Tim

[Guest guest]

I'm feeling for you. When I had a routine barium last summer and

found that my E had started sagging below the entrance to my stomach,

I knew it was time to make the decision. The great thing about it is

this group - I had already read the stories and knew the histories of

probably 10-12 people that had gone before me - all in their 30's-

40's. It was great to be able to draw on their strength and support

and also to be prepared for what to expect.

I am 9 months post op as of this upcoming Saturday - gotta tell you

the first few months really sucked but by the 3rd-4th month, I was

really starting to feel back to normal quickly. I've also found that

I've needed some dilations but like Isabella, they are getting fewer

and farther between. I have one scheduled for the 25th of this month

and that is about 10 weeks since my last. I'm going to my surgeon to

have it done this time and I'm expecting this one to last 3 months or

more. Now mind you - I'm still eating well in between them, I just

start to feel some tightening and I want to stay dilated as I

recover - I don't want that scar tissue to 'harden' into place, makes

follow up dilations more difficult.

Who did you decide on for surgery? If I remember correctly, aren't

you in the metro NY area? That at least gives you some good choices

that aren't too far away.

Having had an -ectomy done, I do agree with your decision to go for

it and not the -plasty. We all have found that experience is what

really counts and I don't think I'd be going to someone for a

procedure that had never been done before.

Recovery for the -ectomy is long - count on about a year for FULL

recovery, although you are very steadily getting your life back well

before that. In reality, I knew that my thought was - what's one more

year after dealing with A for 25 years? I'll tell you - for me - just

never having spasms again (woo hoo!!) has made it all worth while.

you're going to have about a gazillion questions over the next few

days/weeks so feel free to ask away, that's what we are here for.

Just remember - you are not alone.

take care,

- in NC

achalasia free since Jan. 11th!!