Pre-op

[Guest guest]

Wow! We are going for tubes here, too! Actually, this will be the second

trip, so I am not too worried about that surgery. They also plan on taking

out her adenoids, she has some troubles with apnea. Actually, I am praying

this helps her sleep, as we haven't had a full night's sleep since early

October!

Anyway, I have a few questions for those of you who have done this before. I

have heard the horror stories regarding recovery of some of your little ones

from the surgery, and it has me worried. Before they scheduled the surgery,

I registered for a conference on the 25 and 26. They changed her surgery

date to the 23, and I don't want to postpone...really looking forward to the

sleep! I also don't want to miss this conference, it promises to be chock

full of info. My question is, those of you whose children had the horrible

time recovering, had they had any surgeries prior? Murielle has had 5

surgeries before, and each time she has recovered wonderfully. I am just

worried...this whole ad. thing, messing with her airway...you know. Should I

find someone else who will go to the conf for me? I'd hate to just throw

that $$$$ away, but don't know who I would find to go in my place.

I guess any thoughts you could share would really be appreciated. It has

been about 15 months since the last surgery, and I am a little out of

practice.

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

I found the website for the Earbandit and EarPutty. WWW.EARBANDIT.COM

These work great for swimmers with or without tubes. My son had a

mastoidectomy and we use them in the shower or at camp all the time.

Jeannette

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/17/2001 9:05:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Roxhopp@... writes:

<<

Tomorrow we go to Pre-op for Faith getting Tubes in her ears. I must admit

that I was reluctant about getting the tubes. She has only had one ear

infection and to me hears fine. But It seems that she has fluid in her hear

that will not come out. >>

One does not have to have an ear infection to have otitis media (fluid in the

ear) and it's best to have a doctor take a assertive approach to this when

dealing with a child with DS. Left untreated, the child can suffer more than

loss of speech. This could cause neurological problems such as ADHD and

sensory integration problems.

My son has had 8 sets in 7 years. His ENT's took a conservative approach

that most likely did harm to him. His new ENT put in Ttubes and they have

lasted much longer than the others this time. I could just wring the old

ENT's neck for making my baby suffer in the past. He should have had TTubes

put in years ago.

You will see an immediate difference. Do expect some noises to be a bit

sensitive to her until she can get use to the new sounds...usually a few

hours or more.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/17/2001 10:41:27 PM Eastern Standard Time,

angel2cook@... writes:

> I found the website for the Earbandit and EarPutty. WWW.EARBANDIT.COM

> These work great for swimmers with or without tubes. My son had a

> mastoidectomy and we use them in the shower or at camp all the time.

>

i was(before being a mommy) and swin teacher and life gurad. And i was

looking for this like for you but jeannette found it first LOL.. these are

great.. I have used them myself . My nephew who is 7 months old nds just had

tubes put in do to 20+ ear infections and fluid in the ear.. we just got him

these too and there is no more screaming when it comes to bath time.. JMP

hugs

stacee

mommy to jaykob

5-10-00 ds

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/17/2001 10:07:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,

BigJess1969@... writes:

<< Anyway, I have a few questions for those of you who have done this before.

I

have heard the horror stories regarding recovery of some of your little ones

from the surgery, and it has me worried. Before they scheduled the surgery,

I registered for a conference on the 25 and 26. >>

had T & A when he was 2.5 years old. I believe that if he were not in

the hospital, he could have died or had severe brain damage from lack of

oxygen. The hospital had a pediatrician there all night who responded

immediately when things quickly went bad. We put a ball in his crib, knowing

he would be ok when he started to play with it. Sure enough, he woke up and

started playing with the ball and we came home a few hours later. He bounced

back quickly.

The only thing about the date I would be concerned about is possible

dehydration which could land him back in the hospital. If you are ok with

someone else watching her, then go to the conference. I know is in

good hands when he is sick and Tim is with him. Still, if my baby is sick, I

want to be with him. Last week when he had the flu, I spent alot of time

laying down with him just watching him sleep!!

Buy a case of prepackaged jello....even with this flu, that is the only thing

could eat for 2 days. I remember buying a huge box when had

his tonsils and adenoids removed.....no problem with getting liquids in him

then

[Guest guest]

, had this done back in November. The recovery took about a

week. The worst of it was persistant drainage from the nose (clear stuff).

Doctor informed me to give him Sudafed and that this was typical after

adenoid surgery. I kept him home from school a little more than a week

because of the runny nose. I knew it would be a nuisance to him at school.

Other than that, he was just fine.

Jackie, Mom to 13ds

[Guest guest]

I have a friend who has had hearing problems all her life because of a

neglected ear infection when she was child. She is very deaf without hearing

aids. So never neglect anything with the ears. Trouble is we figure the

doctors know what they are doing. HO HO. I once told a group of medical

students that I used to think if a doctor told you something that was true.

They really laughed and said don't ever think that. But it's hard sometimes

to know when to question. Jessie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/17/2001 7:41:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,

angel2cook@... writes:

<< I found the website for the Earbandit and EarPutty. WWW.EARBANDIT.COM

These work great for swimmers with or without tubes. My son had a

mastoidectomy and we use them in the shower or at camp all the time.

Jeannette

>>

they work great, i was going to mention getting them since likes hers,

but would have had to try to find the info . LOL

Hmm, maybe it should be put in shared links on egroups, then we can just

point out where to find it. :-)

Joy

Joy

[Guest guest]

Yeah Roxanne,

It seems pretty excessive to me that he would want Faith to have tubes over

*one* ear infection. My Gabby had tubes places when she was 6 months old but

by then she had already had like 4 ear infections. I'm now waiting for a

referral for my other child, Adam, to get tubes as well.

And as far as hearing goes, it is my understanding that prolonged and/or

frequent ear infections can cause hearing loss and that the tubes would keep

Faith from getting ear infections and possibly losing any hearing.

Anyways, just wanted to offer my support and say that I lived through one

tube placement and it wasn't as bad as I had originally thought. Hang in

there.

Oh and about the ear plugs... what's his reason for not wanting them? I

thought it was necessary to have them for swimming / bathing while the child

has the tubes. Hrm.

Sandy

(mom to le, 4, DS and Adam, 18 mo)

>From: Roxhopp@...

>egroups

>Subject: Pre-OP

>Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2001 20:33:14 EST

>

>Hello All. I am Roxanne mother to Faith 2 1/2 .

>

>Tomorrow we go to Pre-op for Faith getting Tubes in her ears. I must admit

>that I was reluctant about getting the tubes. She has only had one ear

>infection and to me hears fine. But It seems that she has fluid in her hear

>that will not come out.

>

>I must admit I have issues with people prescribing care for people with DS

>just because they have DS. But I talk to others and it seems like it may be

>a

>good choice. I also think it actually might help her speech if she could

>hear better, she often confesses the words knee, me and pee.

>

>Any advice would be appreciated. I often read others response and learn so

>much.

>Side note the doctor is very conservative and often refuses to give

>patients

>ear plugs.

>has anyone ever used ear plugs on a little one for swimming? ( she goes

>once

>a week)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just want to take a second to thank everyone for their prompt responses to

my questions. I think we will be OK. I am going to have my mother watch

Murielle during the conference, she is a nurse, I think they will do fine.

Also, thanks Jeanette for the link...I knew it was out there somewhere, just

couldn't think of what they were called.

Wish us luck!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/17/01 10:01:06 PM Central Standard Time,

c1ndysue1@... writes:

<<

<<

Tomorrow we go to Pre-op for Faith getting Tubes in her ears. I must admit

that I was reluctant about getting the tubes. She has only had one ear

infection and to me hears fine. But It seems that she has fluid in her hear

that will not come out. >>

One does not have to have an ear infection to have otitis media (fluid in

the

ear) and it's best to have a doctor take a assertive approach to this when

dealing with a child with DS. Left untreated, the child can suffer more

than

loss of speech. This could cause neurological problems such as ADHD and

sensory integration problems.

My son has had 8 sets in 7 years. His ENT's took a conservative approach

that most likely did harm to him. His new ENT put in Ttubes and they have

lasted much longer than the others this time. I could just wring the old

ENT's neck for making my baby suffer in the past. He should have had TTubes

put in years ago.

You will see an immediate difference. Do expect some noises to be a bit

sensitive to her until she can get use to the new sounds...usually a few

hours or more.

>>

I second what you say . My foster son never had tubes in his ears until

he was 11 years old. He never had lots of ear infections but the difference

in him was remarkable. He is finally progressing in speech therapy.

He has the temporary tubes (we didn't know if they would help so didn't want

T tubes) and one is coming out. The old sensory issues are returning,

repetition of silly words is starting again which means more pulling out of

reg. ed., screaming for the sake of screaming, not sleeping, oh the list goes

on.

I can't wait for our next ENT appt.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

Hi Sonet,

You will do

great!!!! Your Day is finally coming!! YEAH!! Don’t be nervous about the

sugery, your kids or your husband. Everything will fall in to place when it

needs to. You will miss food for a few weeks – but it is SOOO worth

it!! Things will taste better because you will finally be able to enjoy them!

When you return to school, make sure you take it easy!! 4 days is a very quick

time to be back. You will be tired, but I’m sure you’ll feel good

by then. Pain for myself was very minimal. I was only aloud to take Children’s

Tylenol, and I didn’t even need it past day 3. Please have your husband

or a friend (or yourself if you’re able!) keep us posted!

Try taking

this easy – starting now J

Hugs,

in BC

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of sonet_smutny

Sent: August 31, 2005 4:09 PM

achalasia

Subject: pre-op

Well today is my last day of solid foods, and although they are hard

to get down, I will miss them for a few weeks. I

am scheduled for my

first hellers and fundoplication on the 8 of

september. I am a bit

nervous, mainly due to the arrangements and making

sure that my

children and husband have everything that they

need. Also I am in

school and I am worried about keeping up, I will

return to school on

the 12 and I hope that I feel well. Just had to

get some of my anxiety

out, thanks to you all for being here, you have

helped me understand

this disease and have provided great resources.

Thanks Sonet

[Guest guest]

I can totally relate to feeling ambivalent about giving up solid food several

days before surgery. Think creatively about soft stuff you like -- so you can

get

enough calories and enjoy eating. A couple of days " NPO " following surgery

and you will feel the thrill of food and water going directly into your tummy.

I am sure the hubby and kids will do fine -- this is mommy's time. Make sure

you take the time you need and let them take care of you.

Take your time getting back to your schedule -- you may need a week or two -

- your teachers will understand and accommodate.

Best of luck -- heal well -- have your hubby send us a message that you got

through it!

Peggy

> Well today is my last day of solid foods, and although they are hard

> to get down, I will miss them for a few weeks. I am scheduled for my

> first hellers and fundoplication on the 8 of september. I am a bit

> nervous, mainly due to the arrangements and making sure that my

> children and husband have everything that they need. Also I am in

> school and I am worried about keeping up, I will return to school on

> the 12 and I hope that I feel well. Just had to get some of my anxiety

> out, thanks to you all for being here, you have helped me understand

> this disease and have provided great resources. Thanks Sonet

[Guest guest]

Hello Sonet,

I hope you were able to enjoy your last day of solid food. Just wait,

about 3 weeks after your surgery you will be able to each pretty much

what you want. I'm curious as to why you are being required to be on a

liquid diet a week before your surgery.

Don't worry, it's normal to be nervous. I bet you will find your

family will be eager to take care of you and I'm sure they will be

fine. As for school, it sounds like you are going back quite early.

I know I was off work for almost 3 weeks after my heller. Make sure

you take as much time as you need because you might even find it

exausting just sitting in class, let alone trying to absorb the

lecture. You can always catch up and your teachers will understand.

Just be sure you take care of yourself. Good luck and happy drinking.

Kat

> Well today is my last day of solid foods, and although they are hard

> to get down, I will miss them for a few weeks. I am scheduled for my

> first hellers and fundoplication on the 8 of september. I am a bit

> nervous, mainly due to the arrangements and making sure that my

> children and husband have everything that they need. Also I am in

> school and I am worried about keeping up, I will return to school on

> the 12 and I hope that I feel well. Just had to get some of my

anxiety

> out, thanks to you all for being here, you have helped me understand

> this disease and have provided great resources. Thanks Sonet

[Guest guest]

I was told to go on liquid diet 72 hours in advance of surgery -- the surgeon

wanted to avoid any infection issues if perforation occurred.

> > Well today is my last day of solid foods, and although they are hard

> > to get down, I will miss them for a few weeks. I am scheduled for my

> > first hellers and fundoplication on the 8 of september. I am a bit

> > nervous, mainly due to the arrangements and making sure that my

> > children and husband have everything that they need. Also I am in

> > school and I am worried about keeping up, I will return to school on

> > the 12 and I hope that I feel well. Just had to get some of my

> anxiety

> > out, thanks to you all for being here, you have helped me understand

> > this disease and have provided great resources. Thanks Sonet

[Guest guest]

Before my last endoscopy I was on a liquid diet for three days and

there was still a significant amount of food in my esophogus, so to

be certain, I had to go on clear liquids for 7 days preop. School I

think will be ok, if not I do have a friend in the class. But I do

have to try and I am not working for a few weeks so school is all I

have. Thanks for your thoughts, Sonet

> > Well today is my last day of solid foods, and although they are

hard

> > to get down, I will miss them for a few weeks. I am scheduled

for my

> > first hellers and fundoplication on the 8 of september. I am a

bit

> > nervous, mainly due to the arrangements and making sure that my

> > children and husband have everything that they need. Also I am

in

> > school and I am worried about keeping up, I will return to

school on

> > the 12 and I hope that I feel well. Just had to get some of my

> anxiety

> > out, thanks to you all for being here, you have helped me

understand

> > this disease and have provided great resources. Thanks Sonet

[Guest guest]

Dear Ann,

I think they elevate you somehow in surgery. I think I covered it

with my surgeon. I didn't worry about it since the anesthesiologist

worked with this surgeon often and knew about achalasia.

I do have to admit being paranoid about surgery if I need it in the

future. I did ask my surgeon and he said to make sure and tell the

anesthesiologist. I'm a little too paranoid for that so if I need

surgery in the future I think I'll take a black marker and write on

myself that I have no peristalysis and need to be elevated. No one

would understand achalasia. Even if you think they know before

surgery, who knows who actually might show up in the operating room.

Have dreadful thoughts I'll have a car wreck and aspirate in the

ambulance. There are all kinds of emergency bracelets and I've

looked at them, continuing with my paranoia, but of course I want

the all gold ones and they are expensive. Maybe a tattoo?

So, Ann, I wouldn't worry about that for this surgery, but it

certainly should be a concern for all of us in any other surgeries.

Sandy in So Cal.... sharing my paranoia, just in case you hadn't

worried about this one yet.

>

>

> I have to attend my pre-op appointment on Monday morning and I

have two

> main questions I will be asking. Any comments before this time

would

> be welcome.

>

> 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because I

have

> no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will

prevent me

> from aspirating into my lungs?

>

> 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and

barium

> swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in,

although I

> strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end.

If it

> is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at

the

> time?

>

[Guest guest]

I don't know much about aspiration.

Could the required fasting before surgery prevent it? Or could you

aspirate saliva or other fluids that you would have even with

fasting?

Vicki from CA

> >

> >

> > I have to attend my pre-op appointment on Monday morning and I

> have two

> > main questions I will be asking. Any comments before this time

> would

> > be welcome.

> >

> > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because

I

> have

> > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will

> prevent me

> > from aspirating into my lungs?

> >

> > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and

> barium

> > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in,

> although I

> > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end.

> If it

> > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done

at

> the

> > time?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

> 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because I have

> no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will prevent me

> from aspirating into my lungs?

Won't you have a tube down your airway if you are under general? With

Stephi they did a Rapid Sequence Induction which is what they would

also use during emergency surgery if they are not sure how long it is

since the patient last ate and reduces the chances of aspiration

This helps explain a little:

http://www.4um.com/tutorial/anaesth/rsi.htm

I was warned about the 'cricoid on' by the anaesthetist as it can look

as though the asst is trying to throttle the child with his fingers

poking into the windpipe (from the outside, like jabbing the Adam's

apple). (Parents are allowed to accompny the child into the

anaesthetic room and stay until the child has goe under)

>

> 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and barium

> swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in, although I

> strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end. If it

> is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at the

> time?

I would think they would try not to remove part of your oesophagus.

It's a heck of a procedure, I understand.

--

Sue

Mum to Stephi, 9yo

Nottm UK

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sandy, we didn't have enough to worry about!

LOL

Peg

> >

> >

> > I have to attend my pre-op appointment on Monday morning and I

> have two

> > main questions I will be asking. Any comments before this time

> would

> > be welcome.

> >

> > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because I

> have

> > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will

> prevent me

> > from aspirating into my lungs?

> >

> > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and

> barium

> > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in,

> although I

> > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end.

> If it

> > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at

> the

> > time?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I recall my anestheselogist asking me if my neck hurt the day after surgery --

must be the

choke hold thing.

Peg

> > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because I have

> > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will prevent me

> > from aspirating into my lungs?

>

> Won't you have a tube down your airway if you are under general? With

> Stephi they did a Rapid Sequence Induction which is what they would

> also use during emergency surgery if they are not sure how long it is

> since the patient last ate and reduces the chances of aspiration

>

> This helps explain a little:

>

> http://www.4um.com/tutorial/anaesth/rsi.htm

>

> I was warned about the 'cricoid on' by the anaesthetist as it can look

> as though the asst is trying to throttle the child with his fingers

> poking into the windpipe (from the outside, like jabbing the Adam's

> apple). (Parents are allowed to accompny the child into the

> anaesthetic room and stay until the child has goe under)

> >

> > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and barium

> > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in, although I

> > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end. If it

> > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at the

> > time?

>

> I would think they would try not to remove part of your oesophagus.

> It's a heck of a procedure, I understand.

>

> --

> Sue

> Mum to Stephi, 9yo

> Nottm UK

>

[Guest guest]

....and i recall my anesthesiologist telling me that he was going to

have to squeeze the front my neck as one of the tubes went in, and

that i shouldn't worry or be scared if i felt that sensation.

(however, i don't remember any neck squeezing or tubes, and that's a

good thing!)

also, i am not 100% sure but i do know that for some surgeries you

are actually propped up at a 45 degree angle, at least while they

are " putting you under " and intubating you. obviously your surgical

team should be aware that your esophagus doesn't work right (hence

the surgery you're having!) but it won't hurt to confirm that at your

pre-op appointment.

i will say that my neck was sore for at least 5 days after surgery,

but that's because the C02 decided to hang out in my shoulders and

neck. it's called crepsis and it took a number of days to go away.

i did feel like someone had strangled me, and that it should look

bruised, but of course there were no bruises. but who knows if the

choke hold contributed to that feeling...

> > > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat.

Because I have

> > > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will

prevent me

> > > from aspirating into my lungs?

> >

> > Won't you have a tube down your airway if you are under general?

With

> > Stephi they did a Rapid Sequence Induction which is what they

would

> > also use during emergency surgery if they are not sure how long

it is

> > since the patient last ate and reduces the chances of aspiration

> >

> > This helps explain a little:

> >

> > http://www.4um.com/tutorial/anaesth/rsi.htm

> >

> > I was warned about the 'cricoid on' by the anaesthetist as it can

look

> > as though the asst is trying to throttle the child with his

fingers

> > poking into the windpipe (from the outside, like jabbing the

Adam's

> > apple). (Parents are allowed to accompny the child into the

> > anaesthetic room and stay until the child has goe under)

> > >

> > > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and

barium

> > > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in,

although I

> > > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom

end. If it

> > > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done

at the

> > > time?

> >

> > I would think they would try not to remove part of your

oesophagus.

> > It's a heck of a procedure, I understand.

> >

> > --

> > Sue

> > Mum to Stephi, 9yo

> > Nottm UK

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Sandy,

I know you are making light of it by calling it paranoia, but it is something that I have thought about as well. I think that a lot of people are familiar with the recovery position in which, although you are flat, at least you are on your side and if anything started travelling upwards it would end up on the ground.

Also I tell my daughter and husband that if I ever pass out or anything, make sure nobody lays me flat on my back, but if I was with my mum, for instance, I know she would not think of something like that, so, to a certain extent, you have to hope it never happens but wouldn't it be a shame to be rescued from an accident for instance and then choke to death? That is what I would call bad luck (I am half laughing now, what else can you do?) So Sandy, it's not paranoid, it's actually quite a sensible thing to consider. I don't think all the jewellery you can get is gold or ridiculously expensive, and it might be worth considering. I think you have made a very good point there that we all might find useful.

So, I will definitely be asking this question and will ask them to make a specific note to make sure the anaethitist, or whatever you call him, is aware of exactly what the condition entails. Thank you for your very sound point.

Lots of love from Ann in England xxxx> >> > > > I have to attend my pre-op appointment on Monday morning and I > have two> > main questions I will be asking. Any comments before this time > would> > be welcome.> > > > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because I > have> > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will > prevent me> > from aspirating into my lungs?> > > > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and > barium> > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in, > although I> > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end. > If it> > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at > the> > time?> >>

[Guest guest]

Hey Ann - if you make sure to let the anesthesiologist (can we come

up with some kind of abbreviation on that one? that's a killer for

spelling) know, you should be fine. I agree with Sanday - I worry

about car accidents and things like that also. I have a killer scar

from my open procedure, I could tattoo 'achalasia' next to it but 1/2

the doctors won't know what it is anyway. lol

When they knock you out and intubate you, the tube blocks off your

lungs so that you can't aspirate. About 10 years ago I had a medical

procedure (not related to A) that is typically done under anesthesia

but withOUT intubation. Because of my A, they intubated me anyway to

be on the safe side.

Good luck and keep us posted on your appointments.

Happy Swallowing!

- in Va.

> >

> >

> > I have to attend my pre-op appointment on Monday morning and I

> have two

> > main questions I will be asking. Any comments before this time

> would

> > be welcome.

> >

> > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because

I

> have

> > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will

> prevent me

> > from aspirating into my lungs?

> >

> > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and

> barium

> > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in,

> although I

> > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end.

> If it

> > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at

> the

> > time?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Great answer . Thank you for explaining that. As for an abbreviation for that word, I have trouble saying it never mind spelling it. I am very disappointed to see that Dave has learned how to spell 'peristalsis'. Where am I going to get my laughs from now?> > >> > > > > > I have to attend my pre-op appointment on Monday morning and I > > have two> > > main questions I will be asking. Any comments before this time > > would> > > be welcome.> > > > > > 1) Presumably, during the surgery I will be lying flat. Because > I > > have> > > no peristalsis in my oesophagus I never lie flat. What will > > prevent me> > > from aspirating into my lungs?> > > > > > 2) Not having seen any of the views taken during endoscopy and > > barium> > > swallow, I do not really know what shape my oesophagus is in, > > although I> > > strongly suspect it will be stretched badly at the bottom end. > > If it> > > is considered necessary to remove part of it, can that be done at > > the> > > time?> > >> >>