Guest guest Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? Thanks -Devin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Just saw my surgeon ( ) for the six week follow up today. I can't say it's improving as fast as *I* want, but he's very much not concerned. . . . I'm still on soft food, and he says add slowly as I think I'm ready. His view: you don't improve much from day to day, but *can* generally see the improvement from week to week, so maybe a diary is in order, just to remind ourselves. About the scars: yep, exactly, lol! Have a friend undergoing breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy, and her plastic surgeon suggested, of all things, just rubbing on HAIR CONDITIONER. I've tried it and it does seem to help. Who knew. . . . At six weeks four of the five just look like a faint fingernail mark. The big one at the belly button is still slightly pink, with a tiny nodule or lump just under it. But about one third the size of a month ago. The lump with the indent are nearly nonexistent at this point. Sounds like you're doing just fine! (Wild Woolly West Virginia) > > > For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? > > Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? > > Thanks > > -Devin > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I expected easy swallowing straight away even with ultra soft foods like jelly, yogurt and custard....but it wasn't to be! > > > For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? > > Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? > > Thanks > > -Devin > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Devin, congrats on your surgery! I had mine in 2010, my results even with liquids was rather immediate, I could feel the liquid go straight down and nothing was giving me anymore regurg. Eating my first solids was strange, my biggest advise is to eat small bites and chew well. I am doing just as well today as I did after surgery....  Most of the tenderness will heal in time, about 6-8 weeks and you will be well on your way!  Julee in Oregon ________________________________ From: devin aeh <devinaeh@...> achalasia Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 3:37 PM Subject: post hm questions  For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? Thanks -Devin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Devin. I am almost 4 weeks out of HM & Toupet Fundo. Think I'm doing quite well. Remember that everyone heals differently. I'm on a strict soft/liquid diet for 8 weeks. Restrictions on certain foods such as chocolate, fresh fruit (I do blender some), tomatoes, citrus and the list goes on. This is a precaution in case we get reflux. You don't want to disrupt healing. Also, I've come to realize that my life will never be the same. If I chew thoroughly, not big bites and take liquids with food before I allow it to slide down, I'm good. I'm still getting used to thinking and paying attention when I eat. Only time will tell with real solid food. (PIZZA. BURGERS ETC. ) Pasta goes good as long as it's soft. Don't know your exact condition but I have ZERO motility in esophagus so I must be patient although it goes down quite well. Good luck and please post your progress. I am so grateful for this group and everyone in it. A great resource for us all. Thank you. We need each others support. God bless us all. Wappingers Falls, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 My HM surgery was done 6 and half weeks ago. I had no problem swallowing liquids, mashed potato, juices, milk from day one. After 3rd or 4th day, I started having rice with vegetables. Then two weeks after surgery, I started having wheat bread and 4 weeks after surgery started having pizza, Subway etc etc. So all in all, I am on normal diet after 4 weeks. > > > For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? > > Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? > > Thanks > > -Devin > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 This is good information. My best friend janice had hers about a year ago and has quite a few scars and is not too happy with that. I will let her know to try this if it isn't too late.  Kim A ________________________________ From: puddleriver13 <puddleriver13@...> achalasia Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 8:00 PM Subject: Re: post hm questions  Just saw my surgeon ( ) for the six week follow up today. I can't say it's improving as fast as *I* want, but he's very much not concerned. . . . I'm still on soft food, and he says add slowly as I think I'm ready. His view: you don't improve much from day to day, but *can* generally see the improvement from week to week, so maybe a diary is in order, just to remind ourselves. About the scars: yep, exactly, lol! Have a friend undergoing breast reconstruction after a double mastectomy, and her plastic surgeon suggested, of all things, just rubbing on HAIR CONDITIONER. I've tried it and it does seem to help. Who knew. . . . At six weeks four of the five just look like a faint fingernail mark. The big one at the belly button is still slightly pink, with a tiny nodule or lump just under it. But about one third the size of a month ago. The lump with the indent are nearly nonexistent at this point. Sounds like you're doing just fine! (Wild Woolly West Virginia) > > > For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? > > Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? > > Thanks > > -Devin > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 , Good to hear you are doing well. Half the battle is accepting that it wil never be what it was and we have to accept what it is. I get real frustrated that I can't eat how I used to eat but I have learned to get more creative with food so I don't have to be on a completely bland diet. I use my food processor to shred or almost pate meat. It may not be the same as eating a steak, but I think we can get our vitamins and necessary nutrients this way as well. Good luck in your speedy recovery! And Devin - healing is different for everyone. It will take time but remember most people with A don't have a lot of motility or any so perfection for us is not perfection for others. It will never be perfect but hopefully with time you can get creative and add things to your diet that you are happy with. A speedy recovery to you as well! Kim A ________________________________ From: Kalmancy <gkalmancy@...> achalasia Sent: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 11:52 AM Subject: Re: post hm questions  Devin. I am almost 4 weeks out of HM & Toupet Fundo. Think I'm doing quite well. Remember that everyone heals differently. I'm on a strict soft/liquid diet for 8 weeks. Restrictions on certain foods such as chocolate, fresh fruit (I do blender some), tomatoes, citrus and the list goes on. This is a precaution in case we get reflux. You don't want to disrupt healing. Also, I've come to realize that my life will never be the same. If I chew thoroughly, not big bites and take liquids with food before I allow it to slide down, I'm good. I'm still getting used to thinking and paying attention when I eat. Only time will tell with real solid food. (PIZZA. BURGERS ETC. ) Pasta goes good as long as it's soft. Don't know your exact condition but I have ZERO motility in esophagus so I must be patient although it goes down quite well. Good luck and please post your progress. I am so grateful for this group and everyone in it. A great resource for us all. Thank you. We need each others support. God bless us all. Wappingers Falls, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 - I am so happy for you! ________________________________ From: robert1242003 <robert1242003@...> achalasia Sent: Thursday, February 9, 2012 12:35 AM Subject: Re: post hm questions  My HM surgery was done 6 and half weeks ago. I had no problem swallowing liquids, mashed potato, juices, milk from day one. After 3rd or 4th day, I started having rice with vegetables. Then two weeks after surgery, I started having wheat bread and 4 weeks after surgery started having pizza, Subway etc etc. So all in all, I am on normal diet after 4 weeks. > > > For those of you who have had the hm and are still having problems, did you have problems right away after surgery? i am almost 2 weeks out, still on liquid/soft food, and haven't had any trouble. I'm afraid to get too excited until I try solids, which won't be for 4 more weeks. I'm actually kind of terrified to try solids....I'm just wondering, if I've done okay so far, am I probably going to be okay all the way? Or do most of us not have problems swallowing until a bit after the surgery? Is it safe for me to breathe a sigh of relief yet? > > Also, I took my steri-strips off at 10 days like the instructions said, and my main incision right above my belly button looks weird. I don't see Dr. Melvin until Feb. 17th and it's a 2 hour drive for me to get there so I wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It looks like an incision with a burn all around it, with scratches around the burn. Weird huh? It doesn't really hurt anymore, but the incision is in a large indentation in my belly, almost like a second belly button, and above it the skin pouches out into a bump and there is something hard under the bump. I don't know if this is scar tissue or what but it is kind of freaking me out. Is this normal? > > Thanks > > -Devin > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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