lost a very dear friend of mine in August to breast cancer.The

only thing that helps me get through this is to know she is no longer

suffering and is in a place that we some day dream to be at. This

helps me tremendously but I still miss her so much as I know you

will your son.

I dont really know what to say other than I am truly sorry.No words

can help your pain at this time but do know I will keep you and your

family in my prayers. We are here anytime you need to talk.

Much love to you all!

Tonia in Va

[Guest guest]

Andy Ann and Pippa pretty much covered the basics - just a note about work. I have a 'desk job' and was back to work 7 days after surgery. My doctor said he would write a note to allow for 14 days, but I felt ok sooner. But, I live an hour from work, and would not drive for my first 2 weeks back (luckily I can carpool). I know I could have handled normal traffic, but did not want to have to make any 'crash avoidance maneuvers'! Best wishes for a speedy and easy recovery! Mike in WImike in WI

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the advice Mike. I was thinking of a couple of weeks

off work then take it easy but got no idea as to what the Doctor will say and

its down to him really. Luckily my boss is making my wages up until I get back

to work so not got that potential problem to worry about.

Andy

From: mike in WI [mailto:dtfanx@...]

Sent: 15 January 2008 16:48

achalasia

Subject: Re: Andy

Andy

Ann and Pippa pretty much covered the basics - just a note

about work. I have a 'desk job' and was back to work 7 days after

surgery. My doctor said he would write a note to allow for 14 days, but I

felt ok sooner. But, I live an hour from work, and would not drive for my

first 2 weeks back (luckily I can carpool). I know I could have handled

normal traffic, but did not want to have to make any 'crash avoidance

maneuvers'!

Best wishes for a speedy and easy recovery!

Mike in WI

mike in WI

Never miss a thing. Make

your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Dear Andy, In fact your diet just after surgery might feel depressingly similar to how it was before, but with a BIG difference- the food will then have SOMEWHERE TO GO instead of being stuck at the junction,as it were. The emphasis is on the food being soft so that it does no damage to your newly faffed-about with (for want of a better expression) oesophagus. Wishing you all the best, Love from Ann xx Haigh <andy.haigh@...> wrote: Ann Thanks for those tips. I do have a blender of sorts and it’s been quite busy. I have tried the Complan and they were OK to start with but even they were getting too thick but they may be OK again after the op and as you say it’s a case of getting energy and vitamins down regular and often. I have found recently that cottage pies and the like with gravy are OK.

Still got some ice lollies in the freezer so will dig them out again. My boss is OK about work but I have no idea when I will be advised I can return – I am an HGV driver so not very strenuous and the boss said that if I just wanted to get out of the house they would find something for me in the office – nice of them. I realise it’s quite a big op and my future progress depends to some extent on how I look after myself over next few months so I will make sure I take it easy. Re my attitude to Friday – I am like you Pippa – let’s just get on with it and trust the experts. Andy From: Ann Higgs [mailto:lilac_blossom_lady (DOT) co.uk] Sent: 14 January 2008 15:47Host AchalasiaSubject: Andy Dear Andy, How are you feeling about Friday? I hope your thoughts are positive and strong ones. I just wanted to give you a couple of tips in answer to your question:- Just a quick

request – what should I expect short term in the way of eating – mine is the keyhole method and I am expected to be discharged after 2 nights all being well. Do you have a blender? If not, it might be an idea to get one because you can boil vegetables in a chicken or vegetable stock and then throw them into the blender. You can make soups like this as liquidy as they need to be for your comfort, and don't try to eat/drink them when they are hot. Another tip is to stock up with those ice lollies with ice cream in the middle. I know they sound a bit chilly at this time of year but I found them really soothing. Don't try to stick to any sort of meal regime for the first few weeks. Just try and eat regularly as and when you are able. Don't worry if you get up at ungodly times of the night. We have all done that. That's a good time to log onto the Group and talk to the Americans !! LOL. Life will be disrupted for you temporarily (just in case you don't think your life has already been disrupted enough just recently). Everything will get to some sort of normality in time, so be patient. Basically, try to get some calories down you to keep up your strength. Milk is good, and so are liquid meals- Complan type stuff. Even the slimmers meal substitues are pretty good because they have loans of vitamins and minerals. DON'T try anything that might scratch, like crisps, however tempted you might feel. You will know when the time is right to progress, but err on the side of caution. It is well worth it to give everything time to heal. Be kind to

yourself, Best of luck from Ann xx Sent from - a smarter inbox.

Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with for Good

[Guest guest]

Sounds quite exiting, to know that food will be going down to

its intended destination will be strange. One thought I have had is the

sleeping arrangements afterwards – is sleeping with my head up still something

I will have to do – been in a reclining chair for last year... I would guess/hope

not as food should now be in my stomach and not just sat waiting to drip into

it as and when it wants to.

Will keep you updated on my progress – admission is Thursday

at 3.30pm with surgery I assume Friday as its nil by mouth from 3pm on

Thursday.

Andy

From: Ann Higgs

[mailto:lilac_blossom_lady@...]

Sent: 15 January 2008 20:42

achalasia

Subject: RE: Andy

Dear

Andy,

In

fact your diet just after surgery might feel depressingly similar to how

it was before, but with a BIG difference- the food will then have SOMEWHERE TO

GO instead of being stuck at the junction,as it were.

The

emphasis is on the food being soft so that it does no damage to your newly

faffed-about with (for want of a better expression) oesophagus.

Wishing

you all the best,

Love

from Ann xx

Haigh <andy.haigh@...> wrote:

Ann

Thanks for

those tips. I do have a blender of sorts and it’s been quite busy. I have

tried the Complan and they were OK to start with but even they were getting too

thick but they may be OK again after the op and as you say it’s a case of

getting energy and vitamins down regular and often. I have found recently that

cottage pies and the like with gravy are OK. Still got some ice lollies in the

freezer so will dig them out again. My boss is OK about work but I have no idea

when I will be advised I can return – I am an HGV driver so not very

strenuous and the boss said that if I just wanted to get out of the house they

would find something for me in the office – nice of them. I realise

it’s quite a big op and my future progress depends to some extent on how

I look after myself over next few months so I will make sure I take it easy.

Re my attitude

to Friday – I am like you Pippa – let’s just get on with it

and trust the experts.

Andy

From: Ann Higgs [mailto:lilac_blossom_lady@...]

Sent: 14 January 2008 15:47

Host Achalasia

Subject: Andy

Dear Andy,

How are you feeling about

Friday? I hope your thoughts are positive and strong ones. I just wanted

to give you a couple of tips in answer to your question:-

Just a quick request

– what should I expect short term in the way of eating – mine is

the keyhole method and I am expected to be discharged after 2 nights all being

well.

Do you have a

blender? If not, it might be an idea to get one because you can boil vegetables

in a chicken or vegetable stock and then throw them into the blender. You

can make soups like this as liquidy as they need to be for your comfort, and

don't try to eat/drink them when they are hot.

Another tip is

to stock up with those ice lollies with ice cream in the middle. I know

they sound a bit chilly at this time of year but I found them really soothing.

Don't try to stick to any sort of meal regime for the first

few weeks. Just try and eat regularly as and when you are able.

Don't worry if

you get up at ungodly times of the night. We have all done

that. That's a good time to log onto the Group and talk to the

Americans !! LOL.

Life will be

disrupted for you temporarily (just in case you don't think your life has

already been disrupted enough just recently). Everything will get to some sort

of normality in time, so be patient.

Basically, try to get some

calories down you to keep up your strength. Milk is good, and so are liquid

meals- Complan type stuff. Even the slimmers meal substitues are pretty

good because they have loans of vitamins and minerals.

DON'T try

anything that might scratch, like crisps, however tempted you might feel.

You will know

when the time is right to progress, but err on the side of caution. It is

well worth it to give everything time to heal.

Be kind to

yourself,

Best of luck

from Ann xx

Sent from

- a smarter inbox.

Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with

for Good

[Guest guest]

Andy-Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and wish you

the best for your surgery.I will say a little prayer for your speedy

recovery : )

As far as your sleeping afterwards, I guess that depends. My son

only sleeps with his big fat pillow now and he does fine.Some

people do have to stay elevated still, and actually most Drs would

rather you sleep elevated Im sure.So...I guess its your call on how

you do.

Have someone post and let us know how your doing ok.

Hugs-Tonia

>

> Ann

>

> Thanks for those tips. I do have a blender of sorts and it's been

quite

> busy. I have tried the Complan and they were OK to start with but

even they

> were getting too thick but they may be OK again after the op and

as you say

> it's a case of getting energy and vitamins down regular and often.

I have

> found recently that cottage pies and the like with gravy are OK.

Still got

> some ice lollies in the freezer so will dig them out again. My

boss is OK

> about work but I have no idea when I will be advised I can return -

I am an

> HGV driver so not very strenuous and the boss said that if I just

wanted to

> get out of the house they would find something for me in the

office - nice

> of them. I realise it's quite a big op and my future progress

depends to

> some extent on how I look after myself over next few months so I

will make

> sure I take it easy.

>

> Re my attitude to Friday - I am like you Pippa - let's just get on

with it

> and trust the experts.

>

> Andy

>

> From: Ann Higgs [mailto:lilac_blossom_lady@...]

> Sent: 14 January 2008 15:47

> Host Achalasia

> Subject: Andy

>

> Dear Andy,

>

> How are you feeling about Friday? I hope your thoughts are

positive and

> strong ones. I just wanted to give you a couple of tips in answer

to your

> question:-

>

> Just a quick request - what should I expect short term in the way

of eating

> - mine is the keyhole method and I am expected to be discharged

after 2

> nights all being well.

>

> Do you have a blender? If not, it might be an idea to get one

because you

> can boil vegetables in a chicken or vegetable stock and then throw

them into

> the blender. You can make soups like this as liquidy as they need

to be for

> your comfort, and don't try to eat/drink them when they are hot.

>

> Another tip is to stock up with those ice lollies with ice cream

in the

> middle. I know they sound a bit chilly at this time of year but I

found

> them really soothing.

>

> Don't try to stick to any sort of meal regime for the first few

weeks. Just

> try and eat regularly as and when you are able.

>

> Don't worry if you get up at ungodly times of the night. We have

all done

> that. That's a good time to log onto the Group and talk to the

Americans

> !! LOL.

>

> Life will be disrupted for you temporarily (just in case you don't

think

> your life has already been disrupted enough just recently).

Everything will

> get to some sort of normality in time, so be patient.

>

> Basically, try to get some calories down you to keep up your

strength. Milk

> is good, and so are liquid meals- Complan type stuff. Even the

slimmers

> meal substitues are pretty good because they have loans of

vitamins and

> minerals.

>

> DON'T try anything that might scratch, like crisps, however

tempted you

> might feel.

>

> You will know when the time is right to progress, but err on the

side of

> caution. It is well worth it to give everything time to heal.

>

> Be kind to yourself,

>

> Best of luck from Ann xx

>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Andy,

Good luck. I will be thinking of you too.

I found a wonderful thing for elevating your regular bed that doesn't

cost an arm and a leg. It is called the Mattress Genie

(http://www.contourliving.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=19). It fits

between the box spring and the mattress and is controlled by a remote.

I got mine on EBay for a queen bed for $89.00, albeit, you need a deep

fitting fitted sheet with at least 18 " pockets in order for the sheet

to stay in place.

I've tried wedges, several pillows, and nothing has worked as well for

me as the Mattress Genie.

Again good luck. You are in my prayers,

In VA

> >

> > Ann

> >

> > Thanks for those tips. I do have a blender of sorts and it's been

> quite

> > busy. I have tried the Complan and they were OK to start with but

> even they

> > were getting too thick but they may be OK again after the op and

> as you say

> > it's a case of getting energy and vitamins down regular and often.

> I have

> > found recently that cottage pies and the like with gravy are OK.

> Still got

> > some ice lollies in the freezer so will dig them out again. My

> boss is OK

> > about work but I have no idea when I will be advised I can return -

> I am an

> > HGV driver so not very strenuous and the boss said that if I just

> wanted to

> > get out of the house they would find something for me in the

> office - nice

> > of them. I realise it's quite a big op and my future progress

> depends to

> > some extent on how I look after myself over next few months so I

> will make

> > sure I take it easy.

> >

> > Re my attitude to Friday - I am like you Pippa - let's just get on

> with it

> > and trust the experts.

> >

> > Andy

> >

> > From: Ann Higgs [mailto:lilac_blossom_lady@]

> > Sent: 14 January 2008 15:47

> > Host Achalasia

> > Subject: Andy

> >

> > Dear Andy,

> >

> > How are you feeling about Friday? I hope your thoughts are

> positive and

> > strong ones. I just wanted to give you a couple of tips in answer

> to your

> > question:-

> >

> > Just a quick request - what should I expect short term in the way

> of eating

> > - mine is the keyhole method and I am expected to be discharged

> after 2

> > nights all being well.

> >

> > Do you have a blender? If not, it might be an idea to get one

> because you

> > can boil vegetables in a chicken or vegetable stock and then throw

> them into

> > the blender. You can make soups like this as liquidy as they need

> to be for

> > your comfort, and don't try to eat/drink them when they are hot.

> >

> > Another tip is to stock up with those ice lollies with ice cream

> in the

> > middle. I know they sound a bit chilly at this time of year but I

> found

> > them really soothing.

> >

> > Don't try to stick to any sort of meal regime for the first few

> weeks. Just

> > try and eat regularly as and when you are able.

> >

> > Don't worry if you get up at ungodly times of the night. We have

> all done

> > that. That's a good time to log onto the Group and talk to the

> Americans

> > !! LOL.

> >

> > Life will be disrupted for you temporarily (just in case you don't

> think

> > your life has already been disrupted enough just recently).

> Everything will

> > get to some sort of normality in time, so be patient.

> >

> > Basically, try to get some calories down you to keep up your

> strength. Milk

> > is good, and so are liquid meals- Complan type stuff. Even the

> slimmers

> > meal substitues are pretty good because they have loans of

> vitamins and

> > minerals.

> >

> > DON'T try anything that might scratch, like crisps, however

> tempted you

> > might feel.

> >

> > You will know when the time is right to progress, but err on the

> side of

> > caution. It is well worth it to give everything time to heal.

> >

> > Be kind to yourself,

> >

> > Best of luck from Ann xx

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > Sent from

> >

> <http://us.rd./mailuk/taglines/isp/control/*http:/us.rd.yaho

> o.com/e

> > vt=51949/*http:/uk.docs./mail/winter07.html> - a smarter

> inbox.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with

> >

> <http://us.rd./mailuk/taglines/isp/control/*http:/us.rd.yaho

> o.com/e

> > vt=51947/*http:/uk.promotions./forgood/> for Good

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Andy, God luck on Friday with your surgery, my prayers will be with you. Take care and know things will be better = Millie in VA Haigh <andy.haigh@...> wrote: Sounds quite exiting, to know that food will be going down to its intended destination will be strange. One thought I have had is the sleeping arrangements afterwards – is sleeping with my head up still something I will have to do – been in a

reclining chair for last year... I would guess/hope not as food should now be in my stomach and not just sat waiting to drip into it as and when it wants to. Will keep you updated on my progress – admission is Thursday at 3.30pm with surgery I assume Friday as its nil by mouth from 3pm on Thursday. Andy From: Ann Higgs

[mailto:lilac_blossom_lady (DOT) co.uk] Sent: 15 January 2008 20:42achalasia Subject: RE: Andy Dear Andy, In fact your diet just after surgery might feel depressingly similar to how it was before, but with a BIG difference- the food will then have SOMEWHERE TO GO instead of being stuck at the junction,as it were. The emphasis is on the food being soft so that it does no damage to your newly faffed-about with (for want of a better

expression) oesophagus. Wishing you all the best, Love from Ann xx Haigh <andy.haighbreathe> wrote: Ann Thanks for those tips. I do have a blender of sorts and it’s been quite busy. I have tried the Complan and they were OK to start with but even they were getting too thick but they may be OK again after the op and as you say it’s a case of getting energy and vitamins down regular and often. I have found recently that

cottage pies and the like with gravy are OK. Still got some ice lollies in the freezer so will dig them out again. My boss is OK about work but I have no idea when I will be advised I can return – I am an HGV driver so not very strenuous and the boss said that if I just wanted to get out of the house they would find something for me in the office – nice of them. I realise it’s quite a big op and my future progress depends to some extent on how I look after myself over next few months so I will make sure I take it easy. Re my attitude to Friday – I am like you Pippa – let’s just get on with it and trust the experts. Andy From: Ann Higgs [mailto:lilac_blossom_lady (DOT) co.uk] Sent: 14 January 2008 15:47Host AchalasiaSubject: Andy Dear Andy, How are you feeling about Friday? I hope your thoughts are positive and strong ones. I just wanted to give you a couple of tips in answer to your question:- Just a quick request – what should I expect short term in the way of eating – mine is the keyhole method and I am expected to be discharged after 2 nights all being well. Do you have a blender? If not, it might be an idea to get one because you can boil vegetables in a chicken or vegetable stock and then throw them into the blender. You can make soups like this as liquidy as they need to be for your comfort, and don't try to eat/drink them when they are hot. Another tip is to stock up with those ice lollies with ice cream in the middle. I know they sound a bit chilly at this time of year but I found them really soothing. Don't try to stick to any sort of meal regime for the first few weeks. Just try and eat regularly as and when you are able. Don't worry if

you get up at ungodly times of the night. We have all done that. That's a good time to log onto the Group and talk to the Americans !! LOL. Life will be disrupted for you temporarily (just in case you don't think your life has already been disrupted enough just recently). Everything will get to some sort of normality in time, so be patient. Basically, try to get some calories down you to keep up your strength. Milk is good, and so are liquid meals- Complan type stuff. Even the slimmers meal substitues are pretty good because they have loans of vitamins and minerals. DON'T try anything that might scratch, like

crisps, however tempted you might feel. You will know when the time is right to progress, but err on the side of caution. It is well worth it to give everything time to heal. Be kind to yourself, Best of luck from Ann xx Sent from - a smarter

inbox. Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with for Good

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[Guest guest]

Hi Andy,

I wish you so much luck with your surgery! I'll keep my fingers crossed things will go just fine and you'll have a speedy recovery.

Love,

Isabella

Andy

Dear Andy,

How are you feeling about Friday? I hope your thoughts are positive and strong ones. I just wanted to give you a couple of tips in answer to your question:-

Just a quick request – what should I expect short term in the way of eating – mine is the keyhole method and I am expected to be discharged after 2 nights all being well.

Do you have a blender? If not, it might be an idea to get one because you can boil vegetables in a chicken or vegetable stock and then throw them into the blender. You can make soups like this as liquidy as they need to be for your comfort, and don't try to eat/drink them when they are hot.

Another tip is to stock up with those ice lollies with ice cream in the middle. I know they sound a bit chilly at this time of year but I found them really soothing.

Don't try to stick to any sort of meal regime for the first few weeks. Just try and eat regularly as and when you are able.

Don't worry if you get up at ungodly times of the night. We have all done that. That's a good time to log onto the Group and talk to the Americans !! LOL.

Life will be disrupted for you temporarily (just in case you don't think your life has already been disrupted enough just recently). Everything will get to some sort of normality in time, so be patient.

Basically, try to get some calories down you to keep up your strength. Milk is good, and so are liquid meals- Complan type stuff. Even the slimmers meal substitues are pretty good because they have loans of vitamins and minerals.

DON'T try anything that might scratch, like crisps, however tempted you might feel.

You will know when the time is right to progress, but err on the side of caution. It is well worth it to give everything time to heal.

Be kind to yourself,

Best of luck from Ann xx

Sent from - a smarter inbox.

Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with for Good

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[Guest guest]

Just replied but I thinks its the address you don't use...

toniasdogsandi@... as its failed

Andy

You need to go into the settings on and update your email then it

should be OK

Andy

Sent you a email

Tonia

[Guest guest]

you havent at all, dont worry about it - my weird sense of humour and our different cultures.

Take Care

Andy

2008/4/23 jadelucygove <jadelucygove@...>:

Oh Okay ... I don't want to cause any bad feelings...Thankyou Andy for your support

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I just read your great post of all the things you tried

(http://onibasu.com/archives/am/139156.html) to see what would heal you.?

Following Jay's suggestion to look at what you'd said.

It was really good to read, that you had experimented so much and shared it.?

Thank you.

Francine

[Guest guest]

Andy

We love you Andy, and you have been there for us for a long time. I hope you stay with us both in spirit and thru renewed energy to seek out some of the excellent treatments suggested by friends on this list. It would be so nice if you stick with us and raise the sword towards the dragon, one more time.

Best Thoughts,

R

Adks. NY