Re: Facing Myotomy

[Guest guest]

Ho- Which surgery are you having so we can help to give you info on

it? Lapro-open,ectomy?

Tonia

>

> I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart tests,

so

> it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never

had

> major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr.

Banki

> from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even

writtn on

> it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the

lungs

> and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should

have

> had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed

because my

> GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never

intended

> as a long term solution.

>

> My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know

how

> she suffered.

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

anything

> solid?

>

> My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a

prisoner

> awaiting an execution.

>

[Guest guest]

please dont panic- this might be your ticket back to health! regarding

swallowing pills, youll probably have intravenous painkillers for the first day

or two then take regular pills or crush the pills in water and drink them. you

shouldnt worry about swallowing the pills, as far as i know. sicne you did all

the due dilligence and research already, you should just focus on being

positive. it's important! good luck we'll be thinking about you

> From: Fynn <hivaoa2@...>

> Subject: Facing Myotomy

> achalasia

> Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 8:29 PM

> I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart

> tests, so

> it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have

> never had

> major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a

> Dr. Banki

> from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has

> even writtn on

> it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate

> into the lungs

> and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I

> should have

> had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am

> committed because my

> GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was

> never intended

> as a long term solution.

>

> My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I

> know how

> she suffered.

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the

> medication that you have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't

> swallow anything

> solid?

>

> My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like

> a prisoner

> awaiting an execution.

[Guest guest]

Before you leave the hospital; ask them to give you a pill crusher.

Then you can crush the pills and put them in apple sauce

Dave Cow county cali

> >

> > What 's it like having surgery? What bout the

> > medication that you have

> > to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't

> > swallow anything

> > solid?

> >

[Guest guest]

Dear (and your wife),

 

I know that it's alright talking, but do try not to be TOO fearful. Try to

change those thoughts into positive ones - you are doing this because you want

the best for yourself, you have a duty to yourself to be healthy again.

 

There are scores of us who have been through the myotomy and in the majority of

cases everything went well.

 

Please believe that this will be the start of your new life.

YOU CAN DO THIS.

You are lucky to have each other, with someone to support and love you through

this.

 

Best of luck, ,

From Ann in England (Myotomy May 2006 and doing really fine)

From: Fynn <hivaoa2@...>

Subject: Facing Myotomy

achalasia

Date: Wednesday, 27 August, 2008, 1:29 AM

I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart tests, so

it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never had

major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr. Banki

from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even writtn on

it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the lungs

and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should have

had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed because my

GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never intended

as a long term solution.

My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know how

she suffered.

What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you have

to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow anything

solid?

My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a prisoner

awaiting an execution.

Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.

[Guest guest]

Don't worry about the surgery, the doctor does all the work, you go

to sleep and the next thing you know, you are in a bed recovering. I

had mine (lap heller w/ dor fundo by Dr Patti at UCSF) in April 2005

and I am doing good. Just rememebr, your E still won't work, but the

food will have someplace to go, with the help of gravity and lots of

water.

There will be several days of pain after the surgery, but again, no

worries, " better living through chemistry " , they'll give you pain

pills to take home. Ask the hospital for a pill crusher.

I am happy I did it, changed my life

You can do this.

Dave

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

anything

> solid?

>

[Guest guest]

Don't worry about the surgery, the doctor does all the work, you go

to sleep and the next thing you know, you are in a bed recovering. I

had mine (lap heller w/ dor fundo by Dr Patti at UCSF) in April 2005

and I am doing good. Just rememebr, your E still won't work, but the

food will have someplace to go, with the help of gravity and lots of

water.

There will be several days of pain after the surgery, but again, no

worries, " better living through chemistry " , they'll give you pain

pills to take home. Ask the hospital for a pill crusher.

I am happy I did it, changed my life

You can do this.

Dave

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

anything

> solid?

>

[Guest guest]

>

> I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart tests,

so

> it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never had

> major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr.

Banki

> from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even

writtn on

> it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the

lungs

> and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should

have

> had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed

because my

> GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never

intended

> as a long term solution.

>

> My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know

how

> she suffered.

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

anything

> solid?

>

> My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a

prisoner

> awaiting an execution.

>

Hi

Guess you are in the LA area as you talk about USC. What GI did you

use?. I want to find someone who does a full dialation 30 mm, MANY

TIMES, before I try to get an operation. My GI I dont believe he has

done a full dialation.

Did you not get a full dialation? I have had two dialations at 16 mm,

they help. So far Coke with each meal helps a lot.

I can only eat soups, ice cream and Ensure and pesta pasta with lots

of Bertonilli extra light Olive oil. The oil helps getting it to the

stomach and combining it with a Coke makes it happen. Sometimes it

takes 15 minutes to get through a bowl of pasta.

So at my age 78 am holding off on an operation, I believe I am not

getting worse over the last year. I am active, working in the garden

and walking each day.

What is your history on what you can eat and age? What about full

dialations?

Ray

[Guest guest]

The news has gotten worse. BEcause of the dililations and the botox,

they may have to do an open myotomy. Because of my asthma and

aspiration pneumonia, I may have to be on a ventilator and in the

intensive care unit. I could be in the hospital for 7 to 10 days.

Sounds grim

>

> Don't worry about the surgery, the doctor does all the work, you go

> to sleep and the next thing you know, you are in a bed recovering.

I

> had mine (lap heller w/ dor fundo by Dr Patti at UCSF) in April

2005

> and I am doing good. Just rememebr, your E still won't work, but

the

> food will have someplace to go, with the help of gravity and lots

of

> water.

> There will be several days of pain after the surgery, but again, no

> worries, " better living through chemistry " , they'll give you pain

> pills to take home. Ask the hospital for a pill crusher.

> I am happy I did it, changed my life

> You can do this.

>

> Dave

> >

> > What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

> have

> > to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

> anything

> > solid?

>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for those kind words. We are committeed. We have no

choice; the options are losing the entire esophasus or dying from

aspiration pneumonia. I may have to have an open myotomy. The odds

are about 50 50. I won't know until I wake up. Thank you again for

your support. I will report back when I get out of the hospital.

>

> From: Fynn <hivaoa2@...>

> Subject: Facing Myotomy

> achalasia

> Date: Wednesday, 27 August, 2008, 1:29 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart tests,

so

> it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never had

> major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr.

Banki

> from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even

writtn on

> it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the

lungs

> and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should

have

> had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed

because my

> GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never

intended

> as a long term solution.

>

> My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know

how

> she suffered.

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

anything

> solid?

>

> My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a

prisoner

> awaiting an execution.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Send instant messages to your online friends

http://uk.messenger.

>

>

[Guest guest]

as far as the meds...you can always take children chewable TYlonel or liquid

Motrin. Just don't get the infant stuff. there are things available in ages 2-12

years old and sometimes 6-12 years old as chewables. if you can Find my posting

about (8years old) it may be helpful.

I can detail what to expect ,'s Heller was only 1 month ago and fresh in

the my mind

good luck whatever you choose

-Dana Mills

Fynn <hivaoa2@...> wrote:

I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart tests, so

it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never had

major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr. Banki

from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even writtn on

it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the lungs

and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should have

had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed because my

GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never intended

as a long term solution.

My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know how

she suffered.

What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you have

to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow anything

solid?

My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a prisoner

awaiting an execution.

[Guest guest]

Actually I have no choice in the matter. I won't know until I wake up

what they did. If they do an open myotomy the dor will put in an

epidural block.

As far as pills are concerned, I have to take some time release

pills. I am worried about these. Tommorrow I have to do a motility

test. Friday I see the doctor again and have blood work. They have a

heart stress test, video esophogram, pulmonary function test,

endoscopic test, and video test plue blood work. This is really

starting to sound big.

hf

> I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and

heart tests, so

> it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never had

> major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr.

Banki

> from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even

writtn on

> it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the

lungs

> and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should

have

> had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed

because my

> GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never

intended

> as a long term solution.

>

> My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know

how

> she suffered.

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

anything

> solid?

>

> My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a

prisoner

> awaiting an execution.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Actually I have no choice in the matter. I won't know until I wake

up

> what they did. If they do an open myotomy the dor will put in an

> epidural block.

>

> As far as pills are concerned, I have to take some time release

> pills. I am worried about these. Tommorrow I have to do a motility

> test. Friday I see the doctor again and have blood work. They have a

> heart stress test, video esophogram, pulmonary function test,

> endoscopic test, and video test plue blood work. This is really

> starting to sound big.

>

> hf

, every time I think about surgery & all the prep that scares

us, I remember back in 1976 when I went headfirst thru a windshield.

I'll spare you the gory details of an ambulance ride & emergency room

treatment because the point is it's way better to have tests in

advance, docs prepared for surgery & a specialist doing the job. I

think you're in good hands & all will go fine. Best, Susie

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your response. It really helps. Another issue is that I

preach for a living and am the pastor of a large church. When can I

enter the pulpit again?

Also I play a trombone and a euphonium. How long will it be before I

can blow those instruments? There is a big event called Tuba

Christmas where 200 tubas and euphoniums play Christmas carols. I

want to be in that group and will be bitterly disappointed if I can't.

What is it like being on a respirator?

> >

> > From: Fynn <hivaoa2@ >

> > Subject: Facing Myotomy

> > achalasia@grou ps.com

> > Date: Wednesday, 27 August, 2008, 1:29 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart

tests,

> so

> > it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never

had

> > major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr.

> Banki

> > from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even

> writtn on

> > it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the

> lungs

> > and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I

should

> have

> > had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed

> because my

> > GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never

> intended

> > as a long term solution.

> >

> > My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know

> how

> > she suffered.

> >

> > What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

> have

> > to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

> anything

> > solid?

> >

> > My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a

> prisoner

> > awaiting an execution.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Send instant messages to your online friends

> http://uk.messenger .

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Actually, I do breathing exercises every day with my music. Thanks

for your encouragement. How did you myotomy turn out. My problem is

my aspiration.

I am getting a lot of sleep. My wife and I were scheduled to go to

the Hollywood Bowl Saturday night, but I am going to skip it and go

to bed early. I don't want my lung infection to come back.

I did very well on my pulmonary function tests.

I guess that respirators aren't so bad from what I hear.

My wife and I will celebrate our 39th anniversary with me in the

hospital. How about that for irony.

>

> Hi ,

> Good Luck with everything. I have asthma too, and suffered no

problems with my myotomy. I did make sure to remind the

anesthesiologist to intubate me sitting up and my surgery was

performed entirely with me in a head up position (my body was

strapped in and the table was angled). I also made myself " throw up "

RIGHT before they put me to sleep so that my E was empty. After

surgery, do your Incentive Spirometer (breathing machine) like they

ask you to and concentrate on taking big breaths once in a while.

Best of Luck

> Dawn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you. That is good advice. I have scheduled my pulpit throughout

September and may do the same for October. I am recording ahead on my

radio program. Thanks again.

hf

> > Thank you for your response. It really helps. Another issue is

that I

> > preach for a living and am the pastor of a large church. When can

I

> > enter the pulpit again?

> >

>

> I would think that as soon as you are comfortable enough and have

enough

> stamina to do it there would be no reason you couldn't. It may

depend on

> your surgery specifics, but plan to not be able for two weeks,

though

> you may be one who recovers quickly. On the other hand if you are

one

> who recovers slowly maybe two weeks is not enough.

>

> > Also I play a trombone and a euphonium.

>

> After surgery they give you device to blow in as hard as you can

because

> this is good for your lungs. There may be a problem with the weight

of

> the instruments though. You may be limited to lifting 10 pounds for

the

> first two weeks. There may be other lifting restriction after that

> depending on what you do. I would ask a doctor about the

instruments,

> with cases, and let him know the weight and duration of the lifting.

>

> We are all different and these things will also depend on your type

of

> surgery.

>

> Don't make promises. It isn't in your power to fulfill them. Don't

> expect promises. There are no guarantees. It will be what it will

be.

> Relax, enjoy the ride as much as possible and let someone else do

the

> worrying.

>

> notan

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you very much for your concern. I could care less about my scar

I am getting over some aspiration pneumonitis and am getting a lot of

extra rest. I have found that this works best when I get an infection

in my lungs. I am canceling a Hollywood Bowl trip to go to bed early.

What is really sad is that my wife and I will celebrate our 39th

anniversary with me in the hospital. Thank you again.

> > I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and

> heart tests, so

> > it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never

had

> > major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr.

> Banki

> > from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even

> writtn on

> > it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the

> lungs

> > and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I

should

> have

> > had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed

> because my

> > GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never

> intended

> > as a long term solution.

> >

> > My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know

> how

> > she suffered.

> >

> > What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you

> have

> > to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow

> anything

> > solid?

> >

> > My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a

> prisoner

> > awaiting an execution.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I on the other hand fight a weight problem. It would seem

to me that being on a clear liquid diet for a couple of weeks will

cause me to lose weight. At least I hope so. I had my motility test

this afternoon. They ran a tube through my nose into my stomach and

made me drink water. It wasn't bad at all. I did learn that I have no

motility.

I am feeling better about the surgery

> >

> > Hi ,

> > Good Luck with everything. I have asthma too, and suffered no

> problems with my myotomy. I did make sure to remind the

> anesthesiologist to intubate me sitting up and my surgery was

> performed entirely with me in a head up position (my body was

> strapped in and the table was angled). I also made myself " throw

up "

> RIGHT before they put me to sleep so that my E was empty. After

> surgery, do your Incentive Spirometer (breathing machine) like

they

> ask you to and concentrate on taking big breaths once in a while.

> Best of Luck

> > Dawn

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I have done and will continue to do this. One of my

problems is that my nerves has made it difficult for me to stay

interested in anything other than that surgery in a few days. Maybe I

need to see a shrink.

> > > >

> > > > Hi ,

> > > > Good Luck with everything. I have asthma too,

> > and suffered no

> > > problems with my myotomy. I did make sure to remind

> > the

> > > anesthesiologist to intubate me sitting up and my

> > surgery was

> > > performed entirely with me in a head up position (my

> > body was

> > > strapped in and the table was angled). I also made

> > myself " throw

> > up "

> > > RIGHT before they put me to sleep so that my E was

> > empty. After

> > > surgery, do your Incentive Spirometer (breathing

> > machine) like

> > they

> > > ask you to and concentrate on taking big breaths

> > once in a while.

> > > Best of Luck

> > > > Dawn

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thank you. That is good to know. However, what you say about weight

is a little scarey. I had hoped that being on liquids only would

cause a weight loss. I wanted to show off at Weight Watchers and bask

in my self righteousness.

Tomorrow I see the surgeon the last time before the big event. The

doctor is a woman, but not what you would expect. She looks like

someone out of a fashion magazine. I don't dare say anything since

sheis Iranian and I don't want to do anything to go against her

culture.

> > >

> > > Hi ,

> > > Good Luck with everything. I have asthma too, and suffered no

> > problems with my myotomy. I did make sure to remind the

> > anesthesiologist to intubate me sitting up and my surgery was

> > performed entirely with me in a head up position (my body was

> > strapped in and the table was angled). I also made

myself " throw

> up "

> > RIGHT before they put me to sleep so that my E was empty. After

> > surgery, do your Incentive Spirometer (breathing machine) like

> they

> > ask you to and concentrate on taking big breaths once in a

while.

> > Best of Luck

> > > Dawn

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your understanding. Actually we will celebrate our

anniversary this Sunday before I go into the hospital. I have been in

Weight Watchers so long that we don't go out to eat, but this weekend

we are going to. My sister-in-law is coming down to go to the

Hollywood Bowl with my wife instead of me. I am going to bed early

since I don't want anothr lung infection. Another concern is that I

have an attractive woman doctor and what if I react as a man does?

What will she think? Anyway, thank you so much for your support.

hf

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi ,

> > > > > Good Luck with everything. I have asthma too,

> > > and suffered no

> > > > problems with my myotomy. I did make sure to remind

> > > the

> > > > anesthesiologist to intubate me sitting up and my

> > > surgery was

> > > > performed entirely with me in a head up position (my

> > > body was

> > > > strapped in and the table was angled). I also made

> > > myself " throw

> > > up "

> > > > RIGHT before they put me to sleep so that my E was

> > > empty. After

> > > > surgery, do your Incentive Spirometer (breathing

> > > machine) like

> > > they

> > > > ask you to and concentrate on taking big breaths

> > > once in a while.

> > > > Best of Luck

> > > > > Dawn

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > > removed]

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I may have to be on a ventilator. Has anyone ever had that

experience? What is it like? They say that they keep you heavily

sedated when you are on one of those. Mu pulmonary functions came out

good for someone with asthma. My vital capacity is 80% of what a

person my size should be. The doctor says that this is very good. I

guess as you get older, your vital capacity goes down. I can't drive

or life anything for at least six weeks and because of my lungs may

be in the hospital from 7 to 10 days. This sounds like something out

of Edgar Poe.

> > ...Another concern is that I

> > have an attractive woman doctor and what if I react as a man

does?

> > What will she think?

>

> My surgeon is also a very attractive woman. I doubt this is going

to be

> a problem for you or her. For one thing it is hard to obsess about

two

> things at the same time. You are going to be focused on the

surgery.

> Most of the time she is around you are going to be unconscious and

in a

> state where such a problem is not going to happen. To the degree

that

> this kind of thing could be a problem, you are not the only man she

has

> done surgery on. As a doctor she should have a good understanding

that

> the command to go forth and multiply is not written in stone but in

our

> genes. You can't be a good surgeon and not be able to focus your

mind. I

> would guess that she would put it out of her mind and focus on the

job.

>

> notan

>

[Guest guest]

Good Luck, !

 

Once you are past the first ten, fifteen days of post-surgical recuperation,

you'll

be amazed at what it feels like to swallow!  Some people experience it sooner,

some later, but the feeling is really remarkable!  I remember swallowing some

applesauce and laughing!  Could Wor WonTon soup be far behind?!  Hallelujah!!!

 

I, too, have aspiration problems.  But it's so much less of a problem than

having

that regurgitation and vomiting stuff.

One of my most in-Glorious Achalasia moments was after I'd been to the funeral

of a friend's 27 year old daughter (spinal cancer), and I just needed some

comfort

food to feel a little bit better.  So, I went to the Westside Pavillion and

ordered

some great-looking Chinese noodles with a light sauce and some finely minced

veggies, and a giant diet Coke.  Started eating the noodles, they got stuck,

I got mad at the situation, so I pounded down half the Coke.  In a nanno-second

it all came back up and out, with the noodles hanging out of both nostrils.

Charming!

I actually started laughing when I was sitting there, and I muttered, " I like to

REALLY experience my food! "

Then I cleaned it all up and made as hasty a departure as I could.

 

NOW I EAT THOSE SELF-SAME NOODLES WHENEVER I MUST HAVE

THEM!!!   yum! YUM !

 

All best,

Deborah, post Hellers, since 25 Jan. 2006

[Guest guest]

You have a way with words. Gads! Anyway, I have to be on nothing but

liquids for three days prior to my surgery. I am going to enjoy a

last meal (sounds like just before lent). Fortunately, one is asleep

during all of this and that has its advantages. I tease the medical

people by telling them I am going to take harp lessons so I can

audition.

>

> Good Luck, !

>  

> Once you are past the first ten, fifteen days of post-surgical

recuperation, you'll

> be amazed at what it feels like to swallow!  Some people experience

it sooner,

> some later, but the feeling is really remarkable!  I remember

swallowing some

> applesauce and laughing!  Could Wor WonTon soup be far behind?! 

Hallelujah!!!

>  

> I, too, have aspiration problems.  But it's so much less of a

problem than having

> that regurgitation and vomiting stuff.

> One of my most in-Glorious Achalasia moments was after I'd been to

the funeral

> of a friend's 27 year old daughter (spinal cancer), and I just

needed some comfort

> food to feel a little bit better.  So, I went to the Westside

Pavillion and ordered

> some great-looking Chinese noodles with a light sauce and some

finely minced

> veggies, and a giant diet Coke.  Started eating the noodles, they

got stuck,

> I got mad at the situation, so I pounded down half the Coke.  In a

nanno-second

> it all came back up and out, with the noodles hanging out of both

nostrils.

> Charming!

> I actually started laughing when I was sitting there, and I

muttered, " I like to

> REALLY experience my food! "

> Then I cleaned it all up and made as hasty a departure as I could.

>  

> NOW I EAT THOSE SELF-SAME NOODLES WHENEVER I MUST HAVE

> THEM!!!   yum! YUM !

>  

> All best,

> Deborah, post Hellers, since 25 Jan. 2006

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had to give up the Lucky Strikes and Camels too.

lung capacity is diminished somewhat after the myo

cut but it's an opportunity for a new beginning by

focusing on your body...your temple.

and the band plays where and when?

new beginning

> > > >

> > > > Good Luck, !

> > > >  

> > > > Once you are past the first ten, fifteen days of post-

surgical

> > > recuperation, you'll

> > > > be amazed at what it feels like to swallow!  Some people

> > experience

> > > it sooner,

> > > > some later, but the feeling is really remarkable!  I remember

> > > swallowing some

> > > > applesauce and laughing!  Could Wor WonTon soup be far

> behind?! 

> > > Hallelujah!!!

> > > >  

> > > > I, too, have aspiration problems.  But it's so much less of a

> > > problem than having

> > > > that regurgitation and vomiting stuff.

> > > > One of my most in-Glorious Achalasia moments was after I'd

been

> > to

> > > the funeral

> > > > of a friend's 27 year old daughter (spinal cancer), and I

just

> > > needed some comfort

> > > > food to feel a little bit better.  So, I went to the Westside

> > > Pavillion and ordered

> > > > some great-looking Chinese noodles with a light sauce and

some

> > > finely minced

> > > > veggies, and a giant diet Coke.  Started eating the noodles,

> they

> > > got stuck,

> > > > I got mad at the situation, so I pounded down half the Coke. 

> In

> > a

> > > nanno-second

> > > > it all came back up and out, with the noodles hanging out of

> both

> > > nostrils.

> > > > Charming!

> > > > I actually started laughing when I was sitting there, and I

> > > muttered, " I like to

> > > > REALLY experience my food! "

> > > > Then I cleaned it all up and made as hasty a departure as I

> could.

> > > >  

> > > > NOW I EAT THOSE SELF-SAME NOODLES WHENEVER I MUST HAVE

> > > > THEM!!!   yum! YUM !

> > > >  

> > > > All best,

> > > > Deborah, post Hellers, since 25 Jan. 2006

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

I know how you feel. I had to sleep sitting up and even then I would

wake sometimes coughing from aspirated liquid because I fell off the

pillows. If I wasn't sitting up, I would regurgitate as soon as I

dozed off.

Everyone has different levels of pain dictated by your genetics, other

disorders you may have and how long the surgery takes. My surgery took

4 1/2 hours because of all the adhesions from my gallbladder surgery.

They had a jungle to whack down before they reached my stomach.

Speaking of which, I had gallbladder surgery 6 years ago (lap *and*

open in one day) that was so painful it took me two months to be off

pain meds. They could not control the pain and it was so bad I swore I

would never have surgery again. But then I was diagnosed with this

thing and had no choice so I understand how you feel about pain.

When I discussed my fears with the surgeon I told him my sense was

that it was the muscle being cut that caused the pain because the pain

didn't go away until the muscle healed. He told me they cut no muscle

in the incision for the lap. That allayed my fears a lot and true

enough I went home the next evening sore but not in severe pain.

When I woke up in the recovery room my big problem was, if I can be

blunt here, I had to pee. Badly and I couldn't. Someone had taken my

catheter out in the operating room (which had to have been a mistake).

I impressed the nurse with the amount of urine she got when she

catheterized me. Oh blessed relief! Then she left it in which is no

big deal.

In the recovery room, request a pillow and keep it close to your

abdomen until you leave the hospital. My abdomen really hurt when they

moved me onto the stretcher to take me to my room or to move into my

bed. The first evening I couldn't twist my body, look backwards, or

move myself up in bed when I slipped down. It really hurt every time

they moved me and if I had a pillow to hold close and keep everything

immobile it greatly reduced the discomfort.

What caused me the most pain the first 24 hours were the migraines the

operation triggered. It took close to 2 hours to finally get the

Imitrex the resident ordered after surgery so if you (or anyone

reading this) have a problem with migraines bring your own med and

take it while you wait for the nurse to bring the dose they ordered

from the pharmacy.

I would suggest you bring a saline (salt) nose spray (not an

anti-histamine), not to spray in your nose, but to drip down the back

to rehydrate the area of the your throat behind your nose. I was on

oxygen for a while after surgery (I have a lung disorder) and it

really dries the nose and throat out. That was a major source of

discomfort for me. I didn't sleep at all the night after.

At one point I got scared because I couldn't breath. I couldn't cough

because the back of my pharynx was so dry. After I dripped the saline

down my nose I held the pillow to my gut and gave these pathetic

little coughs until I got panicky enough to give one big cough. That

brought up some gunk and then I could breath. The problem with

coughing disappeared after that. I guess I was back to being able to

bring mucus up on my own because I forgot all about it.

I had the usual pain in the shoulders from the gas used to inflate the

abdomen; with the first lap I had it caused no pain so you may have no

discomfort at all. I brought some of those instant heat pads you just

open up and shake to activate and kept one of those on my shoulder.

That helped that pain a lot.

I was also surprised to find that the pain disappeared the first time

I stood up. That hospital bed was a source of pain in itself. When I

got home it was just such a relief to be in my own bed.

I take a lot of different drugs and one of the problems I have had

these past two years was probably caused by the pills dissolving in my

esophagus and only then getting through. So I might be getting a

double dose or no dose. I was either in pain or asleep with my face in

the computer. No wonder my pain meds have not worked.

Some pills can be crushed. The doctors were adamant I take my pain and

lung meds as usual the morning before surgery. I would take drugs

first thing in the morning when my esophagus would most likely be

cleared out. Later I would just regurgitate what was left in my

esophagus before I went to bed each night. After surgery you can

swallow pills and they should get through. Your esophagus will be a

bit swollen for a week so take it easy and keep to soft foods. I was

so scared to eat after surgery! In the hospital I was letting the

Jello dissolve in my mouth before swallowing and panicked when a glob

slipped down on its own. I had no problem swallowing my meds post

surgery.

I had my surgery last June and now I can sleep relatively flat. I seem

to have less capacity for food which makes sense.

I'm sure you will do fine but I'll keep you in my prayers Tuesday.

Maureen in Mukilteo

>

> I have passed my esphogram and pulminary function and heart tests, so

> it looks like I will have my surgery next Tuesday. I have never had

> major surgery before and am appreshensive. The surgeon is a Dr. Banki

> from USC who specializes in esophogeal surgeries and has even writtn on

> it. My problem is that when my food backs up I aspirate into the lungs

> and get pneumonia. Anyway, I am scared and so is my wife. I should have

> had this in 2006 but chickened out. This time I am committed because my

> GI doctor says that Botox isn;t working anymore and was never intended

> as a long term solution.

>

> My wife went through three major orthopedic surgeries and I know how

> she suffered.

>

> What 's it like having surgery? What bout the medication that you have

> to take daily? How do you swallow pills when you can't swallow anything

> solid?

>

> My life is at a standstill as I await the surgery day like a prisoner

> awaiting an execution.

>