surgery

[Guest guest]

Good luck Jan. and do keep us posted on how you are doing as soon as you can.FranFrom: Jan B <banicki@...>Subject: SurgerySpinal Stenosis Date: Monday, May 10, 2010, 10:00 PM

After 8 years of increasing pain and difficulty I have found a doctor I trust and will have surgery this Friday. I will have a lumbar laminectomy by micro dissection. It is on outpatient procedure. I am told that the relief from pain will be quick and complete but return of normal neurological function will take from 6 to 18 months and may not occur at all. Wish me luck. I have seen several doctors and this doctor is the first I feel confident about. Funny thing is since I scheduled the surgery I have had very little pain or discomfort. Go figure.Jan B

Hug your kids. Tell them you love them. No one is immortal.

[Guest guest]

Make sure they know u can't have an MRI....

Maybe take a copy of the info about ur stimulator and the info for the company

and your rep in case they have questions.

I would tell every nurse n dr u come in contact with, sometimes the info isn't

passed on like it should be.

Just a couple of thoughts from my most recent experiences.

Deanna

Sent from my iPhone

On May 14, 2010, at 7:03 AM, " klaunchbaugh " <launchbaugh@...> wrote:

Hi All -

I am having surgery in a couple of weeks for a condition unrelated to the pain

for which I have a dorsal column stimulator. The surgery is not on my spine or

near my battery. I plan to just turn off my stim before I go to the hospital but

is there anything else I should do? This seems like a strange question to ask,

but it feels kind of weird to me to have surgery when I have this device

attached to my spine! I will, of course, let the nurse who takes my history,

list of med, etc, know about it. Just wondered if any of you have words of

wisdom!

Thanks in advance, Katy

[Guest guest]

You should receive a card from the Manufacturer with all of the

information regarding the SCS. You should receive it in the mail

approximately two weeks following the implant.

~Robin

Sent from my iPhone

On May 14, 2010, at 9:25 PM, Deanna Ramsey

<Photobug33777@...> wrote:

> Make sure they know u can't have an MRI....

> Maybe take a copy of the info about ur stimulator and the info for

> the company and your rep in case they have questions.

> I would tell every nurse n dr u come in contact with, sometimes the

> info isn't passed on like it should be.

>

> Just a couple of thoughts from my most recent experiences.

>

> Deanna

>

> Sent from my iPhone

>

> On May 14, 2010, at 7:03 AM, " klaunchbaugh "

> <launchbaugh@...> wrote:

>

> Hi All -

>

> I am having surgery in a couple of weeks for a condition unrelated

> to the pain for which I have a dorsal column stimulator. The surgery

> is not on my spine or near my battery. I plan to just turn off my

> stim before I go to the hospital but is there anything else I should

> do? This seems like a strange question to ask, but it feels kind of

> weird to me to have surgery when I have this device attached to my

> spine! I will, of course, let the nurse who takes my history, list

> of med, etc, know about it. Just wondered if any of you have words

> of wisdom!

>

> Thanks in advance, Katy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good luck Neil,

How long you should be off from work depends on how you react to

surgery. I was sicker than a dog for a long time after my second

implant, and who knows why? Probably picked up something in the hospital

besides an implant! LOL. Some folks react strangely to anesthesia, so

if you've had surgery before, that might be a gauge for you.

Remember to wear a shirt that buttons down the front, not pulls over

your head, because you are sent home with a HUGE bandage. And slip on

shoes are good - slip on shoes with rubber soles are even better. Don't

have to bend over to tie them, and better traction with them.

You'll be in and out before you even know it. Best wishes,

Hi

Everyone I havnt posted on here much, but just letting you know my

surgery is coming up on the 15th of September, am starting to feel a bit

anxious, but I know im in good hands.

I will be receiving Cochlears Nucleus 5, and will be switched on 13 days

after surgery , I am intending to return to work one week after switch

on, Im not sure if that is a good idea but will see how I go.

Neil

____________________________________________________________

1 Tip for Losing Weight

Cut down 2 lbs per week by using this 1 weird old tip

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4c7eea83962e29adedbst01duc

[Guest guest]

The problem with cholesteatoma is that it is a PROGRESSIVE problem- so although you may be able to put up with poor hearing in one ear and discharge, the disease may be progressing and can cause all of the problems that your surgeon has told you about at operation, but in a less controlled fashion.

Your surgeon has to make sure you are aware of the risks, but in experienced hands the risk of, for example, facial palsy is considerably less than 1%.

Your experience- ie I could live with it, its not too bad... is what happens in the third world and that is why they see the serious complications of cholesteatoma more than we do in for example the UK (although we still see them...)

Really you do need the surgery- for most people it is not severely debilitating and is now done as a day case- so I would urge you to go ahead With best wishes

Mr WareingConsultant ENT SurgeonSt Bartholomews HospitalThe Royal London HospitalThe London Clinic145 Harley StreetLondon W1G 6BJwww.michaelwareing-ent.com

020 7935 1304

From: austin_barry <barryaustin1@...>cholesteatoma Sent: Tue, 7 September, 2010 15:58:22Subject: SURGERY

I am 55 years old and on a waiting list for surgery this year for removing a Choleteatoma from one ear. I have no ear ache but regular discharge, poor hearing and have vertigo once or twice a year. I suppose I could live with this condition if I had to. I have had surgery of different types before on my shoulder, but I have been taking my time to build up courage o have this operation because I cannot forsee massive benefits although Im sure there are lots!! The surgeon has scared me I guess with all the risks of what could go wrong!Can anyone put my mind at ease?

[Guest guest]

Thank you MR Wareing for taking the time to give me your encouragement, my Surgeon is Mr Hellier at Winchester Hospital.

Regards

Barry

cholesteatoma From: entmjwareing@...Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 17:32:11 +0000Subject: Re: SURGERY

The problem with cholesteatoma is that it is a PROGRESSIVE problem- so although you may be able to put up with poor hearing in one ear and discharge, the disease may be progressing and can cause all of the problems that your surgeon has told you about at operation, but in a less controlled fashion.

Your surgeon has to make sure you are aware of the risks, but in experienced hands the risk of, for example, facial palsy is considerably less than 1%.

Your experience- ie I could live with it, its not too bad... is what happens in the third world and that is why they see the serious complications of cholesteatoma more than we do in for example the UK (although we still see them...)

Really you do need the surgery- for most people it is not severely debilitating and is now done as a day case- so I would urge you to go ahead With best wishes

Mr WareingConsultant ENT SurgeonSt Bartholomews HospitalThe Royal London HospitalThe London Clinic145 Harley StreetLondon W1G 6BJwww.michaelwareing-ent.com

020 7935 1304

From: austin_barry <barryaustin1@...>cholesteatoma Sent: Tue, 7 September, 2010 15:58:22Subject: SURGERY

I am 55 years old and on a waiting list for surgery this year for removing a Choleteatoma from one ear. I have no ear ache but regular discharge, poor hearing and have vertigo once or twice a year. I suppose I could live with this condition if I had to. I have had surgery of different types before on my shoulder, but I have been taking my time to build up courage o have this operation because I cannot forsee massive benefits although Im sure there are lots!! The surgeon has scared me I guess with all the risks of what could go wrong!Can anyone put my mind at ease?

[Guest guest]

I've had 3 canal wall up surgeries. The anxiety of waiting was the worst

thing I experienced. You'll need to keep in mind that this is usually

considered minor surgery. The surgery pretty much has to be done because

if the cholesteatoma isn't removed it will simply continue to cause

damage. If it grows in the direction of your skull, then it's quite

capable of dissolving the skull wall. That can lead to a brain abscess

and maybe even meningitis - if a minor surgery can avoid that, take the

minor surgery route!

Note that they can give you some medicine to calm you just before

surgery. That can really help and I took them up on it for my second

surgery. The most surprising thing for me was the low level of pain that

I experienced after the head bandage came off. They'll either give you a

bandage that looks like half a wrestling headgear or they'll do a big

wrap of your head. Either way they will always manage to pinch your

earlobe or the top of your ear when they put on the pressure bandage. I

needed Tylenol to get through that. Make sure to go to the hospital in a

button-down shirt. You'll want no part of pulling something over your head.

At least in the US they send adults home right after you come to. They

may help you through a bout of nausea first - especially when the evil

nurse from Hades twirls you around in the wheel chair - I really thought

my wife was going to slap her! Another nice nurse let me sneak out the

back door and simply walk out.

I should warn you that if you have a tom cat at home that they just

might take this opportunity to seize the chance to become the alpha

male. My wife had to rescue me from his ears-laid-back assault on my

forearm. Maybe he couldn't figure out who I was ... nah, I'm going with

the alpha male explanation.

The next morning you typically get to remove the pressure bandage. They

showed my wife where to cut the bandage to allow for its removal - so

she cut it and ran so fast out of the bathroom that I couldn't stop

laughing. What a relief to get that bandage off! It will be ... ickky.

I did one really dumb thing - I let myself get dehydrated. That's really

easy to do. Get clear instructions on how much to drink in order to stay

out of trouble. My general practitioner told me 8 ounces an hour for

each hour that I was awake and my nausea cleared up in just a couple of

hours. I'd avoid heavy greasy foods for a couple days. Slow walks, light

meals and whole bunch of water will have you doing really well at about

day four. I wouldn't try to drive or operate machinery until the third

or fourth day.

Note that if your jaw feels a bit beat up ... that's par for the course.

Your mouth will be wide open and a drainage apparatus will be inserted

during the surgery - they don't wants fluids choking you. On top of that

you may have a gauze deep plug in your ear that might throw you jaw out

of alignment. It will fall back into place once the deep plug comes out.

My doctor seems to favor gauze. Other doctors use dissolving gel

packing. I'll let someone that has had gel packing describe that.

If the doctor does reconstruction of your hearing bones (the ossicles -

malleus, incus, and stapes), you might have weight-lifting restrictions,

no airplane travel, no sneeze stifling and no nose-blowing for about six

weeks. That's annoying but bearable. There are aspects of the recovery

that make you appreciate some of the little comforts of life.

Some people do have more pain that what I did, but many do not. These

surgeries can vary somewhat depending on your situation, but honestly

.... I had a hernia varicocele operation when I was 16 and this was just

no comparison to that - especially the varicocelectomy part! I did pass

a kidney stone ... that may have surpassed the varicocelectomy. The ear

surgery wasn't even in the same pain league - not even close!

So, I hope this makes you feel a bit better about it all. Get the

surgery over with and start feeling a lot better. Finally, stock up on

movies that you always wanted to see. I had trouble concentrating enough

to read, but I enjoyed watching movies.

All the best,

Matt

austin_barry wrote:

>

> Can anyone give me their account of surgery, no horror storie please

> because I am waiting surgery

>

>

--

[Guest guest]

There are many risks with this surgery however the risks of doing nothing are the same and worse... this made the decisions to proceed with my sosn's op perfectly clear. At least with the surgery the risk are managed. And untreated c-toma can result in facial paralysis, complete hearing loss,  meningitis and even death. Scary stuff.

If you trust your surgeon, have faith in him/her and know that you are in good hands. It is scary but it IS far better to treat it than ignore it. really.All the best.p.s. my son (10) is having his second ear operated on next week Thursday.

On 7 September 2010 19:46, barry austin <barryaustin1@...> wrote:

 

Thank you MR Wareing for taking the time to give me your encouragement, my Surgeon is Mr Hellier at Winchester Hospital.

Regards

Barry 

cholesteatoma From: entmjwareing@...Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 17:32:11 +0000

Subject: Re: SURGERY

 

The problem with cholesteatoma is that it is a PROGRESSIVE problem- so although you may be able to put up with poor hearing in one ear and discharge, the disease may be progressing and can cause all of the problems that your surgeon has told you about at operation, but in a less controlled fashion.

Your surgeon has to make sure you are aware of the risks, but in experienced hands the risk of, for example, facial palsy is considerably less than 1%.

Your experience- ie I could live with it, its not too bad... is what happens in the third world and that is why they see the serious complications of cholesteatoma more than we do in for example the UK (although we still see them...)

 

Really you do need the surgery- for most people it is not severely debilitating and is now done as a day case- so I would urge you to go ahead With best wishes

Mr WareingConsultant ENT SurgeonSt Bartholomews HospitalThe Royal London HospitalThe London Clinic145 Harley StreetLondon W1G 6BJwww.michaelwareing-ent.com

020 7935 1304

From: austin_barry <barryaustin1@...>cholesteatoma

Sent: Tue, 7 September, 2010 15:58:22Subject: SURGERY 

I am 55 years old and on a waiting list for surgery this year for removing a Choleteatoma from one ear. I have no ear ache but regular discharge, poor hearing and have vertigo once or twice a year. I suppose I could live with this condition if I had to. I have had surgery of different types before on my shoulder, but I have been taking my time to build up courage o have this operation because I cannot forsee massive benefits although Im sure there are lots!! The surgeon has scared me I guess with all the risks of what could go wrong!

Can anyone put my mind at ease?

[Guest guest]

I had my Radical mastoid c/toma done same age as you are. I now have a larger

opening for routene cleaning of the cavaty. I feel sickness, have ear infections

and fluid comes out of that ear.

My life is worse for sure but guess the C/toma would have eventually eaten into

the brain, so needed to be done.

The doctors say it is no big deal, well it is and it does change your life

afterwards. I can't get wet in the ear otherwise a few days later an infection

strats up.

So going to a hairdresser is not a good experience for me!

You can get surfers putty to block the opening if you want a shower.

the regualer cleaning is not good, it makes you feel sick and takes some getting

used to, it is painful if you move your head and the vacumer hits the cavaty.

[Guest guest]

One year ago, I had surgery with no fusion. Fusion would take much longer to recover. I still don't lift anything heavier than 5 lbs.......While the stenosis pain is gone, I do have what I think is a damaged nerve from surgery. My one leg gets very tired if I walk for more than 15 minutes. I rest for about 5 minutes, then I go again. It's a nuisance, but the trade off was worth it!Good luck!On Nov 8, 2010, at 4:41 PM, rosied wrote: Has anyone here has surgery, they told me they would go in and clean things up and relieve the pressure, said I wouldn't lift anything for a month other than that don't know what I would be in store for.

[Guest guest]

Rosemary,

I haven't written since before summer. I spent several months trying to get a

correct diagnosis at UCSF Spince Center in San Francisco California. We then

came back home to Arizona and I went to a great doc at Barrow Neurological in

Phoenix. I am having a double spinal fusion at L4/L5 and L5/S1 with screws and

bone graft, plus laminectomy for the spinal stenosis.

I have found this forum very helpful, but you might also try Spine Patient

Society forum. There everyone has had or is having spinal surgery and can offer

a wealth of help and information.

Good luck to you. Jan

>

> Has anyone here has surgery, they told me they would go in and clean things up

and relieve the pressure, said I wouldn't lift anything for a month other than

that don't know what I would be in store for.

>

[Guest guest]

What type of surgery you have will determine the length of recovery, the type of restrictions you may or may not have and anything else that your doctor may or may not restrict you on."they told me they would go in and clean things up and relieve the pressure, said I wouldn't lift anything for a month"This is not a definition of any kind of surgery. You need to know exactly what the doctor is planning to do, all the details of what post op restrictions, recovery and length of time to get the answers to your

questions.You need to know what your doctor expects will be "the end results" of your surgery will be. You need to know what the doctor considers successful surgery, what pain relief is expected and what my not be relieved in pain from the surgery.I doesn't sound like you have been given all the info you need to make a decision as to whether you want to go ahead with the surgery.Have you gotten a second opinion from another spine surgeon? Has the doctor given you the specific name of the surgery that is going to be done?FranFrom: rosied <rosemary512002@...>Subject: surgeryTo:

Spinal Stenosis Treatment Date: Monday, November 8, 2010, 5:41 PM

Has anyone here has surgery, they told me they would go in and clean things up and relieve the pressure, said I wouldn't lift anything for a month other than that don't know what I would be in store for.

[Guest guest]

I didn't speak to the Dr at this visit it was with his NP, my next visit is with

him directly.

>

> From: rosied <rosemary512002@...>

> Subject: surgery

> Spinal Stenosis Treatment

> Date: Monday, November 8, 2010, 5:41 PM

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> Has anyone here has surgery, they told me they would go in and clean

things up and relieve the pressure, said I wouldn't lift anything for a month

other than that don't know what I would be in store for.

>

[Guest guest]

It sounds to me like you are getting the run around by this spine surgeon's office.Your visit there was with an NP which was a waste of your time, energy, effort along with I would assume a co-pay as well.Yet, you left the office with no valuable information to guide in forming a decision about the treatment for your spine problems.In my opinion that is very poor treatment and medical care and something I would never tolerate from a doctor of any kind.Believe me, I have seen and been evaluated by many, many spine surgeons before I chose the one to use for my spine surgeries, and never once did I see just an orthopedic PA, or an orthopedic NP.If that had happened, I would have walked out the door and never returned nor would I suggest that

people use that particular spine surgeon.Now you have to return to this office for another visit, waste your time, energy, effort, co pay to get some answers.Sorry, but if it where me, I would saying "thanks, but no thanks." and not return, but rather find another spine surgeon to see, evaluate me and give me his/her opinion on treatment. Get all my questions answered and then seek out a second and even a third spine surgeon for other opinions before I opted for any type of surgery.FranFrom: rosied <rosemary512002@...>Subject: Re: surgerySpinal Stenosis Treatment Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 8:50 AM

I didn't speak to the Dr at this visit it was with his NP, my next visit is with him directly.

>

> From: rosied <rosemary512002@...>

> Subject: surgery

> Spinal Stenosis Treatment

> Date: Monday, November 8, 2010, 5:41 PM

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> Has anyone here has surgery, they told me they would go in and clean things up and relieve the pressure, said I wouldn't lift anything for a month other than that don't know what I would be in store for.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, my only thoughts on this are what age are you?  I have had achalasia for

over 20yrs and finally had surgery " Hellers Myotomy, with Dor wrap " in August. 

For me, the surgery was completely life changing.  I had a great surgeon at

UCLA, Dr. Maish, who is experienced with the procedure and does many of

them.  I would recommend that you make sure if you decide on surgery that you

have the very best doctor, one who truly has success with the procedure.  Only

then would I do it.

The balloon and botox are usually for those that are either older and cannot

handle surgery, or because they are simply putting a bandaide on your

situation.  The balloon is temporary, compared to the surgery which could last

a

lifetime for many.  I had a hard time making the decision, but I researched and

talked at length to my surgeon, I had faith in her ability and she told me that

she could fix it and change my life, and she did. 

I wish you all the best, please stay in touch! 

Julee, So Calif.

________________________________

From: wendyholmes <jamie@...>

achalasia

Sent: Sun, December 19, 2010 2:32:49 PM

Subject: surgery

 

In july 2008 i had the balloon and botux procedure at UC in Sacramento.

Last may a local GI doctor did an EGD with biopsy. He undid the surgery from

UCD. [accidently?]

I went to the UCD GI CLINIC THIS

PAST FRIDAY 12-17. So now i can chose the previous kind of surgery or the

laproscopy / robotic laproscopic, where a stomach wrap is included.

Any reccomends?

The doctors Vidosky.

[Guest guest]

I don't know your name but the fear of dying is not uncommon when going through

surgery. I had it. I was terrified. But I had no choice. You must take a leap of

faith to get better. My faith in God helped me through tremendously. But we are

not talking about God here. We are talking myotomy.

I had mine in October 2010. I went to a top surgeon after seeing a couple of

them. i chose the one I was the most comfortable with. It makes a difference in

my opinion.

My recovery was a breeze. It was painful to breathe when I was in recovery but

med helped with that. It was sore to walk the 1st couple of days but a pillow on

my abdomen helped with that. I was released from the hospital 48 hours after my

surgery and flew home on a plane. i was on pain meds for 2 more days after that

and then I was fine.

I had some left shoulder pain (which is referred pain from the myotomy site) for

a couple of weeks as it was still healing. I had some reflux for about 2 weeks

and then it dissipated. I also had a little bit of dumping syndrome but I

quickly figured out my triggers (sugar and coffee) and made sure to eat protein

before I had any of those foods.

I was back to 100% in less than a month. I am swallowing great now. And if you

have read my history you will know this is practically a miracle.

I have a 10.5cm diameter esophagus that is sigmoid at the distal end. Its beyond

end stage achalasia if there is such a thing (wink) and my surgeon believes I

will need an esophagectomy at some point in my life. I am 36 now and I am

planning on keeping my esophagus into my 50s.

Hope this helps! Good luck.

C

>

> OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and the

bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously going to

need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area. One I

like, one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have something

lodged in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I am assuming

this piece of food will pass or come dislodged at some point. And I should have

the surgery to stop this insanity of not being able to have a meal without

burping having to stand up to let the food go down or throwing up. My concerns

are mainly that I will die during the surgery, I am part of many groups and know

that since the surgery is laproscopic it is less invasive and not considered a

life threatening surgery. I also know of someone that had the surgery and died

6 months later from complications of achalasia. Other then the fear of dying

which really isn't am item for this group. What problems have people had after

the surgery? Advice?

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I am not sure the surgeons you have seen is Chicago or what type of insurance

coverage you have but if you live in Chicago you have one of the best achalasia

experts\surgeons in the US at the U of of Chicago medical Center. His name is

Dr. Marco Patti. If you have not seen him and your insurance allows you to go to

the U of Chicago I could not recommend him or the U of Chicago more. The Heller

Myotomy is a very safe surgery especially when performed at a tertiary care

facility like the U of Chicago, Cleveland Clinic, ect.......

>

> OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and the

bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously going to

need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area. One I

like, one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have something

lodged in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I am assuming

this piece of food will pass or come dislodged at some point. And I should have

the surgery to stop this insanity of not being able to have a meal without

burping having to stand up to let the food go down or throwing up. My concerns

are mainly that I will die during the surgery, I am part of many groups and know

that since the surgery is laproscopic it is less invasive and not considered a

life threatening surgery. I also know of someone that had the surgery and died

6 months later from complications of achalasia. Other then the fear of dying

which really isn't am item for this group. What problems have people had after

the surgery? Advice?

>

[Guest guest]

My best advice is to have the face to face with your chosen surgeon.  This may

help to reduce your fears and anxiety about it.  I've had a few surgeries in my

life and this one was very easy compared to most other.  After surgery, you

will

probably be on some restrictive diet plan for a couple of weeks, adding more

solids along the way.  I'm so glad that I did it and the results have been

great

for me.  I wish I could have had it done years ago.  Make sure you have an

experienced doctor that knows achalasia and is expert with this surgery, could

make the results that much better. 

Best regards, Julee So. Calif.

________________________________

From: Cracked-By-KillerDice <mike8704@...>

achalasia

Sent: Fri, January 28, 2011 7:53:29 AM

Subject: Surgery

 

OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and the

bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously going to

need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area. One I like,

one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have something lodged

in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I am assuming this piece

of food will pass or come dislodged at some point. And I should have the surgery

to stop this insanity of not being able to have a meal without burping having to

stand up to let the food go down or throwing up. My concerns are mainly that I

will die during the surgery, I am part of many groups and know that since the

surgery is laproscopic it is less invasive and not considered a life threatening

surgery. I also know of someone that had the surgery and died 6 months later

from complications of achalasia. Other then the fear of dying which really isn't

am item for this group. What problems have people had after the surgery? Advice?

[Guest guest]

My Dr. says that death from a Heller Myotomy is less likely than you getting

into a fatal accident driving home from the Drs office.

From: Montoya <medhelpinfo@...>

Subject: Re: Surgery

achalasia

Date: Friday, January 28, 2011, 4:12 PM

 

My best advice is to have the face to face with your chosen surgeon.  This may

help to reduce your fears and anxiety about it.  I've had a few surgeries in my

life and this one was very easy compared to most other.  After surgery, you

will

probably be on some restrictive diet plan for a couple of weeks, adding more

solids along the way.  I'm so glad that I did it and the results have been

great

for me.  I wish I could have had it done years ago.  Make sure you have an

experienced doctor that knows achalasia and is expert with this surgery, could

make the results that much better. 

Best regards, Julee So. Calif.

________________________________

From: Cracked-By-KillerDice <mike8704@...>

achalasia

Sent: Fri, January 28, 2011 7:53:29 AM

Subject: Surgery

 

OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and the

bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously going to

need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area. One I like,

one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have something lodged

in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I am assuming this piece

of food will pass or come dislodged at some point. And I should have the surgery

to stop this insanity of not being able to have a meal without burping having to

stand up to let the food go down or throwing up. My concerns are mainly that I

will die during the surgery, I am part of many groups and know that since the

surgery is laproscopic it is less invasive and not considered a life threatening

surgery. I also know of someone that had the surgery and died 6 months later

from complications of achalasia. Other then the fear of dying which really isn't

am item for this group. What problems have people had after the surgery? Advice?

[Guest guest]

First off, I'm sorry you're going through this. Achalasia is terribly

frightening.

My surgeon here in Dallas has done about 200 procedures. He said no one has ever

died from the surgery or afterward (as a result). He only had about 5% that

needed any type of fixing afterward - either an esophageal tear or the wrap was

done too tightly. It's only been 6 weeks since I had mine but I am amazed at how

smoothly it went and how little recovery time there was. I only took one week

off work and only had about 4-5 days on the painkillers before I was able to

start taking them.

>

> OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and the

bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously going to

need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area. One I

like, one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have something

lodged in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I am assuming

this piece of food will pass or come dislodged at some point. And I should have

the surgery to stop this insanity of not being able to have a meal without

burping having to stand up to let the food go down or throwing up. My concerns

are mainly that I will die during the surgery, I am part of many groups and know

that since the surgery is laproscopic it is less invasive and not considered a

life threatening surgery. I also know of someone that had the surgery and died

6 months later from complications of achalasia. Other then the fear of dying

which really isn't am item for this group. What problems have people had after

the surgery? Advice?

>

[Guest guest]

Who was your surgeon in Dallas?

In a message dated 1/29/2011 10:45:53 A.M. Central Standard Time,

rmarsack@... writes:

First off, I'm sorry you're going through this. Achalasia is terribly

frightening.

My surgeon here in Dallas has done about 200 procedures. He said no one

has ever died from the surgery or afterward (as a result). He only had about

5% that needed any type of fixing afterward - either an esophageal tear or

the wrap was done too tightly. It's only been 6 weeks since I had mine but

I am amazed at how smoothly it went and how little recovery time there was.

I only took one week off work and only had about 4-5 days on the

painkillers before I was able to start taking them.

>

> OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and

the bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously

going to need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area.

One I like, one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have

something lodged in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I

am assuming this piece of food will pass or come dislodged at some point.

And I should have the surgery to stop this insanity of not being able to

have a meal without burping having to stand up to let the food go down or

throwing up. My concerns are mainly that I will die during the surgery, I am

part of many groups and know that since the surgery is laproscopic it is less

invasive and not considered a life threatening surgery. I also know of

someone that had the surgery and died 6 months later from complications of

achala sia. Other then the fear of dying which really isn't am item for this

group. What problems have people had after the surgery? Advice?

>

[Guest guest]

Dr. Westmoreland at Baylor Dallas. His office is right by the hospital.

>

> Who was your surgeon in Dallas?

>

>

> In a message dated 1/29/2011 10:45:53 A.M. Central Standard Time,

> rmarsack@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> First off, I'm sorry you're going through this. Achalasia is terribly

> frightening.

>

> My surgeon here in Dallas has done about 200 procedures. He said no one

> has ever died from the surgery or afterward (as a result). He only had about

> 5% that needed any type of fixing afterward - either an esophageal tear or

> the wrap was done too tightly. It's only been 6 weeks since I had mine but

> I am amazed at how smoothly it went and how little recovery time there was.

> I only took one week off work and only had about 4-5 days on the

> painkillers before I was able to start taking them.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there

I had a Heller Myotomy about 5 years ago. I was terrified at the thought of

surgery but with the help of my amazing husband and a very supportive surgeon I

did it. I spent a week in hospital and I took a few weeks to recover enough to

go back to work but that was no more than as from any surgery. I have had no

problems as a result and a lot more relief because of having it. I am immensly

proud I managed to do it.

I trusted my surgeon and I think that is key here. He said it was delicate but

not lifethreatening (obviously I had no underlying health problems that made any

risk from surgery higher). Keep asking your surgeon questions until you feel

happy making a decision.

I wish you the very best. Kay

> >

> > OK here is my story and I need advice. I am 44 overweight (290) and was

diagnosed with Achalasia about 6 months ago. I have had dilation twice and the

bo-tox once. They seem to give me 2 months of relief. I am obviously going to

need the surgery and have met with two surgeons in the Chicago area. One I

like, one I didn't but that really does not matter. I currently have something

lodged in my esophagus causing me to throw up drinking water. I am assuming

this piece of food will pass or come dislodged at some point. And I should have

the surgery to stop this insanity of not being able to have a meal without

burping having to stand up to let the food go down or throwing up. My concerns

are mainly that I will die during the surgery, I am part of many groups and know

that since the surgery is laproscopic it is less invasive and not considered a

life threatening surgery. I also know of someone that had the surgery and died

6 months later from complications of achalasia. Other then the fear of dying

which really isn't am item for this group. What problems have people had after

the surgery? Advice?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

things can only get easier from here......thinking of you........BARB in

Florida

surgery

surgery is over

they nearly canceled it because I was running a fever

they kept me in the recovery room a lot longer than normal because my blood

pressure bottomed out and they had a hard time getting it back up.

pain is moderate

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Jackie,

I usually post this about once a month. You might find some of this information helpful. It is about what to pack and what to take to Mexicali. If you have any questions at all just send me and E-mail and I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Hugs, Suzanne

Here is what I took and you might want to have when you pack for the Weight Loss Surgery with Dr. Aceves.

1. Gas-X because you will have gas after the surgery and they don't have Gas-X in Mexico. They (the nurses and doctors) will ask you are you passing gas? It is nice to have this on the plane ride home too after the surgery. I bought a box (of 36 tabs) of Gas-X (thin strips) that you just put the strip in your mouth. It tastes good and it is easy to take--no water required—nothing difficult to swallow either.

2. A comfortable bra & panties--nothing very tight (cotton is nice—what ever you like to wear) to wear home on the plane or if you want to wear these items in the hospital. Everyone was pretty relaxed with what they slept in or wore around the hospital. I didn't bring a robe at all--Just T-shirts and comfortable pants. Maybe a sweatshirt because the air conditioner makes it cool sometimes and then there are times when the air conditioner isn’t working that well. Bring some extra T-shirts in case you spill on yourself. My IV came out and I got blood on one of my T-shirts. I just washed it out in the sink and hung it up in the shower to dry.

/SPAN>

3. Drawstring pants or pants with elastic waist—nothing tight around the middle section. I had some Nike walking pants and they were very comfortable—or short, or pants you would wear to relax in. I also had some that I wore to sleep in, walk around the hospital in and wore them home on the plane too (a pair for each day you are going to be away from home). Sweatpants work great too. I was there in Oct and so the air conditioning was going and sometimes it was cool at night when I was sleeping--so I brought some warm socks along too. But in some rooms the air conditioning wasn't working so well in their rooms and they were warmer than some of us were. If it is too warm or too cold tell one of the nurs

es they will help you with anything you need. They are excellent when you need something—don’t be afraid to ask.

4. A heating pad--I was so glad I had mine (someone had suggested I bring one) because it felt good on my stomach area. When my feet were cold at night I used my heating pad on my feet. Also when I was there with a friend for her surgery in April 2009 I found out at the nurse’s stations they also had heating pads—so if you don’t want to bring your own use theirs.

5. Some kind of slip on shoe for the plane ride home and something to wear in the hospital (I had some flip flops for the hospital and some clogs for the plane ride home. Flip flops didn't take up a lot of room in your suitcase. I also carried on the plane my tote bag carrying some things like, meds, change of underwear—in case my suitcase got lost, a snack so I could eat something after the tests that first day you arrive—because they will tell you not to eat a few hours before you get to Mexicali because of the tests you are going to be having upon arrival at the hospital in Mexicali. Sometimes you have to wait for everyone to have their test before they take you to the hotel and your are soooooooo hungry because you haven’t eaten anything all day long because most of us are flying into Sa

n Diego, so bring a snack that you can eat after your tests while waiting to go to the hotel. I brought along some packages of trail mix—bring what you like.

6. Only one (1) small or medium sized suitcase with wheels is really great because you will have to deal with your own suitcase at the airport (coming and going). I also brought along my laptop computer so I could stay in touch with my friends and family—I carried that on the plane too—don’t put it in a suitcase—too much stuff has been stolen out of suitcases.

7. Please be aware if you use your cell phone in Mexicali they will charge you roaming fees to CALL OUT. For me if people called me from the US to Mexicali and they were calling my Cell Phone there were NO ROAMING charges because they called me from the US. Most all cell phones work in Mexicali; I think they said Cricket was the only r that they had problems with. I didn't have anyone come with me for the surgery, and

they were so nice as to call someone (in the US) for me after surgery and let them know that I was doing great.

I brought my own favorite small pillow with me (almost sofa size). It was nice to have it while I was in the hospital and on the plane ride home.

9. As far as money someone suggested I bring about $45.00 to $50.00 in one's so that I could have them for tipping—they all accept US money in Mexicali. I tipped Ernesto $25.00 who picks you up and takes you to the hospital, takes you to the hotel, takes you back the hospital for surgery and then back to the San Diego airport. He takes such good care of everyone and I tipped him at the end when he took me back to the airport to go home. I also tipped the hotel guys for taking my bag to my room, and when I had dinner that night at the hotel. I would also bring along a small gift for 4 or 5 nurses or give them a little cash—I understand they really don’t make a lot of money and they might

appreciate the cash as a gift. I would suggest that you take enough money or Credit Card or Debit card to purchase the medication that you will need after the surgery. There is a pharmacy about 1/4 block from the hotel--anyone at the hospital will tell you where it is—it is a easy walk. The Nexium that Dr. Aceves suggests you take after surgery for acid reflux for about 3 months cost a lot less —don’t forget they will negotiate over the price of medication in Mexico –even when it is at a pharmacy-they will give a price and then ask them “if I buy 4 boxes will you sell it to me for—ask for a lower price. This medication costs a lot less in Mexicali than in the US—so don’t forget to buy it while you are there. I also bought Prilosec because some people had told me that Nexium did work for them—as it turned out I was one of those people that Nexium didn’t work that well on and so I was glad that I purchased Prilosec.

10. Do not take any jewelry with you or wear any. All I took was my watch. Leave ALL other jewelry at home.

11. Be prepared that Ernesto will be late picking you up--find a place to sit down in the baggage area where they said he would pick you up. Make sure you can see people walking in that area and he will come walking down through there with your name on a sign holding it up. He will have you back at the airport on your return trip home in plenty of time to catch your plane ride home.

12. Bring a camera along to take some pictures of yourself in the “before stage†and maybe a group picture of the other people who are going to have the surgery the same day you do. I have kept in contact with them. You will be so glad you have done this. Take lots of pictures. People really do enjoy seeing the pictures if they are considering doing this surgery.

13. Don’t forget the personal things like toothbrush, shampoo, soap that you may want to use in the shower, a razor, cream rinse for you hair—maybe a hair curler and hair dryer if you want. I don’t know if you want to bring make-up—I did, because I wanted to look ok going home on the plane. Yes, we used their water to take a shower—it is ok for showers… they do give you bottled water to drink.

14. I brought along a book I wanted to read along with my Ipod, so I could listen to my own music. You may or may not get a lot of reading done because you might want to take some nice naps too. Getting up and walking around is good for you and it makes you feel a lot better too.

15. Bring along some chap stick for your lips—they dry out and it is good to have something to put on your lips.

If anyone else can add anything please jump in here and help me out! I know you are worried about a few small things and I can tell you not to worry because we all have been where you are. Just keep posting to the web site-- anything you want to say or ask. We all understand and have been where you are right now. I wish you GREAT success and it will be a life changing event and in about 2 months you will be saying the same thing too.

Also adds that when they make you drink the vile stuff to make sure your new stomach has no leaks don’t for get to ask for chips of ice. It numbs your taste buds because they are so cold and you can drink their YUCK stuff. She did it and it worked great for her. I didn’t know about it and I wished I would have. I think they do this on the 3 day before you go home.

Suzanne

This is what someone else added to what I put on my list--you never can have too much help or information

I wore and underwire.....so I didn't get that message! I also brought a robe...for sure and maybe flip flops or slippers for doing lots of walking after the surgery. They give you those hospital gowns, but the day after the surgery, I was in my own pjs that were button down the front and elastic band capris...something easy to slip in and out of. Suzanne says-- I put my on PJ’5 on after the surgery when I got up to go to the bathroom.

I would definitely take a comfy pillow for on the plane ride too. Just don't over pack! You will need very few things....one outfit for the day you arrive and one for when you leave and just the PJ’s for comfort.

You may need to have something on the plane ride....maybe some tea from Starbucks or get some hot water and add some chicken broth to the hot water--(take Chicken broth packets from Top Ramen Noodles works great for the Chicken broth. You most likely won't be hungry at all....but just in case......a clear broth with water works.

I realized that most of the stuff that I brought, I didn't even need.....so pack light! You will mostly be walking the halls of the hospital!

The best of luck to you! You will do great!

In a message dated 07/14/11 18:48:47 Pacific Daylight Time, jackielopez78@... writes:

So looks like I finally got everything together for surgery..I'm so excited..any thing important anyone recommends me bringing...I'm so excited..I really need this for my self I tend to do everything for everyone this is the one thing that's for me..