Post Dilation Update

Well, I had the procedure on Monday and it went okay.

As far as the procedure itself is concerned, it went fine. Though, after I woke up from the sedation, I began to be in so much pain. I was also having dry heaves. I'm not sure what that was all about. They gave me Benadril before they sedated me and I think I am allergic to it, because the minute they injected it into the IV, it began to burn the back of my throat and I started coughing.

Unfortunately, I still don't feel any better. I know it's only been 3 days, but I've thrown up each day so far. I even threw up mashed potatoes, which was a first for me.

Of course, they have to start off small for your first dilation. They only dilated my esophagus 20 milimeters. The next step up would be 30 mm. My doctor told me that if the dilation doesn't seem to work, it may be possible that my Heller myotomy will need to be done again.

I had the Heller back in July of 2004. It worked for about 1 year. They think that they probably didn't cut into the muscle far enough. You know, the whole "Err on the side of caution" thing. If having the surgery over again well help for at least 1 year, I think it is worth it!

I've been really depressed lately. This month has been especially difficult. I have been on a liquid diet for most of it. I miss meat. I love chicken, and ground beef, and steak. Oh how I miss them so! I love food! There isn't anything that I won't try at least once! I've been feeling ashamed of myself. I've been thinking of better diseases or problems I could have rather than achalasia....and then I finally realize....Lauren, what are you thinking? There ARE things far worse than this disease. I try to be grateful for what I have but it's hard sometimes. Hunger drives me to think the craziest things.

I've posted a picture of myself and my husband from graduation last month because it makes me smile! I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Gastroscopy on Monday

I am having a gastroscopy on Monday, June 26. I've had this done lots of times, but for some reason I am still nervous. Though, I'm not really nervous about the procedure itself, but I'm nervous about what the doctor will find and what step he will want to take next.

These past few weeks have been rough. About two weeks ago, I nearly fainted in Walgreens. I had been eating whatever I wanted and was throwing everything up. So I went to the ER to have an IV put in me to replenish my fluids. I have been on a strict liquid diet for 2 weeks now. I LOVE Ensure. They are so good. They honestly do taste like a melted milk shake. Just as I was starting to accept being on a liquid diet, I now have to be on a CLEAR liquid diet. No Ensure, no ice cream, no nothing tasty...except broth and jello. Luckily, it's only until I have the gastroscopy. I think I can handle 3 days.

I think I've once mentioned this major surgery I could possibly have in the future. After these recent affairs, if I could afford the surgery, I would have it as soon as possible. My doctor told me that you have to stay in the hospital for 10 days! I may just have to be in debt for the rest of my life, but if I can once again eat most foods, I think it's a small price to pay.