New member

[Guest guest]

Hi Rachna, Where is your husband having surgery? Dr. Pelligrini, who is world renowned in Achalasia is right there at the U of Wa in Seattle, not too far..from you considering people from all over the world come to him. I hope your husband has a very experience surgeon.. Do you have a baby now? 15 days old? congratulations.. I am sure you are worried to death, but this surgery will give relief to the achalasia. This is a disorder that doesnt "get cured". Have you had a chance to read any of the stuff on the group pages?? If you have time, you should read some of the info there, it is very helpful. We cannot stress enough that you are your own best advocate and knowledge is power. I would encourage your husband to read everything he can here. There are many things here to help you and information you need to know. Ask away, and the answers

will be given. Carolyn .. mom to the fundo' d and myotomized Cameron in the Snowy Sierra's of CA Rachna Chawla <rachnachawla@...> wrote: Hi, I am new here. My husband has a A for the last 2 years. We live in Spokane (WA). He always needs gallons of water to wash the food down. We tried herbal medications & yoga too, but nothing helped. He always struggles with the food and that makes me cry. He got scheduled for the Heller's myotomy and fundoplication (half) for the next month. I am really scared. I delivered a baby just 15 days before. Will he able to eat after the surgery? Is this a permanent solution? Please

help... Thanks. Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

Wooleeacre Productions

Custom Screenprinting

on a small scale!

Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.

[Guest guest]

Dear Rachna,

Congratulations on the new addition to your family !

I had a Lapro Heller/Nissen Fundo 5 years ago when

I was 41. I was in the Hospital for a few days and

then about 2-3 weeks of recovery time. Limited diet

and so on. The surgery is permanent, it was not a

fix-all solution in my case but helps me to pass

food to the stomach by a % increase in the LES

opening. there is still a lot of club soda in my

life.

Best Wishes

M.

>

> Hi,

>

> I am new here. My husband has a A for the last 2 years. We live

in Spokane (WA). He always needs gallons of water to wash the food

down. We tried herbal medications & yoga too, but nothing helped. He

always struggles with the food and that makes me cry. He got

scheduled for the Heller's myotomy and fundoplication (half) for the

next month. I am really scared. I delivered a baby just 15 days

before.

>

> Will he able to eat after the surgery?

>

> Is this a permanent solution?

>

> Please help...

>

> Thanks.

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

> Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

>

[Guest guest]

The anticipation of the pending surgery was much more

mentally traumatic that the actual " event " for me.

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I am new here. My husband has a A for the last 2 years. We

live

> in Spokane (WA). He always needs gallons of water to wash the food

> down. We tried herbal medications & yoga too, but nothing helped.

He

> always struggles with the food and that makes me cry. He got

> scheduled for the Heller's myotomy and fundoplication (half) for

the

> next month. I am really scared. I delivered a baby just 15 days

> before.

> >

> > Will he able to eat after the surgery?

> >

> > Is this a permanent solution?

> >

> > Please help...

> >

> > Thanks.

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> >

> > Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi toni, My name is Deborah and I am new to this site as well. I am going for my EP Study Tuesday to see if I need the defibrillator and more than likely have been told will receive it. I have been burning up the keyboard trying to get any advice and information I can for I am I feel, loosing it so to speak. I am 49 and have had a previous heart attack but have had no problems since the heart attack 7 years ago. I guess I was lucky and in good health and rebounded fast. I am in great denial regarding the defibrillator. I know it saves lives and I want to live for my grand children as well but, I am so uncertain how this changes my life as I have know it to be. You sound like a great person with great strength and I totally understand the depression. Please, lets talk anytime you need someone to lean on and I as well! Any information you can give me would greatly be appreciated as

well. God Bless You and stay strong! Deborah Fort Worth, Texas Toni <MsToniAnn@...> wrote: Hi My name is Toni and I am new to this group. I had a defibrillator implanted last December 2005. It is quite an adjustment. Still feel pain at times in the area of the incision. It also can be uncomfortable at times when I try to sleep. Depression, well I have suffered from depression before the heart problems ever started. I have been on meds for that a while now. I am 51 and live in New Jersey.I guess I am lucky to be alive. I have never had a heart attack, but with a physical and all kinds of test was told of my heart problems. I have been very healthy most of my life, so this was a

shocker to me and very scarey. I know this story sounds very familiar to all of you.I have very good gift in my life, like a great husband which we only got married in August 2004. I have 4 terrific grandsons, and they are the sunshines of my life. I want to live a long life just so I can see them grow. I have 2 very supportive sisters that listen to me when I am down.If there is any one that can help me just to cope or if I can help anyone too. My heart goes out to all that have these similiar problems as me.Sincerely,Toni

New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.

[Guest guest]

Toni, I think you are going to be fine. From my experience, a loving support system is one of the best ways to cope with the ICD and all it entails, but that support is not always enough as I discovered, so I take anti-depressants to take the edge off. Just give yourself time to heal and get used to the implant. Your life has changed drastically, but things will even out, just give it time. And the folks on this list can go a long way helping you too. You cannot beat this bunch for support and information. Best regards and welcome to the Zaplist... Becca in FloridaToni <MsToniAnn@...> wrote: Hi My name is Toni and I am new to this group. I had a defibrillator

implanted last December 2005. It is quite an adjustment. Still feel pain at times in the area of the incision. It also can be uncomfortable at times when I try to sleep. Depression, well I have suffered from depression before the heart problems ever started. I have been on meds for that a while now. I am 51 and live in New Jersey.I guess I am lucky to be alive. I have never had a heart attack, but with a physical and all kinds of test was told of my heart problems. I have been very healthy most of my life, so this was a shocker to me and very scarey. I know this story sounds very familiar to all of you.I have very good gift in my life, like a great husband which we only got married in August 2004. I have 4 terrific grandsons, and they are the sunshines of my life. I want to live a long life just so I can see them grow. I have 2 very supportive sisters

that listen to me when I am down.If there is any one that can help me just to cope or if I can help anyone too. My heart goes out to all that have these similiar problems as me.Sincerely,Toni

Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2¢/min with Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

Becca,

Thank you for your uplifting email. Tell me about yourself.

Sincerely,

Toni

[Guest guest]

,

It is great you are so supportive of . Welcome to our

group. We appreciate others helping to get the word out.

Vicki

>

> Hello Everyone I would like to introduce myself. My name is

and I

> am 's (very soon to be) husband. I have been very interested

in her

> disease since I met her 3 1/2 years ago. But recently she has

engaged upon

> a project that I am very proud to be a part of. And because of

that, I want

> to learn as much about Achalasia as I can, so that I too can help

educate

> others about this terrible disease. has told me so much

about some of

> the experiences you have all shared, so I felt that learning from

members of

> this group would be an excellent resource.

>

>

> I will be happy to share any of my experiences as a spouse/partner

of this

> disease if anyone is curious. I hope to learn a lot from everyone

and thank

> you for allowing me to join and to share.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group! That's great that you are interested in

learning more about 's disease! I am also a spouse/support

person so I can relate. My husband has a different esophagus motility

problem, called Diffuse Esophageal Spasm, but they still let me

participate with the group . I've been the one at our house to do

the research on the disease and I've learned so much from this group!

They have helped me to figure out how to search for medical

information and have been a tremendous support to us both. It's

helped us to know that things like spasms, regurgitation and spitting

up of foam don't happen only in our home, but unfortunately in many

other homes around the world. These diseases can make people feel

isolated, but with this group, we know we're not alone. Take care!

in Michigan

P.S. Have you set a wedding date?

>

> Hello Everyone I would like to introduce myself. My name is

and I

> am 's (very soon to be) husband. I have been very interested

in her

> disease since I met her 3 1/2 years ago. But recently she has

engaged upon

> a project that I am very proud to be a part of. And because of

that, I want

> to learn as much about Achalasia as I can, so that I too can help

educate

> others about this terrible disease. has told me so much about

some of

> the experiences you have all shared, so I felt that learning from

members of

> this group would be an excellent resource.

>

>

> I will be happy to share any of my experiences as a spouse/partner

of this

> disease if anyone is curious. I hope to learn a lot from everyone

and thank

> you for allowing me to join and to share.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey :

Glad you have joined us. It is clear you love and support . As I have

gone through

this experience, I have wondered how it felt for my hubby to watch me struggle

to swallow

-- can you describe what it is like to be a partner?

Peg

>

> Hello Everyone I would like to introduce myself. My name is and I

> am 's (very soon to be) husband. I have been very interested in her

> disease since I met her 3 1/2 years ago. But recently she has engaged upon

> a project that I am very proud to be a part of. And because of that, I want

> to learn as much about Achalasia as I can, so that I too can help educate

> others about this terrible disease. has told me so much about some of

> the experiences you have all shared, so I felt that learning from members of

> this group would be an excellent resource.

>

>

> I will be happy to share any of my experiences as a spouse/partner of this

> disease if anyone is curious. I hope to learn a lot from everyone and thank

> you for allowing me to join and to share.

>

> Sincerely,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Intravenous Vitamin C (links below) might be one thing worth taking a

look at. And certainly check out sites like ralphmoss.com and

survivecancerfoundation.org. I'm sure the other members here can make

other good recommendations.

Best,

RB

http://www.canceraction.org.gg/inext.htm

http://www.maryclinic.com

http://www.orthomed.com/cancer.htm

http://www.brightspot.org/cresearch/ivccancer.shtml

   From: " cbrigitte3 " cbrigitte3@...

Hi

  I am Brigitte, originally from France, I have stage 4 breast

cancer with a protruding met from my chest wall, I have been in and out

of remission for 7 years (I am 43). Chemo didn't work for me but

strangely I seem to be having some luck with Tamoxifen. I don't eat red

meat, just organic poultry, everything I eat or use is organic, my

parents were very strict about not having anything non organic in the

house! most of my family has died from cancer, except for the newere

generation. Anyway, if anyone has any advice or suggestions as to what

is helpful

thank you

Brigitte

[Guest guest]

Hi Brigitte;

The Budwig protocol has been revised by using whey and cod-liver oil

intead of cottage cheese and flax oil:

http://members.shaw.ca/duncancrow/Budwig-diet-revision.html

GEIPE uses very low electricity to simply block the enzyme that is

much more abundant in, and causes proliferation of, cancer cells. In

several weeks the cancer fails to multiply but cells die normally so

the tumour shrinks. This is dirt cheap, I've seen it work, and you can

easily do it at home, on the beach, whatever. The tests netted up to

98% in animal studies.

http://tinyurl.com/w5mp

http://www.cancer-treatment.net/New-Alternative-Cancer-Treatment-

Information_Nutshell.htm

Try cesium chloride in a high-pH therapy, especially with the ozone

therapy revision by Dr. Sartori. There's a discussion group for it

here:

cesiumtherapy/

Some studies shrunk tumours with supplements -- selenium at 1100 mcg

daily; EPA and DHA, essentially cod-liver oil, not sure of the dose --

tumours started to shrink.

> I am Brigitte, originally from France, I have stage 4 breast cancer

> with a protruding met from my chest wall, I have been in and out of

> remission for 7 years (I am 43). Chemo didn't work for me but

> strangely I seem to be having some luck with Tamoxifen. I don't eat

> red meat, just organic poultry, everything I eat or use is organic,

my

> parents were very strict about not having anything non organic in

the

> house! most of my family has died from cancer, except for the newere

> generation. Anyway, if anyone has any advice or suggestions as to

what

> is helpful

> thank you

> Brigitte

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/4/06 5:50:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

valleyenterprise2002@... writes:

> Anyway, if anyone has any advice or suggestions as to what

> is helpful

> thank you

>

Hi Brigitte,

You could use DIM and Evening Primrose Oil as well as large amounts of CoQ10

both orally and as a cream.

Best,

[Guest guest]

,

can you suggest a good quality COQ10 cream?

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Hi Brigitte You may like to to look at this site and send a email to Mr

Sam Grant at this site www.unicorn-pacific.com Hope this can help

Regards Bob

cbrigitte3 <cbrigitte3@...> wrote: Hi

I am Brigitte, originally from France, I have stage 4 breast cancer

with a protruding met from my chest wall, I have been in and out of

remission for 7 years (I am 43). Chemo didn't work for me but

strangely I seem to be having some luck with Tamoxifen. I don't eat

red meat, just organic poultry, everything I eat or use is organic, my

parents were very strict about not having anything non organic in the

house! most of my family has died from cancer, except for the newere

generation. Anyway, if anyone has any advice or suggestions as to what

is helpful

thank you

Brigitte

Visit http://cures for cancer.ws.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi folks. My name is Glenda and I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia,

Canada.

> I've had A since Oct,1998 and recently had a Heller's myotomy with

Dor

> here in Halifax done lap. by Dr. D Klassen ( May 3, 2006). I also

have

> slow gastric emptying and just general slow GI motility

throughout. I

> actually wound up in the hosp. 2 weeks post-op with a pseudo-

> obstruction. I have to take metoclopramide for my stomach motility

and

> a glass of Colyte every night for the other end of things. I know

there

> is at least one other member that suffers similar problems and I

would

> be interested in talking to them.

> Thanks

> Glenda

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group. What is your name and where are you from? I am sure there are others in here that will help you with the insurance thing. One thing that will help is if you have an experienced surgeon in your corner to help with the claim stuff. If you have never been diagnosed with Achalasia then I do not see how they think it is a pre existing condition.

Take some time to look over the group site there is a lot of good information there. There also is this site that might help you out too. www.achalasia.us.

Again welcome to our group and you I hope things can work out fast for you. It sounds like you need something done yesterday.

in Suffolk

In a message dated 6/30/2006 1:17:47 PM GMT Standard Time, rukampsue@... writes:

I was diagnosed with A in December 2005. I was admitted to the hospital because I was severly dehydrated due to the fact I couldn't swallow any food or drink for 10 days. I was released from the hospital with no diagnosis anf went on to see a GI specialist when I was diagnosed with Achalasia. I had a botox done on Jan 2 and now I sit in limbo. Since then I have had the insurance company deny everything due to pre-existing symptoms. They claim my weight lose was a symptom and they have denied everything. They have even asked for the little bit if moneys they paid back. I was scheduled for a myotomy in May but had to cancel because the insurance company denied it. I have sdent a claim to the insurance commissioner but have heard nothing. It's a shame that the insurance companies can play doctor even if they have no diploma hanging on their walls. Something has got to give in this great USA. Doctors do not have control over patient treatments, the insurance companies do. I haven't had food in days because nothing stays down. I think my botox is wearing off! just needed to join this group for some moral support. I am 5'9" and I am down to 115 pounds. My 8 year old daughter told me the other day that I now look sick. My mother is worried sick and I'm sick of people telling me that I have acid reflux! I don't go out anymore becasue I'm sick of people telling me to gain weight. If I could I would. I can't go out to eat, because well we all know the glamorous side to this disease. Regirgitating, gurrgling, pain so bad a tear comes to your eye! Thanks for letting me get this off my chest, I feel better!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group

I’m glad you got a diagnosis

finally. It takes a lot to get heard with this disease. I know how tired I was

of hearing “You need to chew better” oh give me a break!

Yes we all know how much working with an

insurance company bites!!! All I can say is keep fighting it. It took me 3

months of fighting it to get my surgery that I needed. I know how discouraging

it can get at times. I know a lot of us here have been there and are still

there! A lot of us left with NO insurance of any kind. Keep us posted on how

you are doing.

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of rukampsue

Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 7:21

PM

achalasia

Subject: new member

I was diagnosed with A in December 2005. I was

admitted to the

hospital because I was severly dehydrated due to the fact I couldn't

swallow any food or drink for 10 days. I was released from the

hospital with no diagnosis anf went on to see a GI specialist when I

was diagnosed with Achalasia. I had a botox done on Jan 2 and now I

sit in limbo. Since then I have had the insurance company deny

everything due to pre-existing symptoms. They claim my weight lose

was a symptom and they have denied everything. They have even asked

for the little bit if moneys they paid back. I was scheduled for a

myotomy in May but had to cancel because the insurance company denied

it. I have sdent a claim to the insurance commissioner but have

heard nothing. It's a shame that the insurance companies can play

doctor even if they have no diploma hanging on their walls.

Something has got to give in this great USA. Doctors do not have

control over patient treatments, the insurance companies do. I

haven't had food in days because nothing stays down. I think my

botox is wearing off! just needed to join this group for some moral

support. I am 5'9 " and I am down to 115 pounds. My 8 year old

daughter told me the other day that I now look sick. My mother is

worried sick and I'm sick of people telling me that I have acid

reflux! I don't go out anymore becasue I'm sick of people telling me

to gain weight. If I could I would. I can't go out to eat, because

well we all know the glamorous side to this disease. Regirgitating,

gurrgling, pain so bad a tear comes to your eye! Thanks for letting

me get this off my chest, I feel better!

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you are having trouble. May I suggest calling, pushing, imagine the most annoying aggressive person who steamrolls through the grocery aisle. Become that person regarding your health. Call you elected officials. I know it sound silly, but it helps. Followup w/ an email to confirm so you have documentation. Firmly state their slowness and lack of action is causing you permanent harm. The worst case scenario is that you need a feeding tube, more expensive surgery and risk aspiration pneumonia, all of which is potentially life-threatening. State who else you have contacted and contact them. Senators and Representative, both state and national are potentially helpful. Just make one email and copy everyone. Enlist the help of your doctors. They have people on staff who deal with insurance companies.

Even though the places you call may not have listed phone numbers, find a main switchboard and keep asking until you get to the people in charge. Even if you don't talk to them, keep records of how hard you tried. They will get the messages.

Push and shove all you can. I'm reading a book about dog training... Cesar Milan, I think. He has the phrase, "calm assertiveness." (To be honest, everything I know about raising kids, and my success is yet to be seen, came from dog training.)

Although I didn't have trouble with my insurance company I've had success with other state bureaucracies with this approach. Even the ones with the worst reputations, (one being the California State Franchise Tax Board) were helpful and professional on the phone and the problems were resolved.

One of the benefits of this disease is it teaches you persistence and the benefits of taking control of your health. For many of us it is likely we will develop other health issues as we age, learning how to handle achalasia may better prepare us for the future.

Sandy in So Cal.... wishing I had read the dog training books before dating and marriage.>> I was diagnosed with A in December 2005. I was admitted to the > hospital because I was severly dehydrated due to the fact I couldn't > swallow any food or drink for 10 days. I was released from the > hospital with no diagnosis anf went on to see a GI specialist when I > was diagnosed with Achalasia. I had a botox done on Jan 2 and now I > sit in limbo. Since then I have had the insurance company deny > everything due to pre-existing symptoms. They claim my weight lose > was a symptom and they have denied everything. They have even asked > for the little bit if moneys they paid back. I was scheduled for a > myotomy in May but had to cancel because the insurance company denied > it. I have sdent a claim to the insurance commissioner but have > heard nothing. It's a shame that the insurance companies can play > doctor even if they have no diploma hanging on their walls. > Something has got to give in this great USA. Doctors do not have > control over patient treatments, the insurance companies do. I > haven't had food in days because nothing stays down. I think my > botox is wearing off! just needed to join this group for some moral > support. I am 5'9" and I am down to 115 pounds. My 8 year old > daughter told me the other day that I now look sick. My mother is > worried sick and I'm sick of people telling me that I have acid > reflux! I don't go out anymore becasue I'm sick of people telling me > to gain weight. If I could I would. I can't go out to eat, because > well we all know the glamorous side to this disease. Regirgitating, > gurrgling, pain so bad a tear comes to your eye! Thanks for letting > me get this off my chest, I feel better!>

[Guest guest]

Keep writing and talking to us And hang on there Fight Fight the insurance company Don't give up

-- new member

I was diagnosed with A in December 2005. I was admitted to the hospital because I was severly dehydrated due to the fact I couldn't swallow any food or drink for 10 days. I was released from the hospital with no diagnosis anf went on to see a GI specialist when I was diagnosed with Achalasia. I had a botox done on Jan 2 and now I sit in limbo. Since then I have had the insurance company deny everything due to pre-existing symptoms. They claim my weight lose was a symptom and they have denied everything. They have even asked for the little bit if moneys they paid back. I was scheduled for a myotomy in May but had to cancel because the insurance company denied it. I have sdent a claim to the insurance commissioner but have heard nothing. It's a shame that the insurance companies can play doctor even if they have no diploma hanging on their walls. Something has got to give in this great USA. Doctors do not have control over patient treatments, the insurance companies do. I haven't had food in days because nothing stays down. I think my botox is wearing off! just needed to join this group for some moral support. I am 5'9" and I am down to 115 pounds. My 8 year old daughter told me the other day that I now look sick. My mother is worried sick and I'm sick of people telling me that I have acid reflux! I don't go out anymore becasue I'm sick of people telling me to gain weight. If I could I would. I can't go out to eat, because well we all know the glamorous side to this disease. Regirgitating, gurrgling, pain so bad a tear comes to your eye! Thanks for letting me get this off my chest, I feel better!

[Guest guest]

I was denied by Blue Cross. I don't have insurance right now. I am

under TCM treatment. so far so good. you should try acupuncture and

herbel tea while fighting with insurance company.

Quincia

>

> Keep writing and talking to us And hang on there Fight Fight the

> insurance company Don't give up

>

> -- new member

>

> I was diagnosed with A in December 2005. I was admitted to the

> hospital because I was severly dehydrated due to the fact I

couldn't

> swallow any food or drink for 10 days. I was released from the

> hospital with no diagnosis anf went on to see a GI specialist when

I

> was diagnosed with Achalasia. I had a botox done on Jan 2 and now I

> sit in limbo. Since then I have had the insurance company deny

> everything due to pre-existing symptoms. They claim my weight lose

> was a symptom and they have denied everything. They have even asked

> for the little bit if moneys they paid back. I was scheduled for a

> myotomy in May but had to cancel because the insurance company

denied

> it. I have sdent a claim to the insurance commissioner but have

> heard nothing. It's a shame that the insurance companies can play

> doctor even if they have no diploma hanging on their walls.

> Something has got to give in this great USA. Doctors do not have

> control over patient treatments, the insurance companies do. I

> haven't had food in days because nothing stays down. I think my

> botox is wearing off! just needed to join this group for some moral

> support. I am 5'9 " and I am down to 115 pounds. My 8 year old

> daughter told me the other day that I now look sick. My mother is

> worried sick and I'm sick of people telling me that I have acid

> reflux! I don't go out anymore becasue I'm sick of people telling

me

> to gain weight. If I could I would. I can't go out to eat, because

> well we all know the glamorous side to this disease. Regirgitating,

> gurrgling, pain so bad a tear comes to your eye! Thanks for letting

> me get this off my chest, I feel better!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi welcome to the family.... Im jan i live in the UK and have A since 2004. I have had a hellers myotomy and had my E replaced. Im now on the road to recovery. This site has been a god send to me.... Welcome Janmuellmeris@... wrote: Welcome to the group. What is your name and where are you from? I am sure there are others in here that will help you with the insurance thing. One thing that will help is if you have an

experienced surgeon in your corner to help with the claim stuff. If you have never been diagnosed with Achalasia then I do not see how they think it is a pre existing condition. Take some time to look over the group site there is a lot of good information there. There also is this site that might help you out too. www.achalasia.us. Again welcome to our group and you I hope things can work out fast for you. It sounds like you need something done yesterday. in Suffolk In a message dated 6/30/2006 1:17:47 PM GMT Standard Time, rukampsue@... writes: I was diagnosed with A in December 2005. I was admitted to the hospital because I was severly dehydrated due to the fact I couldn't swallow any food or drink for 10 days. I was released from the hospital with no diagnosis anf went on to see a GI specialist when I was diagnosed with Achalasia. I had a botox done on Jan 2 and now I sit in limbo. Since then I have had the insurance company deny everything due to pre-existing symptoms. They claim my weight lose was a symptom and they have denied everything. They have even asked for the little bit if moneys they paid back. I was scheduled for a myotomy in May but had to cancel because the insurance company denied it. I have sdent a claim to the insurance commissioner but have heard nothing. It's a shame that the insurance companies can play doctor even if they have no diploma hanging on their walls. Something has got to give in this great USA. Doctors do

not have control over patient treatments, the insurance companies do. I haven't had food in days because nothing stays down. I think my botox is wearing off! just needed to join this group for some moral support. I am 5'9" and I am down to 115 pounds. My 8 year old daughter told me the other day that I now look sick. My mother is worried sick and I'm sick of people telling me that I have acid reflux! I don't go out anymore becasue I'm sick of people telling me to gain weight. If I could I would. I can't go out to eat, because well we all know the glamorous side to this disease. Regirgitating, gurrgling, pain so bad a tear comes to your eye! Thanks for letting me get this off my chest, I feel better!

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi welcome to the family.... Im jan i live in the UK and have A since

2004. I have had a hellers myotomy and had my E replaced. Im now on the

road to recovery. This site has been a god send to me.... Welcome

>

> Jan

>

> Jan,

Why did they remove your E? They want to do that to me also. Did they

do the pull-up or replace it from the colon? Are you able to sleep

lying down or do you have to sit up. I have heard you can't lay down

once you have had that done. I have so many questions.

Carol

[Guest guest]

I've just read with great sympathy your message and can assure you

that you have found a place of great help and support as I did.

I was diagnosed last October and had one dilatation done in December

to no effect. I then had a second done in February and have not

looked back since. It was an immediate release from what I can only

describe as a living hell and if I hadn't had it done while I was in

hospital suffering from the most acute symptoms I don't think I

would have emerged from hospital.

I know the system is slightly different in the States because here

we get the treatment free but have to wait from months to years

depending on severity of symptoms. I know also that dilatations have

a varying degree of success but at the very optimistic end of the

scale I think that can be for many years and I think its well worth

considering as a direct alternative to surgery. If I have the

slightest twinge or cough in the Lower Oesophageal region I will be

straight back to my consultant.

Hope this has been of some help to ease your anxieties and wish you

a swift answer to your problems.

in Essex, England xxx

[Guest guest]

Welcome to you and Katelyn! You will " meet " wonderful people here, and gain

lots of wisdom, and have some fun, too!

Sharon H.

Mom to , (14, DS) and , (10)

South Carolina

" Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of

battle. "

New Member

Hello...I'd like to introduce myself. My name is and I'm a 47 year old

grandma to a beautiful 2 year old baby girl named Katelyn Marie, my first and

only grandbaby so far. has DS. She, along with her mommy (my daughter) and

daddy, live with me, so I get to spend alot of time with her. Some people seem

to hate having their grown children and grandchildren living with them, but I'm

just the opposite. I love having them in my home and don't even like to think of

the day when they will leave. Mom works full time, as do I, and daddy if a full

time student. I was browsing in a couple of days ago and saw this group

and thought it looked like something I would like to be part of. We live in

Oklahoma and is in the process of being evaluated to see if she should

start school next year. She will be 3 in January 2007. Seems very young to me to

start school, but I guess it's routine and I do so very much want what's best

for her. She is just starting to toddle

and is in to everything now. She doesn't talk yet, but tries to mimmick sounds

and jestures. She is scheduled to begin working with a speech therapist later

this month. She is my heart! Thanks for allowing me to join the group. I'm sure

I will learn alot here.

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

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starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Eldren,

I don't think you are naive at all. I think you are new parents

excited about having a beauriful new baby boy, and you should enjoy Ethan for

the

blessing that he is. You will learn so much from this very diverse, amazingly

wise and knowledgable group. I am so glad you found us as I know you too

will have much to share with us. I am the mom to 5 kiddo's. Oldest 30,

youngest 5 with DS. My last three are all adopted. Last two with special

needs.

It has been an amazing journey. Not always easy but always an adventure

lol!!! I look forward to hearing more about you and your family.

Confratulations

on your newest little miracle!

Loree