Any Idea's ???

• By alphabubo
• Posted July 16, 2008 at 3:51 am

Dear Barry1,
At one period, I also experienced trouble with dysphagia where increasingly it would take me longer to eat and I seemed to risk the possibility of choking. I had a balloon dilation procedure twice as a way to try and increase the size of the sphincter between my stomach and esophagus. This procedure was done through an endoscopy and involved putting a balloon in the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach and enlarging it to a certain point determined by the doctor. It did not help me, but I think it was due to the reason behind my dysphagia. I had had a nissen fundoplication surgery about 6 or so years earlier to treat a diagnosis of acid reflux. It was eventually decided to take it down after the balloon dilations did not help, and it turned out that a great of scar tissue had grown around the site of my original surgery and was thus putting a lot more pressure around the esophagus and the sphincter between it and the stomach. Having the scar tissue removed helped to greatly alleviate the problem. Before this surgery to take down the nissen, the doctor had mentioned the possibility of botox injections into the sphincter, but the doctor decided against it. I can not now remember what his reasons were.

I will be sure to keep you in my prayers, and I hope that you and your doctors will be able to make the decision that will be the best one for your health. If I can be of any other help, please do not hesitate to ask. Best of wishes and many hugs.

Warm regards,
Bobbiejo

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• By docandkate
• Posted July 16, 2008 at 6:25 pm

Barry,

Although I have no experience with your symptoms, I do have experience with doctors. I just want to encourage you, don't be discouraged if your doc says he or she will consult with other doctors. You are lucky. You're getting a fresh set of eyes to look at your case, a team to help you instead of one, and you never had to leave your home!

I hope you find the answers you are searching for. hang in there,
Katherine

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• By barry1
• Posted July 18, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Hi,
Many thanks for responding Yes you have had the same procedures done but what intrests me is that you mention that scar tissue had grown around the original site, I hope this is the case with me as then I will know what needs to be done, they did mention that the lower part of my gullet is no longer working and that the diaphram was too tight , when it was suggested that you may need the injections did they say how they would do it ?.
the reason I ask is after all the operations I have had I have a thing about needles .

thank you for you reply

Barry1

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• By alphabubo
• Posted July 20, 2008 at 5:55 am

Dear Barry1,
I never actually had the botox injections done, just the balloon dilations, but the doctors did mention the possibility of the botox injections. My impression at the time was that the injections if they were to take place would be perfomed through an endoscopic procedure during which I would probably be put to sleep under general anaesthesia as with the balloon dilations. Although my throat may have been a little sore after the dilation procedure, I did not actually feel it as it was happening so the treatment was not really that bad. I can understand how you feel about needles. but in this case, you probably will not feel it as you will probably be sedated.

If you do not mind me asking, did you have any previous surgery around the lower esophageal and stomach area that might have led to any scar tissue?

I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that whatever is done, you may soon experience better health. I hope too that you are having a good weekend. Many hugs.

Warm regards,
Bobbiejo

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• By barry1
• Posted July 20, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Hi Bobiejo,
Yes I had the original repair for Hiatus hernia in Dec 02, then I was opened up again in Jan 03 , then more surgery in Oct 04 Blocked intestine, next was March 05 for reconstruction (stomach) and the last one in Sept 06 for incisional Hernia. overall quiet a lot but on the 3rd op they did ged rid of some of the adisions .
but I am in the same position as I was in Jan 03.

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