Post HM report

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

Happy to report that I FINALLY had my HM on April 24th - what a life-changing

experience!  I put it off for years, fearing that it would increase my spasms.

When I met with the surgeon though, he assured me that done correctly (cut high

enough and low enough onto the stomach) that the spasms would not even continue.

It was a little bit of a rocky start - perforated in surgery from scarring due

to prior botox injections - total of four days without even a drop of water

waiting to pass the swallow test. Then had daily spasms for about two weeks

(although not nearly as intense as before). As the doc said, things have settled

down - no spasms at all and drinking and eating anything I want with no

problems. Even getting back into a workout routine.

If anyone is contemplating this procedure and suffering every day as I did for

years, I highly encourage you to seek out a qualified surgeon (has successfully

performed HMs) and get it done. When I think of the years spent dreading a meal,

always looking for an " out " as in a restroom, carrying around dog poop bags,

losing weight, no energy, no social life, etc....I wish I had done this sooner.

Not to mention the horrendously painful spasms that many of us endure.

Happy to talk with anyone that has questions - and if you live anywhere near

Atlanta, Dan at Emory is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery and has done over

400 HMs.  He did " push " me to eat more normally as I could and to start light

exercise - somewhat different than what I've read others write about. It worked

for me.

Take care,

Kim