Re: HM - Success or failure?

[Guest guest]

There are several variables on why a HM did not work like it should. That is

one question I hope to get some research going on with the foundation.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 11, 2012, at 3:52, " lindsaykite " <lindsaykite@...> wrote:

> Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

>

> I am now 8 weeks post HM. The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM. Bread gets stuck and so does omelette. Even soft

vegetables are not going down well. I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky

10% who has had a failure!

>

> My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my stomach

has felt sore and uncomfortable! I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon

Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. Am wondering

where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

>

> (Australia)

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that wasn't.  He

refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that.  The HM

surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to my gastro

doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I have

not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it went

down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes

right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last weekend I enjoyed

a steak Sunday and again Monday.

So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon dilatation. 

There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they do the balloon they

should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated you. 

I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

Good Luck,

Greg

Greenwood, IN

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

Subject: HM - Success or failure?

Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does omelette.  Even soft

vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky

10% who has had a failure!

My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my stomach

has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon

Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him.  Am wondering

where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

(Australia)

------------------------------------

As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community center

brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for

sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

I thought a dilation was an alternative to a HM, not a necessity after one.

Seeing I am 1 in 100,000 to get A and probably in the 5% who has a failed HM, it

would be just me luck to be one of the 1% who gets perforated with a dilation!

Is a dilation done in hospital under sedation? How long does it take?

>

> I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that wasn't.  He

refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that.  The HM

surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to my gastro

doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I have

not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

>

> About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes

right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last weekend I enjoyed

a steak Sunday and again Monday.

>

> So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

>

>

>

> Good Luck,

> Greg

> Greenwood, IN

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

> achalasia

> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> Subject: HM - Success or failure?

>

> Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

>

> I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does omelette.  Even soft

vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky

10% who has had a failure!

>

> My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my stomach

has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon

Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him.  Am wondering

where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

>

> (Australia)

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community center

brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for

sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

It takes about an half hour. They sedate you, so you need somebody to drive you

home. The HM was supposed to be the permanent fix, according to what I was told,

but for me it wasn't. I was told that you might need dilitation after an HM.

Just because it didn't solve me doesn't mean it wouldn't help you. There are

lots of people on this list who have greatly benefitted by them.

I'm just saying if a HM hasn't helped someone consider dilitation. As a matter

of fact, it's a lot less complicated so it should be tried first. Almost all

Gastro docs would.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 11, 2012, at 5:22 PM, " lindsaykite " <lindsaykite@...> wrote:

> I thought a dilation was an alternative to a HM, not a necessity after one.

Seeing I am 1 in 100,000 to get A and probably in the 5% who has a failed HM, it

would be just me luck to be one of the 1% who gets perforated with a dilation!

> Is a dilation done in hospital under sedation? How long does it take?

>

>

>

>

>>

>> I had the same result. II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that wasn't. He

refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure. I didn't like the ramifications of that. The HM

surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me. I went back to my gastro

doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked wonderfully. My eating is 98% normal. I have

not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

>>

>> About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down. If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes

right down. I've been able to eat anything I want. This last weekend I enjoyed

a steak Sunday and again Monday.

>>

>> So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation. There is a range of size they can do. In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far. They can go up to 40mm. I understand. When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you. I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

>>

>>

>>

>> Good Luck,

>> Greg

>> Greenwood, IN

>>

>>

>>

>> ________________________________

>> From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

>> achalasia

>> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

>> Subject: HM - Success or failure?

>>

>> Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

>>

>> I am now 8 weeks post HM. The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM. Bread gets stuck and so does omelette. Even soft

vegetables are not going down well. I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky

10% who has had a failure!

>>

>> My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my stomach

has felt sore and uncomfortable! I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon

Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. Am wondering

where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

>>

>> (Australia)

>>

>>

>>

>> ------------------------------------

>>

>> As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org. The community center

brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for

sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

Forgot to answer your question about hospital. Maybe so Maybe not. If you have

impacted food or a ballon dilitation yes it will be hospital. Some docs will

use an Endoscopy clinic for non balloon dilitation. But non ballons aren't

effective for A. Always insist on balloon. If your doc doesn't do them, find one

that does.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 11, 2012, at 5:22 PM, " lindsaykite " <lindsaykite@...> wrote:

> I thought a dilation was an alternative to a HM, not a necessity after one.

Seeing I am 1 in 100,000 to get A and probably in the 5% who has a failed HM, it

would be just me luck to be one of the 1% who gets perforated with a dilation!

> Is a dilation done in hospital under sedation? How long does it take?

>

>

>

>

>>

>> I had the same result. II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that wasn't. He

refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure. I didn't like the ramifications of that. The HM

surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me. I went back to my gastro

doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked wonderfully. My eating is 98% normal. I have

not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

>>

>> About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down. If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes

right down. I've been able to eat anything I want. This last weekend I enjoyed

a steak Sunday and again Monday.

>>

>> So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation. There is a range of size they can do. In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far. They can go up to 40mm. I understand. When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you. I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

>>

>>

>>

>> Good Luck,

>> Greg

>> Greenwood, IN

>>

>>

>>

>> ________________________________

>> From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

>> achalasia

>> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

>> Subject: HM - Success or failure?

>>

>> Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

>>

>> I am now 8 weeks post HM. The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM. Bread gets stuck and so does omelette. Even soft

vegetables are not going down well. I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky

10% who has had a failure!

>>

>> My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my stomach

has felt sore and uncomfortable! I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon

Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. Am wondering

where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

>>

>> (Australia)

>>

>>

>>

>> ------------------------------------

>>

>> As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org. The community center

brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for

sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

,

I certainly hope you find some answers to our many questions. I am in the

minority that HURTS after an HM. Very few doctors understand what we live every

day. I went to an appointment with a specialist and asked what is going on with

me, whey do I still hurt and his response was " That was a hypothetical question

wasn't it, you don't expect an answer. " Yes, we deserve answers!!

Good luck in finding answers!!

BC

>

> > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> >

> > I am now 8 weeks post HM. The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM. Bread gets stuck and so does omelette. Even soft

vegetables are not going down well. I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky

10% who has had a failure!

> >

> > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable! I have a follow up appointment with my

surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. Am

wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation

for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> >

> > (Australia)

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, so sorry to hear you're still having problems. I hope you get it worked

out and are NOT in that 5%!

Kim

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 5:22 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

I thought a dilation was an alternative to a HM, not a necessity after one.

Seeing I am 1 in 100,000 to get A and probably in the 5% who has a failed HM, it

would be just me luck to be one of the 1% who gets perforated with a dilation!

Is a dilation done in hospital under sedation? How long does it take?

>

> I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that wasn't.  He

refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that.  The

HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to my

gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I have

not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

>

> About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it

goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last weekend I

enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

>

> So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

>

>

>

> Good Luck,

> Greg

> Greenwood, IN

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

> achalasia

> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> Subject: HM - Success or failure?

>

> Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

>

> I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success with is

pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but

I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does omelette.  Even

soft vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering if I am one of the

unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

>

> My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my stomach

has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with my

surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him.  Am

wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation

for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

>

> (Australia)

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community center

brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for

sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Kim. It is so confusing, some say the HM works when the dilations don't,

and others have dilations when the HM doesn't work! So, I am presuming that

most of will end up with both and it doesn't really matter in which order!

> >

> > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that wasn't.  He

refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that.  The

HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to my

gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I have

not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> >

> > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it

goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last weekend I

enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> >

> > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> >

> >

> >

> > Good Luck,

> > Greg

> > Greenwood, IN

> >

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > achalasia

> > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> >

> > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> >

> > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success with

is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it

down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.  Even soft vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering if I

am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> >

> > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with

my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. 

Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation

for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> >

> > (Australia)

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community center

brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for

sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

I'm thinking you are probably right! Wish someone would figure out this mess.

Kim

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 8:11 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Thanks Kim. It is so confusing, some say the HM works when the dilations don't,

and others have dilations when the HM doesn't work! So, I am presuming that

most of will end up with both and it doesn't really matter in which order!

> >

> > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95%

of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that. 

The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to

my gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal. 

I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> >

> > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it

goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last

weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> >

> > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has

been just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they

do the balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they

haven't perforated you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> >

> >

> >

> > Good Luck,

> > Greg

> > Greenwood, IN

> >

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > achalasia

> > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> >

> > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> >

> > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success with

is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it

down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.  Even soft vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering

if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> >

> > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with

my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. 

Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation

for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> >

> > (Australia)

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community

center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups

for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

,

 

Sorry to read that you seem depressed by this, but having experienced similar

feelings, I can't say that I fault you.

 

It appears that for people on this site, unless you were of Maggie and Ray's

" senior " age category, and some rare exceptions (eg. Debbi) having a Heller

Myotomy (HM) is the way to go. Seemingly better to have the HM first.  Should

the HM fail, but you had been getting checked regularly, having a dilatation

done is not really that big a deal and might provide the " mid-life " correction

needed to keep your esophagus intact.

 

(Individual results may and will vary).

 

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

achalasia

Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 8:11 PM

 

Thanks Kim. It is so confusing, some say the HM works when the dilations don't,

and others have dilations when the HM doesn't work! So, I am presuming that most

of will end up with both and it doesn't really matter in which order!

> >

> > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95%

of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that. 

The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to

my gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal. 

I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> >

> > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as it

went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it

goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last

weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> >

> > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has

been just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they

do the balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they

haven't perforated you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> >

> >

> >

> > Good Luck,

> > Greg

> > Greenwood, IN

> >

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > achalasia

> > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> >

> > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> >

> > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success with

is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it

down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.  Even soft vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering

if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> >

> > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with

my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. 

Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation

for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> >

> > (Australia)

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community

center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups

for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

I thought I had one of the best surgeons out there. He told me he only had the

odd failure and in each case there were reasons for it. This is why I don't

understand it!

This is taking it's toll on my 3 teenage boys and husband too. We don't

entertain anymore because of me....no more friends over for BBQ's etc. We were

planning to have a holiday overseas this year, doesn't look like that's going to

happen either. I even sat at home and worked on my PC on New Year's Eve while

my hubby went out without me. I wasn't comfortable going. This is the first

new year we spent apart in the 26 years we have been together. I am now

wondering if this condition is going to tear us apart because I can't have the

same lifestyle that he wants (catching up with friends over dinner and traveling

etc)!

> > >

> > > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told that

95% of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the ramifications of that. 

The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to

my gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked  wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal. 

I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > >

> > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as

it went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and

it goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want.  This last

weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > >

> > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case 30mm has

been just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I understand.  When they

do the balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they

haven't perforated you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Good Luck,

> > > Greg

> > > Greenwood, IN

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > achalasia

> > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > >

> > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > >

> > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little success

with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it

down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.  Even soft vegetables are not going down well.  I am wondering

if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > >

> > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment with

my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask him. 

Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the whole operation

for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > >

> > > (Australia)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ------------------------------------

> > >

> > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community

center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups

for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

Dr. Bessel has done the most myotomies in Australia and is probably the best

surgeon for this type of operation. I am sure he is not going to let you down. 

While I understand your depressed or bitter feelings, please don't write off

your social life or your marriage so fast.

 

This is a process. Some, for whatever reason, do better than others.  Try to be

optimistic that he will find the cause of your problems and be able to make an

" adjustment " (perhaps a dilatation), that will bring you back where you should

be, eating and enjoying life again.

 

I know its hard when you read the success stories. Please keep in mind that

there is another " tier " of patients - those who don't initially have the desired

results, but get there over time with further treatments.

 

Hang in there, with time you will get better. Try to be patient and focus on the

end result, rather than your current state.  Believe me, I know its hard to do,

with every meal serving as a reminder of how you currently feel, but you can and

will do it, and get better!!!

 

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

achalasia

Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 9:36 PM

 

I thought I had one of the best surgeons out there. He told me he only had the

odd failure and in each case there were reasons for it. This is why I don't

understand it!

This is taking it's toll on my 3 teenage boys and husband too. We don't

entertain anymore because of me....no more friends over for BBQ's etc. We were

planning to have a holiday overseas this year, doesn't look like that's going to

happen either. I even sat at home and worked on my PC on New Year's Eve while my

hubby went out without me. I wasn't comfortable going. This is the first new

year we spent apart in the 26 years we have been together. I am now wondering if

this condition is going to tear us apart because I can't have the same lifestyle

that he wants (catching up with friends over dinner and traveling etc)!

> > >

> > > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told

that 95% of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the

esophagus removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the

ramifications of that.  The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation

would help me.  I went back to my gastro doc and was referred to some

doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me. That worked 

wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I have not regurgitated

one tiny bit of food since.

> > >

> > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as

it went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something

and it goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want. 

This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > >

> > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case

30mm has been just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.  When they do the balloon they should do some additional

diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated you.  I understand this

has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Good Luck,

> > > Greg

> > > Greenwood, IN

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > achalasia

> > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > >

> > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > >

> > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little

success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash

it down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so

does omelette.  Even soft vegetables are not going down well.  I

am wondering if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > >

> > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment

with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask

him.  Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the

whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > >

> > > (Australia)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ------------------------------------

> > >

> > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare Groups

community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community

center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups

for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the support here. I and many others would be so lost without

this forum.

It's like we are on a roller coaster....you start climbing but can't quite get

to the top, then slide backwards. It's certainly been a roller coaster of

emotions too....some days I deal with it, and some days I don't!

> > > >

> > > > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon and was told

that 95% of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the

esophagus removal/replacement procedure.  I didn't like the

ramifications of that.  The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation

would help me.  I went back to my gastro doc and was referred to some

doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me. That worked 

wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I have not regurgitated

one tiny bit of food since.

> > > >

> > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as

it went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something

and it goes right down.  I've been able to eat anything I want. 

This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > > >

> > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can do.  In my case

30mm has been just fine, so far.  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.  When they do the balloon they should do some additional

diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated you.  I understand this

has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Good Luck,

> > > > Greg

> > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > achalasia

> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > >

> > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > >

> > > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a little

success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash

it down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread gets stuck and so

does omelette.  Even soft vegetables are not going down well.  I

am wondering if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > > >

> > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up appointment

with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask

him.  Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the

whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > >

> > > > (Australia)

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ------------------------------------

> > > >

> > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at http://healthsharegroups.org.  The

community center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support

groups for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

Sorry to hear that you are still struggling and things with the HM did not go as

expected.  I have read that MANY people need a dilation after surgery for one

reason or another, this may be the ticket for you too.  As for missing out on

life, well I guess I have some room to talk and give advice.  I suffered with A

for about 22yrs, the first 5 years they did dilations which were of course the

WRONG kind for my condition and never really helped.  I literally gave up on

doctors for about 15 years.  I would try and go out with my family and friends

and just order soup, but I know this is no fun at all.  If I were in your shoes

I would ask the doctor about the balloon and see what he thinks in your case. 

 

Being stuck with a rare disorder is hard, not many can relate to us and I sure

get tired of seeing that look of pity when you tell others about it.  Hang in

there and don't give up, there are still obtions and I believe you will swallow

again. 

 

Take care, Julee from Oregon.

 

 

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 8:42 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Thanks for all the support here. I and many others would be so lost without this

forum.

It's like we are on a roller coaster....you start climbing but can't quite get

to the top, then slide backwards. It's certainly been a roller coaster of

emotions too....some days I deal with it, and some days I don't!

> > > >

> > > > I had the same result.  II went back to my surgeon

and was told that 95% of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of

those that wasn't.  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to

talk about the esophagus removal/replacement procedure.  I

didn't like the ramifications of that.  The HM surgeon said I

might see if dilatation would help me.  I went back to my

gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That worked 

wonderfully.  My eating is 98% normal.  I

have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > > >

> > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch, as

it went down.  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of

something and it goes right down.  I've been able to eat

anything I want.  This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday

and again Monday.

> > > >

> > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.  There is a range of size they can

do.  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.  When they do the balloon they should do some

additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated

you.  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Good Luck,

> > > > Greg

> > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > achalasia

> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > >

> > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > >

> > > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.  The only food I have had a

little success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water

to wash it down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.  Bread

gets stuck and so does omelette.  Even soft vegetables are

not going down well.  I am wondering if I am one of the

unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > > >

> > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!  I have a follow up

appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I

need to ask him.  Am wondering where I go from here and

whether I went through the whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole

in my purse!

> > > >

> > > > (Australia)

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ------------------------------------

> > > >

> > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.  The community center brings

together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for sharing of

information and support.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Julee, I think because it's been Christmas and summer here it's been

hard. Summer is normally our busy socializing season, with BBQ's by the pool.

In winter when we hibernate more and are busy running our boys around to soccer

practice and games it won't be quite as difficult.

Not sure how you put up with it for 15 years without intervention!

> > > > >

> > > > > I had the same result.ÃÆ'‚  II went back to my surgeon

and was told that 95% of people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of

those that wasn't.ÃÆ'‚  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to

talk about the esophagus removal/replacement procedure.ÃÆ'‚  I

didn't like the ramifications of that.ÃÆ'‚  The HM surgeon said I

might see if dilatation would help me.ÃÆ'‚  I went back to my

gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon

dilatation on me. That workedÃÆ'‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'‚  My eating is 98% normal.ÃÆ'‚  I

have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > > > >

> > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch,

as it went down.ÃÆ'‚  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink

of something and it goes right down.ÃÆ'‚  I've been able to eat

anything I want.ÃÆ'‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday

and again Monday.

> > > > >

> > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'‚  There is a range of size they can

do.ÃÆ'‚  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.ÃÆ'‚  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.ÃÆ'‚  When they do the balloon they should do some

additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated

you.ÃÆ'‚  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > Greg

> > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > achalasia

> > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > >

> > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > >

> > > > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.ÃÆ'‚  The only food I have had

a little success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of

water to wash it down)....but I was able to do that pre HM.ÃÆ'‚ 

Bread gets stuck and so does omelette.ÃÆ'‚  Even soft vegetables

are not going down well.ÃÆ'‚  I am wondering if I am one of the

unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > > > >

> > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and uncomfortable!ÃÆ'‚  I have a follow up

appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I

need to ask him.ÃÆ'‚  Am wondering where I go from here and

whether I went through the whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole

in my purse!

> > > > >

> > > > > (Australia)

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > >

> > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'‚  The community center brings

together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for sharing of

information and support.

[Guest guest]

Ah, ~~ hurts to watch your hurt and fear. & hearts;

I think perhaps because you were actually only diagnosed not very long ago,

despite dealing with the symptoms for six years, that a lot of the work of

acceptance/coping hasn't been done yet. I also started coping six years ago,

but the pace was very slow, and it was pretty evident to me via reading up on

GERD on the nets, that it *wasn't* acid reflux. So I just slowly adapted to

being able to eat fewer things, regurging more and more, and skipping an awful

lot of social events completely (no Christmas or Thanksgiving these past two

years). But it was uneven: it would be really bad for weeks, and then seemingly

" fine " for months in between. That " fine " didn't include going back to

pre-achalasia, but the clutchy feeling at the throat, the stuck feeling/chest

pain pretty much receded. So I convinced myself that it wasn't all that bad,

heh! Boy was I wrong. But it did give me time to accept, and learn methods of

coping better in private and public. Then last June it took a turn and fast! I

was suddenly losing weight at a VERY rapid rate. All told from onset six years

ago, to the day I was admitted to the cardiac unit, starving from ER, 90 pounds

-- 60 of it from mid June, to the last week in September! I did the math on

those numbers, and from June through September, I was experiencing a calorie

deficit of 1,750 calories daily. I needed 1800 just to maintain my body at

rest. . . . Virtually nothing, say maybe five per cent of what I was eating was

passing through the LES. The other 95% was coming right back up, and into a bag

I kept very close to me. A lined wastebasket next to my bed. If I had to go to

town, I had a spitty cup in the car. I stopped shopping places that had no

public restroom. And yes, I hit the internet and did some serious research.

I'd even seen the Achalasia bird's beak, and *still* decided that WAS NOT what I

had: no, NOT ME. . . . Imagine my embarrassment when I saw, in person, on the

monitor during the swallow, that damned bird's beak. . . .

Once armed with a NAME, I came home, found this place, and started to figure out

what I had to do simply to live long enough to be able to find a treatment that

worked. The tiny dilation (15mm) they did with the endoscopy helped, some, for

maybe four or five days. The GIs were in no hurry, and was very worried that

I'd just up an die before they decided what should/could be done. The only

medication that might have helped, I was badly allergic to. The other,

nitrates, they didn't want to try, for some reason. It took them 6 weeks to

order a manometry! And then really only because I insisted. And then the tech,

who was *very* good, couldn't get the probe into the LES because it was too

tight. The head of that probe is maybe 6mm, and was too big to go down.

Clearly nothing solid was going to go down, period.

After the endo " dilation " didn't work, I got out my crock pot, and my blender,

and learned to cook thin gruel. . . . trying to keep it as nutrient rich and

high calorie as possible. Skipped the Ensure/Boost route, as I am totally

unconvinced that a sugar water/rancid oil emulsion with a bit of soy and a

vitamin will do anything but kill you, albeit slowly. . . . Eating became my

ONLY job as I worked my way through whatever the hell the docs were doing.

Started reading the back info at this site, bless it! And explored tube feeding

sites associated with other groups of peeps who can't swallow well, or at all:

head/neck cancer survivors, ALS patients, and one guy in OZ who has scleroderma.

*THIS* was an eye opener as to just how tough eating CAN be. . . . Epidermolysis

Bullosa: http://www.ebpatient.com/howtopuree.html Sometimes it helps to realize

that I'm not as bad as it gets; other times it doesn't matter. . . . *I* just

want to be better! Period. I managed to maintain my weight, for the most part,

between the ER experience and the Heller between 125 and 130. I was still

regurging most of what I ate, but then I was eating more! Much more, as my

grocery bill would attest, lol! Talk about throwing money away!

Now I'm two weeks and two days post Heller, and just had two VERY uncomfortable

days. And a lot of regurging. Am I worried? You betcha! BIG TIME. Thinking

it just might be related to being off of pain meds (which have to relax a lot of

muscles. . . .), I took some this morning, and will see. A good friend who had

an operation for colo-rectal cancer three years ago reminded me, that even

though our ends are opposite as far as site goes, that recovery takes a LONG

time for the body to figure out what to do with the new configuration.

And yeppers, the Heller has some failures. But even those can be and have been

dealt with. Also: I loved and lived with a man who was a colo-rectal cancer

(Stage IV) survivor who lived with a very cranky colostomy bag. I *know* up

close and personal that things can be very much worse than I have it. Very.

That said: take your time, take deep breaths, and know that you have a loving

and sympathetic and *knowledgeable* group here, all of us wishing you the best,

keeping you on our prayer lists and sending you the best of all possible vibes.

.. . .

xox, in the Wilds of West Virginia

PS: I think the order of the balloon dilation/Heller *does* make a difference --

the dilations can cause damage that makes it much harder for the surgeon to do a

good job. The reverse doesn't seem to be true. Thankfully, as I may be headed

down that path. . . .

>

> Thanks Julee, I think because it's been Christmas and summer here it's been

hard. Summer is normally our busy socializing season, with BBQ's by the pool.

In winter when we hibernate more and are busy running our boys around to soccer

practice and games it won't be quite as difficult.

> Not sure how you put up with it for 15 years without intervention!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Gosh , I hope your HM has a better result than mine. I guess you are only

2 weeks out which is early days, but regurging can't be good.

Yes, everything for me happened very quickly and the first time I even heard the

A word was on August 31 2011. That was a day I will always remember as that was

the day my life changed forever.

I think the thing that worries me is that there are no guarantees with any of

treatments on if or how long they will work.

> >

> > Thanks Julee, I think because it's been Christmas and summer here it's been

hard. Summer is normally our busy socializing season, with BBQ's by the pool.

In winter when we hibernate more and are busy running our boys around to soccer

practice and games it won't be quite as difficult.

> > Not sure how you put up with it for 15 years without intervention!

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yup. No dang guarantees. But then there never are any, really, for all we act

like there are, grin. We marry in the face of terrible odds, believing that

*our* love will make it. . . . And miracle of miracles, it often does. We have

children, and hope and pray they'll be fine at birth, and mostly they are. We

build houses and pour our hearts into making them homes, praying all the while

that hurricanes, typhoons and earthquakes will pass us by, and they do for the

most part. Living seems to be more of an art than a science. . . .

But for the fact-loving: Notan dug these up a while ago, and says it so well,

I'll let him speak for himself:

achalasia/message/59703

Needless to say if the odds on a lottery were anywhere as near as good, I'd be

taking out second mortgage on my farm to buy tickets!

And here's a scrap of poetry that always works as HeartsEase for me:

" Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged. Missing me one place, search

another. I stop somewhere waiting for you. "

& #8213; Walt Whitman

xox

, West Virginia!

>

>

> Gosh , I hope your HM has a better result than mine. I guess you are

only 2 weeks out which is early days, but regurging can't be good.

> Yes, everything for me happened very quickly and the first time I even heard

the A word was on August 31 2011. That was a day I will always remember as that

was the day my life changed forever.

> I think the thing that worries me is that there are no guarantees with any of

treatments on if or how long they will work.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh , I'm so sorry to hear how this is affecting your social life. That's

just another facet of this that's horrible - feeling so isolated at times. Like

 you, I've stayed home rather than risk going out in public. I'm not married,

my friends know just enough to understand why I may leave the table abruptly and

eat so little. Just started seeing a very special guy and don't want to lay all

this on him, so have given him also just enough to understand why I don't eat

much. I'm just hoping I can keep it together until I can get the surgery. 

I hope things ease up for you - some of us just take longer to heal. Maybe you

still have some inflammation that needs to settle down. If you can find some

Neptune Krill oil, it's great for inflammation - and nutritious. I can get some

info on this for you if you like.

Keep us posted on how you're doing.

Kim

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 1:32 AM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Thanks Julee, I think because it's been Christmas and summer here it's been

hard. Summer is normally our busy socializing season, with BBQ's by the pool.

In winter when we hibernate more and are busy running our boys around to soccer

practice and games it won't be quite as difficult.

Not sure how you put up with it for 15 years without intervention!

> > > > >

> > > > > I had the same result.ÃÆ'‚  II

went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of people are helped with a HM, 5%

aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'‚  He refereed me to yet another

surgeon to talk about the esophagus removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'‚  I didn't like the

ramifications of that.ÃÆ'‚  The HM surgeon

said I might see if dilatation would help

me.ÃÆ'‚  I went back to my gastro doc and

was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me.

That workedÃÆ'‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'‚  I have not regurgitated one

tiny bit of food since.

> > > > >

> > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight catch,

as it went down.ÃÆ'‚  If I just stop a

second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes right

down.ÃÆ'‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a

steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > > > >

> > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'‚  There is a range of size

they can do.ÃÆ'‚  In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far.ÃÆ'‚  They can go up to

40mm. I understand.ÃÆ'‚  When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you.ÃÆ'‚  I understand this has

occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > Greg

> > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > achalasia

> > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > >

> > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > >

> > > > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.ÃÆ'‚ 

The only food I have had a little success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly

with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but I was able to do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'‚  Even soft vegetables are not

going down well.ÃÆ'‚  I am wondering if I

am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > > > >

> > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days my

stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'‚  I have a follow up

appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I

need to ask him.ÃÆ'‚  Am wondering where I

go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > >

> > > > > (Australia)

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > >

> > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'‚  The

community center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support

groups for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

My doc said all inflammation is gone by 8 weeks and everything is how it should

be.

Never heard of that oil Kim.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I had the same result.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  II

went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of people are helped with a HM, 5%

aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  He refereed me to yet another

surgeon to talk about the esophagus removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I didn't like the

ramifications of that.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  The HM surgeon

said I might see if dilatation would help

me.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I went back to my gastro doc and

was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me.

That workedÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I have not regurgitated one

tiny bit of food since.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight

catch, as it went down.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  If I just stop

a second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes right

down.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a

steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  There is a range of size

they can do.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  In my case 30mm has been

just fine, so far.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  They can go up to

40mm. I understand.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  When they do the

balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't

perforated you.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I understand this has

occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > > Greg

> > > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > > achalasia

> > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I am now 8 weeks post HM.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ 

The only food I have had a little success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly

with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but I was able to do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  Even soft vegetables are not

going down well.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I am wondering if I

am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days

my stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I have a follow up

appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I

need to ask him.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  Am wondering where I

go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > (Australia)

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > >

> > > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  The

community center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support

groups for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

I am totally freaking out now, I have stains on my pillow after sleeping. Never

had this before my HM!!!! I don't eat for 3 to 4 hours before going to bed, and

I sleep up on 3 pillows every night. This is turning into my worst nightmare.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I had the same result.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ 

II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of people are helped with a HM,

5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  He refereed me to yet another

surgeon to talk about the esophagus removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I didn't like the

ramifications of that.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  The HM surgeon

said I might see if dilatation would help

me.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I went back to my gastro doc and

was referred to some doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me.

That workedÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I have not regurgitated one

tiny bit of food since.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight

catch, as it went down.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  If I just stop

a second, maybe take a drink of something and it goes right

down.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a

steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a

balloon dilatation.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  There is a range

of size they can do.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  In my case 30mm

has been just fine, so far.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  They can

go up to 40mm. I understand.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  When they

do the balloon they should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they

haven't perforated you.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I understand

this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > > > Greg

> > > > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > > > achalasia

> > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I am now 8 weeks post

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  The only food I have had a little

success with is pizza ( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash

it down)....but I was able to do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  Even soft vegetables are not

going down well.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I am wondering if I

am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a failure!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days

my stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  I have a follow up

appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I

need to ask him.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  Am wondering where I

go from here and whether I went through the whole operation for

nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > (Australia)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  The

community center brings together members from over 1200 disease specific support

groups for sharing of information and support.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

There is a reason for everything. Please don't " freak out " about this and let

the surgeon do his job to figure it all out. I'm sure he will be able to tell

you why its happening, what there is to about it, and then for you to get it

done. Nobody should live the way you are.

 

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Friday, January 13, 2012 9:53 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

I am totally freaking out now, I have stains on my pillow after sleeping. Never

had this before my HM!!!! I don't eat for 3 to 4 hours before going to bed, and

I sleep up on 3 pillows every night. This is turning into my worst nightmare.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I had the same

result.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ\

€šÃ‚  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of people are

helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ\

€šÃ‚  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ÃÆ\

’‚  I didn't like the ramifications of

that.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help

me.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I went back to my gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the

practice who did a balloon dilatation on me. That

workedÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãââ\

‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ã\

ƒÆ’‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ\

€šÃ‚  I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight

catch, as it went

down.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it

goes right

down.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a

balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ã\

ƒâ€šÃ‚  There is a range of size they can

do.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€\

šÃ‚  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ã\

ƒâ€šÃ‚  When they do the balloon they should do some additional

diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated

you.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€\

šÃ‚  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > > > Greg

> > > > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > > > achalasia

> > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > I am now 8 weeks post

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The only food I have had a little success with is pizza ( 1 1/2

pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but I was able to

do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ã\

‚  Even soft vegetables are not going down

well.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a

failure!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few days

my stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€ÅÂ\

¡ÃƒÆ’‚  I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel

next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask

him.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚Ãâ€\

šÃ‚  Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the

whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > (Australia)

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the HealthShare

Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ\

'‚  The community center brings together

members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for sharing of

information and support.

[Guest guest]

But that's why I went through all the pain of the HM with what I thought was one

of the best surgeons out there. I thought my doctor visit next week was going

to be a routine check, now I fear it's going to lead to more tests, more

procedures, more stree and more expense! The now knowing is a real killer!!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > I had the same

result.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â\

€šÃ‚  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of people are

helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â\

€šÃ‚  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about the esophagus

removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ\

'‚  I didn't like the ramifications of

that.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would help

me.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I went back to my gastro doc and was referred to some doctors in the

practice who did a balloon dilatation on me. That

>

workedÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ\

‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚Ã\

ƒÆ'‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â\

€šÃ‚  I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight

catch, as it went

down.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of something and it

goes right

down.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again Monday.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a

balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚Ã\

Æ'‚  There is a range of size they can

do.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€\

šÃ‚  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚Ã\

Æ'‚  When they do the balloon they should do some additional

diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated

you.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€\

šÃ‚  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the cases.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > > > > Greg

> > > > > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > > > > achalasia

> > > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > I am now 8 weeks post

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The only food I have had a little success with is pizza ( 1 1/2

pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but I was able to

do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Å\

¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'\

‚  Even soft vegetables are not going down

well.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has had a

failure!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few

days my stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€ÅÂ\

¡ÃƒÆ'‚  I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon Dr Bessel

next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask

him.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€\

šÃ‚  Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went through the

whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > (Australia)

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the

HealthShare Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ\

'‚ÃÆ'‚  The community center brings together

members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for sharing of

information and support.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

I know exactly what you are saying and I don't take it lightly.  Most of us

have been depressed for various reasons; some for the same reason as you.

 

While I have not been here as long as some people, I have read every story

posted here for the last 6 years. What you lack at this moment is " advanced

hindsight. " While not all endings are happy ones, most are. However, in some

cases it has taken much longer for those successful results to have been

achieved. For example, my dear friend, Isabella, after going thru an

emotionally painful period of having to decide whether or not to have an

esophagectomy, finally decided to have one, only find out that her eating had

actually worsened! How depressing is that? In her case scar tissue continued to

generate and block the passageway of food. Everytime it was removed, it managed

to return. Isabella braved it for many months (at least a year), and eventually

she won her battle. She eats fine now.

 

While your situation is the one that matters most to you. please know that the

chances are stronly in your favor that whatever is causing you all the

difficulties you have described, will in time go away. Hopefully, you need just

a dilatation to make it happen.

 

Someday you will look back at this period as a fading memory as your eating

will improve. But, at this moment, you are living it day to day and meal to meal

and suffering. You will get beyond this; I promise you.

 

 

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Friday, January 13, 2012 11:12 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

But that's why I went through all the pain of the HM with what I thought was one

of the best surgeons out there. I thought my doctor visit next week was going to

be a routine check, now I fear it's going to lead to more tests, more

procedures, more stree and more expense! The now knowing is a real killer!!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > I had the same

result.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬\

Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'âââ€\

šÂ¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬\

Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'âââ€\

šÂ¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about

the esophagus removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚ÂÃ\

‚¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'âÃ\

¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I didn't like the ramifications of

that.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

ƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would

help

me.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Ã\

…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I went back to my gastro doc and was referred to some

doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me. That

>

workedÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

ƒÆ’…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚Ãâ€\

šÃ‚¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ÃÂ\

¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬\

Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'âââ€\

šÂ¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight

catch, as it went

down.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

ƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of

something and it goes right

down.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

ƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

ƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again

Monday.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a

balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â\

€šÃ‚  There is a range of size they can

do.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Ã\

…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬ÃÆ\

’…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€\

šÃ‚  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â\

€šÃ‚  When they do the balloon they

should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated

you.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬ÃÆ\

’…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€\

šÃ‚  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > > > > Greg

> > > > > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > > > > achalasia

> > > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or not?

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > I am now 8 weeks post

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Ã\

…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  The only food I have had a little success with is pizza

( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but I was

able to do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€Ã\

…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚ÂÂ\

¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ\

‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Even soft vegetables are not going down

well.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

ƒâ€¦Ã‚¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has

had a failure!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few

days my stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚Ã\

‚¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'Ã\

ƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  I have a follow up appointment with my

surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask

him.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬ÃÆ\

’…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'â€\

šÃ‚  Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went

through the whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > (Australia)

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the

HealthShare Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢âÃ\

¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'‚  The community center brings

together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for sharing of

information and support.

[Guest guest]

Thanks . My emotions are all over the place right now. I find that with

every little setback I get more depressed and wonder how life is going to change

from day to day, week to week then year to year. I will be going along ok until

I get that little setback, then the emotions take hold. I am sure I am not the

only one who has gone through this, and I won't be the last.

I find the hardest thing is cooking for my family, then having to make something

soft for me. I have lost all interest in cooking for my family, and this upsets

me.

My doctor's appointment is on Tuesday and that day can't come around quick

enough for me!

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > I had the same

result.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬\

ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'âââ€\

šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  II went back to my surgeon and was told that 95% of

people are helped with a HM, 5% aren't and I was one of those that

wasn't.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬\

ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'âââ€\

šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  He refereed me to yet another surgeon to talk about

the esophagus removal/replacement

procedure.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂÃ\

‚¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'âÃ\

¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  I didn't like the ramifications of

>

that.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬Ã\

Æ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  The HM surgeon said I might see if dilatation would

help

me.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ'\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'‚  I went back to my gastro doc and was referred to some

doctors in the practice who did a balloon dilatation on me. That

> >

workedÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬Ã\

ƒÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ‚\

¬Å¡ÃÆ'‚ 

wonderfully.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÃâ€\

šÃ‚¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ÃÂ\

¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  My eating is 98%

normal.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬\

ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'âââ€\

šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  I have not regurgitated one tiny bit of food since.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > About 3 times, in the last 6 weeks, I've had food get a slight

catch, as it went

down.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬Ã\

Æ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  If I just stop a second, maybe take a drink of

something and it goes right

down.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬Ã\

Æ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  I've been able to eat anything I

want.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬Ã\

Æ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  This last weekend I enjoyed a steak Sunday and again

Monday.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > So I would recommend you talk to your gastro doctor about a

balloon

dilatation.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ\

¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â\

€šÃÆ'‚  There is a range of size they can

do.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ'\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'‚  In my case 30mm has been just fine, so

far.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ\

'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€\

Å¡ÃÆ'‚  They can go up to 40mm. I

understand.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ\

¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â\

€šÃÆ'‚  When they do the balloon they

> should do some additional diagnostics to make sure they haven't perforated

you.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ\

'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€\

Å¡ÃÆ'‚  I understand this has occurred in about 1% of the

cases.

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Good Luck,

> > > > > > > > > Greg

> > > > > > > > > Greenwood, IN

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > > > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > > > > > > achalasia

> > > > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 3:52 AM

> > > > > > > > > Subject: HM - Success or failure?

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > Just wondering how a HM is measured in terms of success or

not?

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > I am now 8 weeks post

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ'\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'‚  The only food I have had a little success with is pizza

( 1 1/2 pieces slowly with 2 full glasses of water to wash it down)....but I was

able to do that pre

HM.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ'\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'‚  Bread gets stuck and so does

omelette.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂÂ\

¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ\

‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'‚  Even soft vegetables are not going down

>

well.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬Ã\

Æ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'ââ‚Â\

¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  I am wondering if I am one of the unlucky 10% who has

had a failure!

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > My eating is pretty much the same as pre HM, and the last few

days my stomach has felt sore and

uncomfortable!ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÃ\

‚¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'Ã\

ƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÆ'‚  I have a follow up appointment with my

surgeon Dr Bessel next week, and wonder what questions I need to ask

him.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢â€šÂ¬ÃÆ\

'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Å¡ÃÆ'Æ'â€\

Å¡ÃÆ'‚  Am wondering where I go from here and whether I went

through the whole operation for nothing....except for a big hole in my purse!

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > (Australia)

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------

> > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > As a member of this group, you are invited to join the

HealthShare Groups community center located at

http://healthsharegroups.org.ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'†'ÃÆ'Æ'¢ÃÆ'¢Ã\

¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚¬ÃÆ'…¡ÃÆ'Æ'Æ'ÃÆ'¢â‚¬Ã\

…¡ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚  The community center brings

together members from over 1200 disease specific support groups for sharing of

information and support.