age 8 about Heller surgery

[Guest guest]

Hey guys,

we made it back from Cleveland Clinic, had her surgery July 16

with Dr. Rice. we still have a follow up in 2 months. so far so good.

did get the bad " shoulder pain from gas traveling up " . but now

it seems to be gone. the last two nights she can sleep on her side

and for about 3 days she is able to get herself out of bed. We are

still taking it easy with the walking, yeah try to tell an 8 year to

slow down...yeah right???

I notice smiles more, and the car ride home was actually

better than going up. no car sickness, and able to eat during the

trip home.

Thanks for all the tips...the pillow followed us for 3 days after

surgery along with a water bottle for controling coughs.

we found a metal chip clip handy for the seat belt for the trip from

the hosptial to the hotel.( to lower the shoulder strap off the

belly area)

I was able to sleep at the hospital overnight with . The staff

comes in a lot, so we really didn't get sleep. It was nice to be

able to help her to the bathroom whenever she needed. There is

a " family room " with chairs, snacks, and tiny showers for family to

use. ( so you can bring a change of clothes, your own meds, and a

few toiletries to get by. they have soap and shampoo to borrow and

towels too)

Our experience has been good at Cleveland Clinic, except there has

been some long wait times for apts. or between apts. So I would

advise bringing food. Bringing powered soup broth and a thermos of

hot water came in handy. the eating area does have popciles for the

young ones and jello, so you can grap a quick bite ( clear liquid

diet selections)

Also, 's wounds are not as sensitive, only the belly button

one. She is still a little bit huntched over ( not standing straght

up) but that is to be expected.

WE are very pleased with 's recovery and the foods she is

eating are basically soft foods. WE can't keep enough mac 'N' cheese

in stock for her demand, it's her favorite food.

Thank-you everyone for all your help and guidance, I feel I was

going at this blind, and everyone has helped so much.

When I get time I will upload a case history, hopefully this with

help other parents to care for their young ones. honestly, if

was any younger I don't know how we ever would have resolved this

issue, especially with the first GI who insisted it was not " A " .

For all who are having troubles right now, I feel your pain, and

wish your issues to resolve quickly. Many adults right now seem to

be going through so much pain, unfortunately I feel helpless to

advice. I hope you all can hang in there, and remember if a Doctor

is not listening to you, please seek another doctor, I know doing

the tests over again is a royal pain, but you cannot imagine the

difference the right doctor will make in your life.

I speak from experience my other child has Rieger's syndrome and

Autism, and in the beginning I listened to the Doctors, now I listen

to my gut and common sense and have no qualms about questioning the

Doctors, or getting a second option. WE are a military family and

move alot, so I am constantly getting new Doctors, dentists, and

schools. I know in different countries the health care rules may be

different, and that may be the worst problem yet.

I know I have thought about " vactioning " around a " good hospital "

to be seen by good people...but it hasn't come to that yet.

I wish you all the best

-Dana Mills VA