Re: HM - Success or failure?

[Guest guest]

Kim no dilations yet, just the HM 9 weeks ago and would have say that my

swallowing is worse since the HM!

> >

> > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for omelettes, I

have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables, unless they are

cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my stomach aches

are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is frustrating and

stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what you said -how is

success measured??

> > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top of

the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only New

Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> >  

> > Kim A

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > achalasia

> > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 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)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I just made something I used to make years ago and forgot about it, but it's the

only way I can eat bread. You talking about croutons reminded me of it.

Freeze a French stick then slice into rounds 1/4 inch thick. Mix French onion

dry soup mix into butter then spread onto bread. Place slices into mod oven

about 8 to 10 minutes. They dry out just like croutons but have a little

flavour on them. I need lots of water to wash them down, but it's nice having

some bread. These would be great dipped in soup.

> > > > >

> > > > > 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]

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 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]

Yes it is true about the lettuce being a problem to swallow. Even now after my

ectomy i find that i still can only swallow some things. I still cannot eat

bread unless it is toasted or meat unless it is blended with gravy or lettuce.

In fact anything with stringy fibre can cause problems even grape skin!

from the UK

________________________________

From: milwaukeemommy <milwaukeemommy@...>

achalasia

Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2012 2:32 AM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Is lettuce tough for most people with A? Just curious, my husband used to eat

salads all the time, but over the holiday when I offered him one he say no way

can he eat lettuce any more.

in WI ~husband diagnosed with A in 7/08

> > > > >

> > > > > 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]

I loved salads prior to HM. Now I never eat one, hurt me too much. I went to a

restaurant lately and a salad came with the meal. I ordered a Caesar Salad

without lettuce. Boy, the croutons (toasted bread works good) with cheese and

salad dressing was good. It is what we can eat....so I go for it.

BC

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 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]

Salads were hard for me for a year or two after the surgery, but now I am a

regular rabbit!!!

in Santa Barbara

In a message dated 1/19/2012 5:01:14 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

bagwoman52@... writes:

I loved salads prior to HM. Now I never eat one, hurt me too much. I went

to a restaurant lately and a salad came with the meal. I ordered a Caesar

Salad without lettuce. Boy, the croutons (toasted bread works good) with

cheese and salad dressing was good. It is what we can eat....so I go for it.

BC

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 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]

, that's good to know! For now, I'm eating the same kind of " salad " I made

before the Heller: Pelletized lettuce, onions, olives, smashed avocados,

mayonnaise dressing with a side of crushed tomatoes. The pelletizing is the

secret; if you just blenderize it, you get mush/slime. If you put about two

cups of water in, then about half the whole lettuce, torn in chunks, pulse

several times, you get something resembling lettuce " crystals " -- then drain

through a strainer, and store. Same for olives and onions and anything else you

like in your salad. At making time spoon out portions, add a dab of mayonnaise

and your favorite seasoned salt, and wonderful. At least in the world of the

ultra " soft " diet. Could eat these at the very worst of the Achalasia,

pre-surgery, when only about 5% of anything was staying down. The change of

texture and mouth feel was nearly as satisfying as the taste.

BON APPETIT everyone!

> >

> > Yes it is true about the lettuce being a problem to swallow. Even now

> after my ectomy i find that i still can only swallow some things. I still

> cannot eat bread unless it is toasted or meat unless it is blended with gravy

> or lettuce. In fact anything with stringy fibre can cause problems even

> grape skin!

> > from the UK

[Guest guest]

julie, i just love reading your posts you are so cheerful! you surely spread joy

everywhere you go! 

i had birds beak also, saw it with my own two green eyes! thought o no! i knew

what it was too.

about the salad, i was a salad eater big time till my symptoms wouldnt let me

eat it, or anything else i must say. lost 70 pounds very fast and had nothing

else to loose..i could not even drink water. i was getting two bags (HUGE bags)

of iv  fluid with potassium at least once a week. i had my myotomy sept 2012.. i

am eating salad now and it is working. i have gained 20 pounds back and want to

loose ten of that (DH doesnt want me to though) but i am feeling really good. i

do have some spasms.. not as bad as prior to the surgery.. and after i

completely healed i got better. i can drink my COFFEE!! yay! i drink carbonated

diet stuff-pepsi , coke, etc. works , doesnt hurt.i have eaten rare steak,, but

i cant/dont eat much of it and chew it well and chase with liquid. breads still

dont work and HURT.. but i shouldnt be eating bread anyhow, so i let it go. " if

it dont fit, dont force it " has become my motto... lol... scrambled eggs do not

work for me. at

all. only thing is sometimes i feel like i want to throw up and hardly nothing

will come out. that is aggravating. since the surgery that is.. guess i threw up

enough before.. Kim .. in the deep south..

[Guest guest]

,

I love your solution to eat a salad pelletized....I will try that. I really miss

my salads!!

This group is so great to share remedy's!!

Thanks.

BC

> > >

> > > Yes it is true about the lettuce being a problem to swallow. Even now

> > after my ectomy i find that i still can only swallow some things. I still

> > cannot eat bread unless it is toasted or meat unless it is blended with

gravy

> > or lettuce. In fact anything with stringy fibre can cause problems even

> > grape skin!

> > > from the UK

>

[Guest guest]

I'm with you here - salad without lettuce and sandwich without bread!  I get

very odd looks also!

Kim

________________________________

From: Blondie <bagwoman52@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:24 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

I agree, we are reminded of our A with every meal, from the time our feet hit

the floor until we go to bed that night. When we go out to eat we look at the

menu and don't think " what do I want " but rather, " what do I think I can eat? " I

used to love salad, but now relate lettuce to pain, hurts too bad to eat, can't

digest. I went to dinner around the holidays with friends. I ordered an entree

that would slip down (as always taking most home) and since it came with a salad

I ordered a Caesar Salad without the lettuce, the looks on my friends faces were

" priceless. " I can eat croutons (toasted bread) and I love them with salad

dressing......we change our diets to accommodate our rare adventure with " A. " I

wonder how many requests restaurants have for a salad with NO lettuce???? Oh

well, it worked for me!!

BC

> > > >

> > > > 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]

Lettuce seems to " stick " ...doesn't go down and causes lots of problems for me.

Same thing with spinach, or anything leafy. 

Kim

________________________________

From: milwaukeemommy <milwaukeemommy@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:32 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Is lettuce tough for most people with A? Just curious, my husband used to eat

salads all the time, but over the holiday when I offered him one he say no way

can he eat lettuce any more.

in WI ~husband diagnosed with A in 7/08

> > > > >

> > > > > 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]

I have a hard time eating salad as well! Spinach goes down for me though

From: Leda Mae <leda444@...>

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

" achalasia " <achalasia >

Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012, 10:28 PM

 

Lettuce seems to " stick " ...doesn't go down and causes lots of problems for me.

Same thing with spinach, or anything leafy. 

Kim

________________________________

From: milwaukeemommy <milwaukeemommy@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 9:32 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Is lettuce tough for most people with A? Just curious, my husband used to eat

salads all the time, but over the holiday when I offered him one he say no way

can he eat lettuce any more.

in WI ~husband diagnosed with A in 7/08

> > > > >

> > > > > 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]

I'm with you here - salad without lettuce and sandwich without bread! I get

very odd looks also!

Kim ~~ Too funny! Years ago, I realized I was (and am) basically allergic to

carbohydrates, and became an Atkins girl. I've been asking for bacon

cheeseburgers without a bun in restaurants for more than thirty years, lol!

Before that, I realized I'm not really a drinker (I did and do still

occasionally, but somehow would rather spend my calories elsewhere unless I

*want* to get drunk, and never needed to more than once or twice a year), so

used to get a cup of coffee from the kitchen just to have something in my hand

at a cocktail party (otherwise helperbees bug you to death with, " Can I get you

something? " -- Prolly, a glass of ginger ale would have worked as well). Guess

what I'm saying is that for most of my adult life I've been ready, willing and

able to walk my own path foodwise and accept that it made me " odd. " Perhaps the

difference is that *that* was my choice; the food " rationing " with Achalasia is

not, and I find myself getting pretty pissy at times about the additional

changes I've had to make because of it.

Irony, is that these past six months in trying to adjust to it, the lo-carb way

of life I adapted to so many years ago, and so well (I can make low carb

waffles!) has fallen through that giant hole of starvation avoidance! Virtually

everything I CAN eat now is close to total carb! And it shows (thank goodness,

for the time being), in the four weeks since the Heller, I've gained five

pounds! I need to stop now. Now! I didn't ask for the weight loss, but it has

been very good for my walking, breathing, hip and knee joints, and I'd HATE to

lose that. So last night, was trying to figure out how to get back to low carb.

.. . . I can pretty much keep my odd little salads, because there's not much carb

in lettuce. But a good many things that were/are staples, I'm currently unable

to eat -- bacon cheeseburgers (with or without buns), roast beef, steak, roast

pork, pork chops, tuna fish, kippered herring, I can't have, while what I CAN

eat: potatoes, sweet potatoes, crackers of any kind, toast, ice cream are death

to a low carb life. (Well not exactly true, I've learned how to make low carb

crackers, biscuits, and a kind of flat bread)(but no more store boughten ones.)

I feel like one of those lab rats that has to learn a new maze to run perfectly

to get fed. ACK!!

Food habits tend to be pretty rigid for the human race: most of our foreign food

restaurants in this country were started by immigrants who needed food to taste

*right* to them, and were intended to provide a place to eat for other

immigrants. We're a bit luckier: we've adopted a lot of " foreign " cuisine as our

own (at least on occasion: Chinese, Sushi, Italian, Mexican, Greek, Middle

Eastern, even African. I guess I'll have to thank my mother, may she rest

peacefully, for pushing us to try new things. We certainly ate from a much

broader spectrum of food and food styles than anyone I knew when I was growing

up in the forties and fifties in the Inter-Mountain West. And no fussing

tolerated: with nine kids, no special orders available. Artichokes and

avocados, mung bean thread, Cuttlefish, tongue, calf brains. . . . regular

little gourmands we were, grin. But all in all it prolly makes it easier for me

to adapt my eating habits than most.

I recall reading a few years back that a mid-Western/Heartland nursing home, in

an effort to provide healthier food for its residents hired a really good chef.

.. . . And the residents went on strike!! They WANTED meatloaf and mashed

potatoes with greasy gravy and mac and cheese, and grilled cheese sammiches, the

hell with pâté de foie gras, and beef stroganoff!

Live long and prosper kiddles!

in the Wilds of Wonderful West Virginia!

Well, didn't mean for it to get *that* long, lol!

[Guest guest]

>

> ,

> I love your solution to eat a salad pelletized....I will try that. I really

miss my salads!!

> This group is so great to share remedy's!!

> Thanks.

> BC

Nice new surprise -- my neighbor did my last grocery run for me, and I'd just

said a head of lettuce, NOT ICEBERG (which turns to slime in a blender, period

AND tastes like nothing) got me a head of Romaine. Which I've never liked

because it was so bitter. Turns out that pelletized, it's simply a bit garlicy,

peppery. And works very well in a salad! So had a Romaine/ham salad last night,

added a bit of horseradish, and it was *excellent*! Live. Learn.

[Guest guest]

As usual way behing on my emails but I sure hope you get some relief from this

real soon. I know it sucks when you read of all the people who have little or no

issues with eating and they can have steak when you may be having trouble with

yogurt or soup. But I am sure someday soon enough you will have relief . My

diet is very similar to yours but add in soup, salad ( my radiologist said I am

the first A patient he has ever met that hads somewhat vigorour A and does

better with raw veggies instead of cooked - but have troubles with raw fruit -go

figure!!!!! ) cream of wheat and mashed potatoes. If I keep my diet bland I

generally feel better - or at least my stomach does.

But I am sure someday soon enough you will have relief and be on a normal diet.

I guess it is just finding the right mix - myotomy/dilation or dilation/myotomy,

etc........... 

Just keep telling yourself this too shall pass and before you know it - you will

be eating that steak too!!!

 

Keep me posted.......... I can definitely tell from your emails this has a hold

on you like it does me!!!

 

Kim A

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 4:22 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Wanting a cheeseburger is normal!

My diet consists of hot sloppy weetbix, yogurt, custard, fruit, very soft

veggies in cheese sauce, cheese and ritz crackers, scrambled eggs, occasionally

a little pasta, chocolate and Sustagen (like Ensure). It's a boring diet having

the same things every day. I can't even have everything I mentioned everyday, I

can only eat in such small quantities.

Every morning when I wake up A is staring me in the face. Every time I eat I am

reminded of it. My brother said the me the other day he prefers the Chrohns

disease that he has rather than what I have. I think he is right! I bet he isn't

reminded of his condition many times a day, every day!! I think that's the worst

part, it's literally in our face constantly day and night!!!

> > >

> > > 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]

Kim I eat soup too, but it's summer here and stinking hot so I don't really feel

like soup right now.

Trying to eat anything now compared to 2 weeks ago or before my HM is much

harder. So something has changed and not for the better.

I just had my barium swallow and that showed a tiny bit was getting through, but

basically the esophagus wasn't opening. I thought after having the HM that it

was supposed to be open all the time! Have to wait another week before I go

back to my doctor/surgeon.

We all love to wait don't we? It seems like that's all I have been doing the

last 6 months, wait for the next doctor appointment or test!

(Australia)

> > > >

> > > > 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]

Yep - you are right about that. But I am the rarity that raw veggies/salad is

not too troublesome for me. So I eat a lot of soup and salad or my new thing is

going online to check out the menu to see if they have something other than soup

and salad that are appetizing. Tonight I am goign to attempt turkey pot pie. The

crust with the sauce should be okay - hopefully the rest will work it's way

down!

________________________________

From: Blondie <bagwoman52@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 8:24 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

I agree, we are reminded of our A with every meal, from the time our feet hit

the floor until we go to bed that night. When we go out to eat we look at the

menu and don't think " what do I want " but rather, " what do I think I can eat? " I

used to love salad, but now relate lettuce to pain, hurts too bad to eat, can't

digest. I went to dinner around the holidays with friends. I ordered an entree

that would slip down (as always taking most home) and since it came with a salad

I ordered a Caesar Salad without the lettuce, the looks on my friends faces were

" priceless. " I can eat croutons (toasted bread) and I love them with salad

dressing......we change our diets to accommodate our rare adventure with " A. " I

wonder how many requests restaurants have for a salad with NO lettuce???? Oh

well, it worked for me!!

BC

> > > >

> > > > 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]

I am really surprised they did that before trying  dilation!!!

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 10:07 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Kim no dilations yet, just the HM 9 weeks ago and would have say that my

swallowing is worse since the HM!

> >

> > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for omelettes, I

have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables, unless they are

cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my stomach aches

are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is frustrating and

stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what you said -how is

success measured??

> > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top of

the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only New

Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> >  

> > Kim A

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > achalasia

> > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 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)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I think HM is supposed to be the best long term treatment (although costly). I

feel like I just threw 100's of $$$ out the window for nothing! Dilation wasn't

even discussed.....but it is now!

(Australia)

> > >

> > > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for omelettes,

I have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables, unless they

are cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my stomach

aches are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is frustrating and

stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what you said -how is

success measured??

> > > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top of

the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only New

Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> > >  

> > > Kim A

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > achalasia

> > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 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)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

,

I was there - my last dilation saved me! Although not perfect, still better.

Gained 7 lbs back!

I really had to modify my diet to try and get healthy again>

You are so close.....

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 5:38 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Kim I eat soup too, but it's summer here and stinking hot so I don't really feel

like soup right now.

Trying to eat anything now compared to 2 weeks ago or before my HM is much

harder. So something has changed and not for the better.

I just had my barium swallow and that showed a tiny bit was getting through, but

basically the esophagus wasn't opening. I thought after having the HM that it

was supposed to be open all the time! Have to wait another week before I go

back to my doctor/surgeon.

We all love to wait don't we? It seems like that's all I have been doing the

last 6 months, wait for the next doctor appointment or test!

(Australia)

> > > >

> > > > 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]

Of course my HM is going to fail if the cut isn't made long enough!!!

I thought only inexperienced surgeons did this!

Why would a very experienced surgeon get this wrong??? I am lost for words

right now.

I just want to scream now and let out all my frustration!!!!

Now I wait 2 weeks for a video manometry, another week to go back to my

surgeon...then possibly more surgery to get it right the second time! I will be

refusing to pay to have it done again so soon!

> > > > >

> > > > > 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]

Boy if your's was only 100's you got lucky!! My treatment last year after

deductible and my share was thousands!!! I am still making payments and like

everyone else was hopeful it would have been better!

 

I jsut went to the doctor on Monday because I had a fever and sore throat,

everyone in the office seemed to have it. But I have a viral infection that is

ulcerated. He said the whole back of my throat was covered in this virus and

that when I said AAHHHH over and over again my pharynx never moved, and this was

strange to him. My GP wants me to go back again in 2 weeks to make sure it is

gone and go over my medical history for the past two years to see if I might

have an immune disorder of some sort.

This virus is in the herpes family but it is not that kind. It is like the cold

sore kind, which I have never even had. He told me to swish 500 mg of

Tetracycline in my mouth 3 xs a day to get rid of it.

 

Has anyone ever had anything like this? It sure is making it harder for me to

swallow than usual. I have found some information on the supposed correlation

between infections ( like mine ) and possible autoimmune disorders being a

primary or secondary issue for Achalasia. I am wondering if anyone in this group

has actually had these types of problems before or after diagnosis of A.

 

Any advice is appreciated.

 

Thanks

Kim A

________________________________

From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 7:29 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

I think HM is supposed to be the best long term treatment (although costly). I

feel like I just threw 100's of $$$ out the window for nothing! Dilation wasn't

even discussed.....but it is now!

(Australia)

> > >

> > > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for omelettes,

I have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables, unless they

are cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my stomach

aches are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is frustrating and

stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what you said -how is

success measured??

> > > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top of

the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only New

Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> > >  

> > > Kim A

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > achalasia

> > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 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)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Funny that you should mention a sore throat! I have had one for the last 4 days

but I think it's because I ate a crouton like piece of bread and didn't crunch

it down enough. It may have scratched it. The doc said it's normal and it

should go away in a few days.

> > > >

> > > > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for

omelettes, I have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables,

unless they are cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my

stomach aches are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is

frustrating and stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what

you said -how is success measured??

> > > > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top

of the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only

New Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > > > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> > > > ÃÆ'‚ 

> > > > Kim A

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > achalasia

> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 AM

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

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ÃÆ'‚ 

> > > > 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]

That sounds verrry uncomfortable - haven't heard of that from a virus. Did he

test you for strep? The ulcerations would make me think more strep - or staph -

but I suppose he must know. Tetracycline though is an antibiotic - typically not

effective on viruses. Just a note of caution - we just had a family friend

diagnosed with respiratory MRSA - something you don't want to have in any

form. 

I hope you feel better.

Kim

________________________________

From: lindsayaus <lindsay_kite@...>

achalasia

Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 10:11 PM

Subject: Re: HM - Success or failure?

 

Funny that you should mention a sore throat! I have had one for the last 4 days

but I think it's because I ate a crouton like piece of bread and didn't crunch

it down enough. It may have scratched it. The doc said it's normal and it

should go away in a few days.

> > > >

> > > > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for

omelettes, I have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables,

unless they are cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my

stomach aches are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is

frustrating and stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what

you said -how is success measured??

> > > > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top

of the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only

New Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > > > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> > > > ÃÆ'‚ 

> > > > Kim A

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: lindsaykite <lindsaykite@>

> > > > achalasia

> > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 AM

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

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ÃÆ'‚ 

> > > > 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]

The doctor couldn't see anything wrong down my throat which means it must be

further than she could see. Now even mush is too painful to swallow!

> > > > >

> > > > > I am so sorry to hear your HM was not so successful. Except for

omelettes, I have trouble with bread, unless toasted, and cooked vegetables,

unless they are cut super small. My last dilation was around 8 weeks ago and my

stomach aches are not nearly as bad as they were in the beginning. It is

frustrating and stressful but if I had the HM I would be asking him just what

you said -how is success measured??

> > > > > Last year I had 2 dilations, mannometry twice and 3 Esophagrams on top

of the countless doctor visits so I know about the empty pocketbooks. My only

New Year's goal this year was to not see a single doctor for anything!!!!

> > > > > - I truly hope this either gets better for you or he has some

resolution in mind. I have found when I am really srtessed out about things it

makes it more difficult to eat, at least for me.

> > > > > ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ 

> > > > > Kim A

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ________________________________

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

> > > > > achalasia

> > > > > Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 2:52 AM

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

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ÃÆ'Æ'‚ÃÆ'‚ 

> > > > > 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)

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >