Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

[Guest guest]

Hi Joydavey! Your posting caught my eye, especially since I went thru

the same procedure & had the same after effects as you as well as having

this done in Portland! I went Providence & the procedure was done by

Dr. Lee Swanstrum of the Oregon Clinic. My surgery was done Aug.28th

and doing relatively well except for a " burping " problem which is

perplexing both the surgeon and the gastroenter. It seems I get air

into the esophagas and they ran a swallow test. I passed the test, no

problem with my swallowing! So - don't know what is next. Have to see

the docs soon. However, back to food: I lived on blended foods &

Ensure for a few weeks, then progressed to more pulpy stuff and have had

some more substantial also. My problem is my burps, which are inside

the esophagas - go figure! I also have occasional spasms which the doc

says will eventually go away & indeed they have lessened. So wish you

the verrry best. Please don't hesitate to get in touch since obviously

we are in the same state. Literally!

>

> Just thought I'd post my experience. I had the heller myotomy with the

> half wrap done in Portland oregon at OHSU by Dr Hunter on

> Wednesday. I awoke in recovery with an extremely sore throat that was

> very dry from the general. I had problems with my left shoulder

> hurting and the doctor told me that that was the result of the lap gas

> that they gave me to keep the diaphram still. So I have put hot pads

> on it for 2 days. Interesting enough, the abodomen has not hurt at all

> or any of the chest area. I left the hospital on Friday at noon. Early

> this morning I experienced a very painful E spasm which in my delerium

> I downed some of the liquid pain medicine that was prescribed.

> Otherwise I am off the drugs. I am fantasizing about food....this is

> extremely hard being on a liquid diet for a total of 10 days. I can't

> wait until next Thursday so I can have pured food in the VitaMix. I am

> really wanting some mashed potates.

>

[Guest guest]

I don't know if they have a tropical smoothie cafe in Portland or not, but

during recovery I used to go get the peanut butter whey protein smoothie and it

was almost 1,000 calories of heaven.  - JQ

________________________________

From: joydavey <joydavey@...>

achalasia

Sent: Saturday, December 6, 2008 8:28:43 PM

Subject: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

Just thought I'd post my experience. I had the heller myotomy with the

half wrap done in Portland oregon at OHSU by Dr Hunter on

Wednesday. I awoke in recovery with an extremely sore throat that was

very dry from the general. I had problems with my left shoulder

hurting and the doctor told me that that was the result of the lap gas

that they gave me to keep the diaphram still. So I have put hot pads

on it for 2 days. Interesting enough, the abodomen has not hurt at all

or any of the chest area. I left the hospital on Friday at noon. Early

this morning I experienced a very painful E spasm which in my delerium

I downed some of the liquid pain medicine that was prescribed.

Otherwise I am off the drugs. I am fantasizing about food....this is

extremely hard being on a liquid diet for a total of 10 days. I can't

wait until next Thursday so I can have pured food in the VitaMix. I am

really wanting some mashed potates.

[Guest guest]

This is really exciting to communicate with someone from Oregon.  There has not

been too much posting from the west coast on this site in my opinion.  Dr Hunter

did some training of the famous Dr Rice that everyone is talking about on this

site.  I am happy so far with the surgery.  I am sticking to this diet as I am

fearful of getting something stick in the small opening and throwing up.  I

thought I would have more energy and I cannot wait until Thursday because Icab

be on pured food at that point.  I have never been on a liquid diet this long

before. 

 

Dr Hunter said that some of the best esphagasal surgeons are on the west coast

so I am sure that your doctor is included and they all seem to know each other. 

My daughter is an RN at OHSU waterfront down by the river.  I am familiar with

Legency and Providence in Portland.

 

I am planning staying close to home  for recuperation as this diet is so

restrictive.  I have no other physical illnesses or diseases and I am hoping

that this managable after surgery.  I live in Eugene and have not meet any one

with Achalasia (at least in person).  I'm 57.

Joy Davey

From: osburnruth <ruthleerlo@...>

Subject: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

achalasia

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2008, 12:37 PM

Hi Joydavey! Your posting caught my eye, especially since I went thru

the same procedure & had the same after effects as you as well as having

this done in Portland! I went Providence & the procedure was done by

Dr. Lee Swanstrum of the Oregon Clinic. My surgery was done Aug.28th

and doing relatively well except for a " burping " problem which is

perplexing both the surgeon and the gastroenter. It seems I get air

into the esophagas and they ran a swallow test. I passed the test, no

problem with my swallowing! So - don't know what is next. Have to see

the docs soon. However, back to food: I lived on blended foods &

Ensure for a few weeks, then progressed to more pulpy stuff and have had

some more substantial also. My problem is my burps, which are inside

the esophagas - go figure! I also have occasional spasms which the doc

says will eventually go away & indeed they have lessened. So wish you

the verrry best. Please don't hesitate to get in touch since obviously

we are in the same state. Literally!

>

> Just thought I'd post my experience. I had the heller myotomy with the

> half wrap done in Portland oregon at OHSU by Dr Hunter on

> Wednesday. I awoke in recovery with an extremely sore throat that was

> very dry from the general. I had problems with my left shoulder

> hurting and the doctor told me that that was the result of the lap gas

> that they gave me to keep the diaphram still. So I have put hot pads

> on it for 2 days. Interesting enough, the abodomen has not hurt at all

> or any of the chest area. I left the hospital on Friday at noon. Early

> this morning I experienced a very painful E spasm which in my delerium

> I downed some of the liquid pain medicine that was prescribed.

> Otherwise I am off the drugs. I am fantasizing about food....this is

> extremely hard being on a liquid diet for a total of 10 days. I can't

> wait until next Thursday so I can have pured food in the VitaMix. I am

> really wanting some mashed potates.

>

[Guest guest]

I will look for the tropical cafe on post op!!

Thanks, Joy

From: Jeff Quinn <jeff.quinn77@...>

Subject: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

achalasia

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2008, 4:54 PM

I don't know if they have a tropical smoothie cafe in Portland or not, but

during recovery I used to go get the peanut butter whey protein smoothie and it

was almost 1,000 calories of heaven.  - JQ

____________ _________ _________ __

From: joydavey <joydavey (DOT) com>

achalasia@grou ps.com

Sent: Saturday, December 6, 2008 8:28:43 PM

Subject: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

Just thought I'd post my experience. I had the heller myotomy with the

half wrap done in Portland oregon at OHSU by Dr Hunter on

Wednesday. I awoke in recovery with an extremely sore throat that was

very dry from the general. I had problems with my left shoulder

hurting and the doctor told me that that was the result of the lap gas

that they gave me to keep the diaphram still. So I have put hot pads

on it for 2 days. Interesting enough, the abodomen has not hurt at all

or any of the chest area. I left the hospital on Friday at noon. Early

this morning I experienced a very painful E spasm which in my delerium

I downed some of the liquid pain medicine that was prescribed.

Otherwise I am off the drugs. I am fantasizing about food....this is

extremely hard being on a liquid diet for a total of 10 days. I can't

wait until next Thursday so I can have pured food in the VitaMix. I am

really wanting some mashed potates.

[Guest guest]

I didn't eat for a month after my myotomy! Food was not appealing to me at all.

I had my

surgery on the East Coast, but I am a nurse at OHSU. I no longer work with

surgical patients,

but I did have a surgical patient about three years ago who had just had a

myotomy. It was

like looking at myself in the mirror.

[Guest guest]

Joy,

I live in Portland, Oregon and had the Heller Myotomy in June (this year).

Dr. Swanstrom was my surgeon and I had the surgery at Good Samaritan in

downtown Portland. This was the second H.M. My first Myotomy was in 1974 in

Memphis, TN. I was diagnosed with achalasia about 1964. At that time, I

lived in Texas. I moved here earlier this year because my daughter lives

here. Love Portland! If you want to meet for lunch sometime when you are in

Portland to see your daughter, let me know. I have never met anyone else

that has real achalasia. I have people tell me they have problems with

swallowing, but don't want to go to a doctor, etc. BTW, we are the same age.

Good luck with solid food. I was able to eat the solid food sooner than I

had expected.

Cheers,

Jan Dolph

P please consider the environment before printing this email

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf

Of Joy Davey

Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 10:15 AM

achalasia

Subject: Re: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

This is really exciting to communicate with someone from Oregon. There has

not been too much posting from the west coast on this site in my opinion.

Dr Hunter did some training of the famous Dr Rice that everyone is talking

about on this site. I am happy so far with the surgery. I am sticking to

this diet as I am fearful of getting something stick in the small opening

and throwing up. I thought I would have more energy and I cannot wait until

Thursday because Icab be on pured food at that point. I have never been on

a liquid diet this long before.

Dr Hunter said that some of the best esphagasal surgeons are on the west

coast so I am sure that your doctor is included and they all seem to know

each other. My daughter is an RN at OHSU waterfront down by the river. I

am familiar with Legency and Providence in Portland.

I am planning staying close to home for recuperation as this diet is so

restrictive. I have no other physical illnesses or diseases and I am hoping

that this managable after surgery. I live in Eugene and have not meet any

one with Achalasia (at least in person). I'm 57.

Joy Davey

[Guest guest]

When I am coming to Portland and in better spirits I will email ahead and we can

met up.  Jan, I can't tell if you are male or female?  I have only been

diagonised with achalasia for 1 1/2 years.  So I have not had it that long.  I

can't imagine having had this for more than half my life.  I am hoping this

won't interfere with my adventuresome lifestyle that I once had!!  Thanks for

writing.

 

Joy

From: jan dolph <jan.dolph@...>

Subject: RE: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

achalasia

Date: Monday, December 8, 2008, 3:13 PM

Joy,

I live in Portland, Oregon and had the Heller Myotomy in June (this year).

Dr. Swanstrom was my surgeon and I had the surgery at Good Samaritan in

downtown Portland. This was the second H.M. My first Myotomy was in 1974 in

Memphis, TN. I was diagnosed with achalasia about 1964. At that time, I

lived in Texas. I moved here earlier this year because my daughter lives

here. Love Portland! If you want to meet for lunch sometime when you are in

Portland to see your daughter, let me know. I have never met anyone else

that has real achalasia. I have people tell me they have problems with

swallowing, but don't want to go to a doctor, etc. BTW, we are the same age.

Good luck with solid food. I was able to eat the solid food sooner than I

had expected.

Cheers,

Jan Dolph

P please consider the environment before printing this email

From: achalasia@grou ps.com [mailto:achalasia@grou ps.com] On Behalf

Of Joy Davey

Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 10:15 AM

achalasia@grou ps.com

Subject: Re: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

This is really exciting to communicate with someone from Oregon. There has

not been too much posting from the west coast on this site in my opinion.

Dr Hunter did some training of the famous Dr Rice that everyone is talking

about on this site. I am happy so far with the surgery. I am sticking to

this diet as I am fearful of getting something stick in the small opening

and throwing up. I thought I would have more energy and I cannot wait until

Thursday because Icab be on pured food at that point. I have never been on

a liquid diet this long before.

Dr Hunter said that some of the best esphagasal surgeons are on the west

coast so I am sure that your doctor is included and they all seem to know

each other. My daughter is an RN at OHSU waterfront down by the river. I

am familiar with Legency and Providence in Portland.

I am planning staying close to home for recuperation as this diet is so

restrictive. I have no other physical illnesses or diseases and I am hoping

that this managable after surgery. I live in Eugene and have not meet any

one with Achalasia (at least in person). I'm 57.

Joy Davey

[Guest guest]

this is interesting finding others nearby with the same disease....since

virtually no one has heard of this...even the night nurse at OHSU had to go home

and look it up!  I explained all about it!  I had a good stay at the hospital

but my husband would come in exhausted because it took him an hour to find a

place to park.  He was supposed to take the tram.

Joy

From: <larojaloca@...>

Subject: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

achalasia

Date: Monday, December 8, 2008, 2:10 PM

I didn't eat for a month after my myotomy! Food was not appealing to me at all.

I had my

surgery on the East Coast, but I am a nurse at OHSU. I no longer work with

surgical patients,

but I did have a surgical patient about three years ago who had just had a

myotomy. It was

like looking at myself in the mirror.

[Guest guest]

Female. Achalasia has never slowed me down. I've had one baby, gone to

undergraduate & graduate school, worked in several fields including 26 years

in municipal government and moved a bunch of times. Seems like I always have

had jobs where I have to carry lots of heavy boxes around. Also, have

traveled to Europe several times and that's when I discovered that water

without ice and wine were wonderful for " pushing " the food down the

esophagus. I don't like to hike or bicycle, but that's me and not the

achalasia :-) Looking for a job, now, in Portland. So, no - achalasia should

not impact your lifestyle. Hope you get to feeling better soon.

Cheers,

Jan Dolph

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf

Of Joy Davey

Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 1:39 PM

achalasia

Subject: RE: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

When I am coming to Portland and in better spirits I will email ahead and we

can met up. Jan, I can't tell if you are male or female? I have only been

diagonised with achalasia for 1 1/2 years. So I have not had it that long.

I can't imagine having had this for more than half my life. I am hoping

this won't interfere with my adventuresome lifestyle that I once had!!

Thanks for writing.

Joy

From: jan dolph <jan.dolph@... <mailto:jan.dolph%40comcast.net> >

Subject: RE: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

achalasia <mailto:achalasia%40>

Date: Monday, December 8, 2008, 3:13 PM

Joy,

I live in Portland, Oregon and had the Heller Myotomy in June (this year).

Dr. Swanstrom was my surgeon and I had the surgery at Good Samaritan in

downtown Portland. This was the second H.M. My first Myotomy was in 1974 in

Memphis, TN. I was diagnosed with achalasia about 1964. At that time, I

lived in Texas. I moved here earlier this year because my daughter lives

here. Love Portland! If you want to meet for lunch sometime when you are in

Portland to see your daughter, let me know. I have never met anyone else

that has real achalasia. I have people tell me they have problems with

swallowing, but don't want to go to a doctor, etc. BTW, we are the same age.

Good luck with solid food. I was able to eat the solid food sooner than I

had expected.

Cheers,

Jan Dolph

P please consider the environment before printing this email

From: achalasia@grou ps.com [mailto:achalasia@grou ps.com] On

Behalf

Of Joy Davey

Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 10:15 AM

achalasia@grou ps.com

Subject: Re: Re: Dec 3rd heller myotomy

This is really exciting to communicate with someone from Oregon. There has

not been too much posting from the west coast on this site in my opinion.

Dr Hunter did some training of the famous Dr Rice that everyone is talking

about on this site. I am happy so far with the surgery. I am sticking to

this diet as I am fearful of getting something stick in the small opening

and throwing up. I thought I would have more energy and I cannot wait until

Thursday because Icab be on pured food at that point. I have never been on

a liquid diet this long before.

Dr Hunter said that some of the best esphagasal surgeons are on the west

coast so I am sure that your doctor is included and they all seem to know

each other. My daughter is an RN at OHSU waterfront down by the river. I

am familiar with Legency and Providence in Portland.

I am planning staying close to home for recuperation as this diet is so

restrictive. I have no other physical illnesses or diseases and I am hoping

that this managable after surgery. I live in Eugene and have not meet any

one with Achalasia (at least in person). I'm 57.

Joy Davey