Re: Facing Myotomy

[Guest guest]

Great suggestions Maureen. If I may add, regarding the migraine

medicines, take all your regular meds with you and keep them close to

you, in the bedside table, or in your purse in a zipper bag. They

ask you what meds you take and if you are bringing them in the prep.

I brought them, but the migraine med was folded over on itself mixed

in w/ all the stuff in my purse, in the closet way across the room.

I didn't think I could explain it to a nurse or aide where to find it

so suffered. Because you obviously aren't in a room until after

recovery, you have to remind the people you are with to make that

stuff reachable. Same with glasses or contacts. I also drank a cup

or two of coffee through the day prior to surgery and think there was

also some caffeine withdrawal, which is a migraine trigger also. Not

sure they provide real coffee or tea, but my family wasn't with me

all the time, my husband was dealing w/ my kids and I wished I had

made all those things easier to get by myself. I would have brought

a little bag of instant coffee or something. Something comes over

us, and we don't want to bug nurses or aides for these simple things.

Sandy

> >

> > 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. They took a list of my medications and I guess they will

give them to me. However, if I am on a ventilator, I don't see how

they can do that. Apparently open hurts more than lap. The only real

surgical pain I have known was from a wisdom tooth extrationl. I had

it done in the morning and preaching in the evening and the next

morning. It was horrific and I thought my jaw was going to drop off.

I don't recommend that.

> >

> > 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]

I play trombone and euphonium. The next big event is the Tuba

Christmas which features 200 tubas and euphoniums. I hope that I will

be well enough to play in that because it is a great event.

> > > > >

> > > > > 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]

Well, I did it. I went into surgery at 7:30 a.m. and was brought to

intensive care about 1:00 p.m. The acutal surgery itself took about 3

hours. The rest of the time was preparation and positioning. My

surgeon said that my case was very complicated and difficult but it

went perfectly with no problems, meaning that I didn't have to have

an open myotomy.

I spent one night in intensive care, was transferred to the unit the

next day (Wednesday) and came home Thursday.

The pain was no fun but not all that bad, but that catheter was

something else. That was the first time I ever had one of those and

hopefully the last.

The videoesophogram showed no leaks and good drainage so I am now on

a full liquid diet for two weeks, can't drive, can't life anything

heavier than five pounds.

Dealing with crushing pills has been an experience. I learned that if

you crush a time release pill you get the full dose, so you have to

be careful.

It looks like I will be down for about two weeks; at least that is

when I will see my surgeon next.

Whenever I eat or drink anything, I have to sit up for at least 1/2

hour to let everything get down because the esophagus is swollen from

all the surgical trama. I have to sleep with my head raised, which

isn't bad because I have done that for years. However, I discovered

that when I wake up in the middle of the night my incisions hurt

because of my position and I have to take pain medicine (Lor Tab

liquid).

What impresses me is how weak I am and how much my body can ache,

even in areas removed from the surgical area. I don't have much

energy today (Friday) but I am getting stronger.

The most wonderful thing is that I can eat now and have it go down

for the first time in over 25 years. In fact, when I got my first

full liquid meal at the hospital, it almost seemed to much for my

stomach. My surgeon said that this was because the food was now going

in the stomach instead of remaining in the esophagus.

Now here is the kick. I had my last food and water Monday evening and

from that point until Wenesday afternoon it was nothing by mouth

until they could check for leaks. In spite of that I GAINED WEIGHT.

In fact, which I was discharged I couldn't wear the pants I came in

with and had to wear gym pants. What in the world is going on?

Anyway, thanks for your support, and me tell you: Dr. Farzaneh Banki

at U.S.C. is the greatest. She is one tremendous surgeon and peron.

> > >

> > > 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]

Hi

It is great you are back on the computer after only a few days. Now I

will know who to go at USC.

Keep us informed!

Ray

>

> Well, I did it. I went into surgery at 7:30 a.m. and was brought to

> intensive care about 1:00 p.m. The acutal surgery itself took about

3

> hours. The rest of the time was preparation and positioning. My

> surgeon said that my case was very complicated and difficult but it

> went perfectly with no problems, meaning that I didn't have to have

> an open myotomy.

>

> I spent one night in intensive care, was transferred to the unit

the

> next day (Wednesday) and came home Thursday.

>

> The pain was no fun but not all that bad, but that catheter was

> something else. That was the first time I ever had one of those and

> hopefully the last.

>

> The videoesophogram showed no leaks and good drainage so I am now

on

> a full liquid diet for two weeks, can't drive, can't life anything

> heavier than five pounds.

>

> Dealing with crushing pills has been an experience. I learned that

if

> you crush a time release pill you get the full dose, so you have to

> be careful.

>

> It looks like I will be down for about two weeks; at least that is

> when I will see my surgeon next.

>

> Whenever I eat or drink anything, I have to sit up for at least 1/2

> hour to let everything get down because the esophagus is swollen

from

> all the surgical trama. I have to sleep with my head raised, which

> isn't bad because I have done that for years. However, I discovered

> that when I wake up in the middle of the night my incisions hurt

> because of my position and I have to take pain medicine (Lor Tab

> liquid).

>

> What impresses me is how weak I am and how much my body can ache,

> even in areas removed from the surgical area. I don't have much

> energy today (Friday) but I am getting stronger.

>

> The most wonderful thing is that I can eat now and have it go down

> for the first time in over 25 years. In fact, when I got my first

> full liquid meal at the hospital, it almost seemed to much for my

> stomach. My surgeon said that this was because the food was now

going

> in the stomach instead of remaining in the esophagus.

>

> Now here is the kick. I had my last food and water Monday evening

and

> from that point until Wenesday afternoon it was nothing by mouth

> until they could check for leaks. In spite of that I GAINED WEIGHT.

> In fact, which I was discharged I couldn't wear the pants I came in

> with and had to wear gym pants. What in the world is going on?

>

> Anyway, thanks for your support, and me tell you: Dr. Farzaneh

Banki

> at U.S.C. is the greatest. She is one tremendous surgeon and peron.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the encouragement. One problem that is have is that the

surgeon has taken me off of the nifedipine because I no longer have

to relax the les. There is nothing to relax. However, since I came

home my blood pressure is is way up. I used to run around 116/79. Now

I am in the 140's and 150's. It even shot up to 184 the evening I

came home.

How do you people handle this crushed pill problem? I can only take

tablets that you can crust and put in liquid. I have to see my

primary doctors next week to discuss this issue.

I thought when I got home the pain would stay at the hospital. Boy

was I wrong! I still have to take Lor Tabs, and they say to take it

before the pain gets bad. And I am weak and have no energy.

This morning I had a bowl of cream of wheat and a banana smoothie and

I was completely stuffed. I thought that my stomach was smaller, but

the surgeon said that the food was getting to the stomach rather than

staying in the lungs and that my stomach isn't used to it.

Whenever I drink a glass of water or swallow anything I have to sit

upright for 30 minutes. So if I get up in the night to take pain

medicine, I have to get a book and read for 30 minutes before I can

go back to bed.

Do your incisions get sore after laying in bed all night. I wake up

in pain because of my position in the bed.

At least I can put food in my stomach again. This is the first time

in over 30 years it goes in the stomach and not stay in the esophagus.

>

> Hi

>

> Don't worry about the weight gain. When you have surgery they give

you a lot of IV fluids and because you are lying around, the fluid

stays with you a bit. Over the next few days you will pee off those

pounds. Your belly is not accomodating the pants because of all the

gas they pump into you and that too will " come out " over the next few

days. Keep smiling and things are going to get better every day!!

Congrats on being done with the surgery!!

> Dawn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you.

> > > >

> > > > 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. Sometimes I think I will never be able to handle my work

again. One thing I have learned: surgery is NO fun.

> > > >

> > > > 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 do breathing exercises every day with my music. Thanks

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

> my aspiration.

>

My problem is aspiration too, and when music is such a big part of

your life you are more affected by this than if you did not play a

wind instrument. I am going to take up playing the oboe again when i

get over my op (13th sep). If it wasn't for my lung problems and

coughing up food in the night i probably would still be " dealing " with

this by shoving gallons of water down my throat and making things 10

times worse.....

>

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

> hospital. How about that for irony.

>

It is better that you celebrate it together albeit in hospital than

not at all. My mum died last year from bowel cancer 12 days before my

mum and dad's 38th wedding anniversary ... and just think, when you

celbrate your 40th next year you can go somewhere really special and

not have to worry about eating problems or breathing problems!

....remember there's always a silver lining. Congratulations btw :-)

How did the op go and how are you feeling now? I " m five days post-op

and getting chest pains, and was told I had a shadow on my right lung

(although not given specific excercises to do) but like you, have my

own breathing exercises I can do, which, after reading these threads I

realise I must start doing more of if I'm going to fully recover, and

recover well!