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Met with surgeon yesterday but am scared of surgery

Posted , 4 users are following.

LanaJoyce
LanaJoyce

Hello.  I am new here.

 I posted a reply to Kyle who is postop and it was nice to read his report.

I thought I would post my own story though.

I have had dyspagia for many years finally properly diagnosed two years ago but have been putting off surgery.  Since it has been getting worse I met with the surgeon yesterday. Somehow I am more afraid than I was before meeting with him. 

I live near a well known hospital with some of the best doctors.  However, it is a teaching hospital.  I did ask my surgeon if he would be doing the procedure and he said he would but he has a team who will be "helping" and may be doing the stitching.  This worries me but may be normal everywhere anyway.  He assured me he would be right there every step of the way.  He also told me worse case scenario if he found a spot of cancer that didn't show on endoscopy that he would have to resect a portion of esophagus.  

I'm really not sure what to do.  I am scheduled for another endoscopy and then steps toward the surgery but am so reluctant and afraid of being worse off with it. 

I am 67 years old and am afraid of complications and having to have repeat procedures, etc.  However, if I don't have the procedure will it get worse and even cause cancer?  

It is tolerable, although unpleasant, at this point and I notice from reading about others experiences, I seem to be the only one who has not lost weight (I wish)!

Thank you for any support you can give me!

 

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • meowspace
    meowspace LanaJoyce

    Posted

    You're not alone! I did not lose weight before surgery, and not until I was post surgery by at least a year did I make a concerted effort to do so.

    My doctor is a specialist in the field, and always works with students. I told her I was afraid, and she was very reassuring by explaining to me just which part they would be playing. Let your doctor know how frightened you are, and see what he says. If you are still concerned, see if you can request another surgeon, or request that no students touch you. Trust your instincts. My own gut said to trust her, so I did.

    • LanaJoyce
      LanaJoyce meowspace

      Posted

      Thank you for responding!  If you don't mind my asking, how long after surgery are you?  How are you doing?
    • meowspace
      meowspace LanaJoyce

      Posted

      Almost 6 years out. The surgery worked well. My only difficulties are the effects of a cold and coughing, that lead to some esophagus iritation and swelling, and old symptoms that last until I remember to drop caffein, eat soft foods, and drink Chamomile tea. I'm getting some German chamomile tea this week.

      Set up your food for the month after your surgery. Fresh broth to start! That part was a lot harder than the surgery for me!

  • Pinkwarrior
    Pinkwarrior LanaJoyce

    Posted

    Hello Lana,

    Have you thought about getting a second opinion or even a third or fourth? Don't be scared to get out there and talk to other specialists to see what the best and most efficient option would be for you and your body.

    It helps to find a surgeon and specialist who you are completely confident with.

    I also had those fears before my surgery but you shouldn't think like that because you have no idea how long the surgery can help you for! Some people have had surgeries that lasted for years and are still going well.

    Best of luck to you I hope your surgery is a success

    • LanaJoyce
      LanaJoyce Pinkwarrior

      Posted

      Thank you very much!  I was referred to this surgeon by my gastroenterologist.  He is highly regarded and I think one of the few surgeons that do this type of procedure.  I am just being a big baby - not looking forward to it and dwelling on it too much!
  • AlanJM
    AlanJM LanaJoyce

    Posted

    It is standard procedure that a consultant is present at and supervises more junior doctors doing parts of the surgery.   What I would say is that the junior doctors becoming consultants these days have vastly more experience at these specialist operations than their counterparts did a generation ago.   The whole way they work toegtehr is very ethical and team-based.    All surgery requires you to put yourself in their hands!
  • meowspace
    meowspace LanaJoyce

    Posted

    What OPA_AlarM said is right on the money. Think about how young people are on computers and computer games. They have been raised in the world of technology, so their skill at running the robotics used in the Heller is superb.
  • meowspace
    meowspace LanaJoyce

    Posted

    What OPA_AlanM said is right on the money. Think about how young people are on computers and computer games. They have been raised in the world of technology, so their skill at running the robotics used in the Heller is superb.
    • LanaJoyce
      LanaJoyce meowspace

      Posted

      Thank you both. Yes, I am sure they are qualified to assist. It helps to hear it from others tho.

      My husband and I are away this month so surgery will be done end of March.

      I will post again after surgery (or before).

      This forum is very helpful.

      Thank you!

  • Googles
    Googles LanaJoyce

    Posted

    Hi Lana,

    Not for the first time I find I'm 'echo-ing' thew comments by AlanM and Meowspace....

    Further to what the others have commented, I would add that my HM op was 22 years ago - so the specialists i this area are well-practised; and also, I've never heard of anyone who regretted having the operation.  keep a positive perspective and it should give you a much improved quality of life.

     

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