Guest guest Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 Hello all! I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am doing fine Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never undergone surgery this intense before. The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the goo. Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and then gradually pick up the pace. Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 thanks for the heads up! my heller is scheduled for tues., oct 7th at the univ of mi med center. i'm dreading the clear liquid diet starting this saturday. did you lose weight from this? also, i am curious to know if you had prior dilations, botox, etc. i'm a newbie and appreciate your email. glad to hear that you are doing well! i hope to be writing back to all of you soon, too, saying the same things. eloisa from fort wayne, IN 3 month post op update!!! Hello all! I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am doing fine Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never undergone surgery this intense before. The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the goo. Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and then gradually pick up the pace. Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 You're my surgery twin! I had mine about a week before you had yours. Glad to see we are both doing so well. I didn't have a GI tube but had that once before when I had jaw surgery. It was connected to a pump that pumped any blood out of the stomach coming down from my jaw. Glad I didn't have that You had a catheter lucky you! I wish I'd had a catheter. They took mine out by mistake and by the time I woke in the recovery room my bladder was seriously blown up and all I could think about was peeing. I tried to pee in a bed pan (can anyone use these things?) but couldn't. After they took it away I started a stream going and just kept peeing all over everything. Fortunately it was a tiny stream but I was beyond caring at that point. The nurse came over and actually apologized that she was going to have to catheterize me. All I could think of was just get on with it already. She was " impressed " with the amount of urine she got out of me which is nurse talk for " your bladder almost burst " . For some reason I didn't have that " gotta pee all the time " sensation with the catheter I've had other times. It was taken out late the next morning. I didn't see my surgeon after surgery. When your surgeon is that famous and that busy ( Pelegrini) it is a consequence-they can't be everywhere at once. Something to consider when choosing a surgeon. But he did a good job so I was happy with my choice. I was then in the care of his assistants. The male doctor was there after surgery to see how I was. Later the female surgeon came in but I was asleep. The male was back the next morning and then the female came in that afternoon to explain why she wanted me to stay another night. They had freed an adhesion that was pinning my bowel to the abdominal wall and she was afraid I might have some bloating or indication not all was well. The details are fuzzy. I thought I was awake and alert but now realize I never asked questions I should have or got names. My nurse and I talked her into letting me go home because my catheter was out and I was able to pee on my own and I had gotten up and speed walked around the floor. Earlier in the midst of another migraine I told hubby I had to get out of there and was leaving no matter what. Once the Imitrex had a chance to work and I'd had another dose of pain meds I was more reasonable. When I hurt I want to be home in my own bed where I can control the pain more. I got the heparin shots in the fat pad on my stomach. I literally did not feel them and I'm a baby about such things. I was surprised to see the little circles they made on my abdomen when I got dressed to go home. No one had mentioned those to me pre-surgery which was a good thing because I would have agonized about it. I couldn't wear the inflatable foot thingys (they cause foot cramps and made me claustrophobic) so I suppose they were a good idea. I had a problem with the gas pain too. I couldn't figure out why I had such a bad pain in my shoulder until I remembered it was probably the gas. Heat helped me a lot with that. Didn't have a barium swallow. Why the GI tube? Were they afraid something might have gotten punctured or is that just standard for your doctor? If the kitchen had gotten my dietary order correct, I could have had dinner the first night. And my roommate! -I won't go into that. Or maybe I will. First night at nine PM a whole group of visitors tramp into the room. A couple had even brought dinner with them and kicked back with their legs up and ate while the others talked and laughed. The migraines had me nauseated so the strong odors from the fast food that drifted over were not appreciated. Nor was the noise that late at night. So after a half hour I asked the nurse to please ask them to leave which she did. She went home the next morning so it wasn't as if they had a long wait to see her again. You would think people would know better. Those were very small rooms, obviously designed to hold one person, so there was no room to spare. OK over my rant now. My scars are still visible and will be for the next year. I have very, very fair skin and it takes forever for marks on it to vanish. But they hid one in my gallbladder scar (a really ugly scar) which actually improved its appearance and hid a second too so only three are visible. Not that you notice them because the gallbladder scar stand out so much. Two of them will probably fade away but the one of the left side opened up when the tape fell off. Yuck, I could see right inside. I taped it up again but the scar is going to be a little indented because it healed from the inside out. Yay for us! We did well. Go Seattle! > > Hello all! > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am doing fine > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never undergone surgery this intense before. > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the goo. > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and then gradually pick up the pace. > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 Eloisa I had my heller and partial wrap in June. How long do you have to be on a clear liquid diet? I was only told no food from 9 pm the night before and no liquids after midnight. Since little was getting through my LES at that point I stopped drinking around 6 pm. I hadn't been able to eat solid food for a month so I had little problem with the no food part. I lost 12 pounds which I unfortunately gained back soon after. I was just diagnosed in April of this year (and was close to end stage by then) so I didn't have dilations or botox. They are out of favor and surgery is the first option now for most patients. Good luck! > > thanks for the heads up! my heller is scheduled for tues., oct 7th at the univ of mi med center. i'm dreading the clear liquid diet starting this saturday. did you lose weight from this? also, i am curious to know if you had prior dilations, botox, etc. > > i'm a newbie and appreciate your email. glad to hear that you are doing well! i hope to be writing back to all of you soon, too, saying the same things. > > eloisa from fort wayne, IN > > > > 3 month post op update!!! > > > Hello all! > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am > doing fine > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > undergone surgery this intense before. > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the > goo. > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > then gradually pick up the pace. > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2008 Report Share Posted October 1, 2008 thanks for your email. 3 days prior to surgery is what i've been instructed.....i'm in early stage so maybe that's why? 3 month post op update!!! > > > Hello all! > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am > doing fine > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > undergone surgery this intense before. > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the > goo. > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > then gradually pick up the pace. > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 I didnt lose much weight at all, maybe a 5lb fluctuation. I didnt have any other procedures before the surgery. I was diagnosed in May and decided to go ahead with the surgery in June. I was at the early stages, but a lot of my peristalsis was already gone, which will never come back. > > thanks for the heads up! my heller is scheduled for tues., oct 7th at the univ of mi med center. i'm dreading the clear liquid diet starting this saturday. did you lose weight from this? also, i am curious to know if you had prior dilations, botox, etc. > > i'm a newbie and appreciate your email. glad to hear that you are doing well! i hope to be writing back to all of you soon, too, saying the same things. > > eloisa from fort wayne, IN > > > > 3 month post op update!!! > > > Hello all! > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am > doing fine > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > undergone surgery this intense before. > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the > goo. > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > then gradually pick up the pace. > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 WOW! You had quite the journey! We are surgery twins We should meet at some point! Not to say anything bad about my alma mater (I am a UW alum) but Swedish gives you private rooms so I didnt have to deal with all of that roomate hoo ha Honestly, my visitors would have made another person mad (hubby, parents, and best friend came at times) but they were quiet from what I remember and definitely no eating in there. As for the GI tube, I have NO idea why i had one, but there was some blood coming out of my stomach so I guess it did help. That was the worst part of the procedure, trying to get comfortable and sleep with that thing is crazy! I actually couldnt take in food or liquids until 24 hours later, and honestly didnt want any. Again, not doubting Dr. Pelegrini, but Dr. Louie popped his head in at least twice while I was in the room, and he also sent a resident a couple of times. He is a younger doc (maybe 40 or so) and I have no doubt that by the time he reaches Pelegrini's age, he too will be famous > > > > Hello all! > > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to > let you all know I am doing fine > > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in > Seattle, I recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars > are already almost gone! His bedside manner is great, and he is > committed to your progress. > > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the > procedure. I was scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may > remember) because I had never undergone surgery this intense before. > > > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but > when I woke up, I had a GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was > shocked to see I had these things. On top of all of this, I had > oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the > nurse took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was > discharged 36 hours after checking in. The nurse tried to get me up > walking the next morning, and I felt a little too dizzy so the > compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. > FYI, those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the > arm! > > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were > no holes. That was pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you > around to coat your esophagus with the goo. > > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It > took about a week for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " > gas pain either, you feel it in your shoulder and back, it had me > crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and then > gradually pick up the pace. > > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, > feeling great, and training for the Seattle half marathon next month! > It was so worth it to have my quality of life back, even though the > healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this > issue? Maybe it is the skin... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 I had the liquid diet 3 days prior as well, and I was at the early stages. It was full liquids 2 days and clear liquids the 3rd. My doc told me it is to make sure that they dont find " old broccoli " and stuff during surgery, because he has before (gross). Since our LES malfunctions, the food gets caught and stays in there for who knows how long, I actually saw a hot dog come back 2 days after I ate it one time, not fun... So, long story short, that is the reason. You will be fine GOOD LUCK! > > > > thanks for the heads up! my heller is scheduled for tues., oct 7th > at the univ of mi med center. i'm dreading the clear liquid diet > starting this saturday. did you lose weight from this? also, i am > curious to know if you had prior dilations, botox, etc. > > > > i'm a newbie and appreciate your email. glad to hear that you are > doing well! i hope to be writing back to all of you soon, too, saying > the same things. > > > > eloisa from fort wayne, IN > > > > > > > > 3 month post op update!!! > > > > > > Hello all! > > > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted > to let you all know I am > > doing fine > > > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in > Seattle, I > > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are > already almost gone! His > > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about > the procedure. I was > > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I > had never > > undergone surgery this intense before. > > > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but > when I woke up, I had a > > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had > these things. On top of all > > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my > nose, then the nurse > > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was > discharged 36 hours after > > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, > and I felt a little too > > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots > kept coming. FYI, > > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there > were no holes. That was > > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat > your esophagus with the > > goo. > > > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! > It took about a week > > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, > you feel it in your > > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a > couple of days and > > then gradually pick up the pace. > > > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, > feeling great, and training > > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have > my quality of life > > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it > again if I had to. > > > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this > issue? Maybe it is the skin... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 wanted to double check if you were told you were in the early stages because the size of your esophagus was still considered normal. that's what the doc told me. you, too? a little while ago, for several nights a week, i would wake up and regurgitate in the middle of the night. i then decided to stop eating five hours before bedtime and walk a couple of miles after dinner. since doing this, the regurgitation in the middle of the night has stopped (knock on wood....). i then thought maybe the condition of my disease had improved (maybe i can get out of having surgery.....hee..hee....), but this is a progressive disease, so i'm sure i'm wrong.......i'm wrong, right? also, post op were you on a liquid diet for two weeks then? when can i have that steak again??? 3 month post op update!!! > > > Hello all! > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I am > doing fine > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! His > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > undergone surgery this intense before. > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had a > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of all > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That was > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with the > goo. > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a week > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > then gradually pick up the pace. > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and training > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the skin... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 Well, he said I did have a patulous esophagus, which means it is bigger than normal. I honestly have no idea what the gauge is for the disease, but it is indeed progressive so I would nip it in the bud early! I would always wake up choking, not regurgitating so much because I tend not to eat after 7 anyway, but the choking on my saliva was no fun either. I too learned little tricks to help control spasms and things that go along with the disease, but I am telling you NOTHING beats not having to worry about it at all Get the surgery you will be grateful in the long run. I was on full liquids (yogurt, broth, creamed soups,etc) for about 2 weeks then I GRADUALLY added other things. I emphasize gradual because you are still swollen and healing inside even when you feel ok, so you dont want to rupture any incisions. I dont think I tried meats until at least a month, but I am a scaredy cat that way, so ask your doctor about what he/she thinks. If you have any more questions, I am here to help! I was in your shoes not too long ago so I understand... When is the big day? > > > > thanks for the heads up! my heller is scheduled for tues., oct 7th at the univ of mi med > center. i'm dreading the clear liquid diet starting this saturday. did you lose weight from > this? also, i am curious to know if you had prior dilations, botox, etc. > > > > i'm a newbie and appreciate your email. glad to hear that you are doing well! i hope to > be writing back to all of you soon, too, saying the same things. > > > > eloisa from fort wayne, IN > > > > > > > > 3 month post op update!!! > > > > > > Hello all! > > > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I > am > > doing fine > > > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! > His > > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > > undergone surgery this intense before. > > > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had > a > > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of > all > > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That > was > > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with > the > > goo. > > > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a > week > > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > > then gradually pick up the pace. > > > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and > training > > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the > skin... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 next tues, 10/7, is the big day! my husband is taking me out somewhere nice tomorrow night....for my " last supper " before my clear liquid diet before surgery........ 3 month post op update!!! > > > > > > Hello all! > > > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I > am > > doing fine > > > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! > His > > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > > undergone surgery this intense before. > > > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had > a > > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of > all > > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That > was > > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with > the > > goo. > > > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a > week > > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > > then gradually pick up the pace. > > > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and > training > > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the > skin... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 Sounds good! I did the same thing, I went out and had Indian food which is my fav. Hang in there, easier times are soon to come. Please send updates, you can email me too! Take care, you will be in my thoughts on the 7th! > > > > > > thanks for the heads up! my heller is scheduled for tues., oct 7th at the univ of mi > med > > center. i'm dreading the clear liquid diet starting this saturday. did you lose weight > from > > this? also, i am curious to know if you had prior dilations, botox, etc. > > > > > > i'm a newbie and appreciate your email. glad to hear that you are doing well! i hope > to > > be writing back to all of you soon, too, saying the same things. > > > > > > eloisa from fort wayne, IN > > > > > > > > > > > > 3 month post op update!!! > > > > > > > > > Hello all! > > > > > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I > > am > > > doing fine > > > > > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > > > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! > > His > > > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > > > > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I > was > > > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > > > undergone surgery this intense before. > > > > > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I > had > > a > > > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top > of > > all > > > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the > nurse > > > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > > > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little > too > > > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. > FYI, > > > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > > > > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That > > was > > > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with > > the > > > goo. > > > > > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a > > week > > > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > > > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > > > then gradually pick up the pace. > > > > > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and > > training > > > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > > > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > > > > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the > > skin... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 hi, everyone! i had my heller with dor fundo done tues at the univ of mi.. i loved dr. allan pickens. my surgery was about 2.5 hrs. he said that my e had stretched from when i was first diagnosed in aug but it was still straight, so that was good. i had to get a barium swallow before getting released. they didn't find any leaks so i got to go! for those of you who said the gas pains are the worst, you are right!! i'm also not tolerating the pain meds very well....loratab....makes me dizzy and nauseous! i've been instructed to be on clear liquids for two days, then full liquids for two more days, then soft mushy after that until i go for my follow-up, where he'll tell me when i can start solids. i'm just feeling very hungry............ talk to you later. eloisa 3 month post op update!!! > > > > > > Hello all! > > > > I know it has been a while since I have been on here, but I wanted to let you all know I > am > > doing fine > > > > Surgery was on June 20 in Seattle at Swedish Hospital. For anyone in Seattle, I > > recommend Dr. Louie, he is FANTASTIC! All of my scars are already almost gone! > His > > bedside manner is great, and he is committed to your progress. > > > > Anyhoo, for all of you newbies, I want to share some things about the procedure. I was > > scared crapless beforehand (as some of you may remember) because I had never > > undergone surgery this intense before. > > > > The prep process was easy, just as my Mukilteo friend stated, but when I woke up, I had > a > > GI tube for 24 hours AND a catheter! I was shocked to see I had these things. On top of > all > > of this, I had oxygen, until it was unbearable with both tubes in my nose, then the nurse > > took the oxygen out. I did have to stay overnight and I was discharged 36 hours after > > checking in. The nurse tried to get me up walking the next morning, and I felt a little too > > dizzy so the compression stockings stayed on and the heparin shots kept coming. FYI, > > those are way more tolerable in the back of the thigh than in the arm! > > > > Also, I had a barium swallow the next morning to make sure there were no holes. That > was > > pretty uncomfortable too, seeing as they roll you around to coat your esophagus with > the > > goo.. > > > > Not trying to scare anyone, but the WORST part was the freakin gas! It took about a > week > > for the gas pain to subside. It is not the " normal " gas pain either, you feel it in your > > shoulder and back, it had me crying at times. You walk slowly for a couple of days and > > then gradually pick up the pace. > > > > Three months later, I am eating whatever I want with no issues, feeling great, and > training > > for the Seattle half marathon next month! It was so worth it to have my quality of life > > back, even though the healing process was not fun, I would do it again if I had to. > > > > I still find raw apples a little hard to eat, anyone else have this issue? Maybe it is the > skin.... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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