Stretch

I.m three months post op and had trouble with certain foods sticking i.m now booked in to have a stretch can anyone who's had it done please tell me what to expect i.m very nervous about it thanks .

[slobjohnb]

Very worth while, the first time they will not dilate your throat too much as they don't want to damage it. Have the anaesthetic, it's better for you and easier for the doctor as you will lie still. You won't feel a thing. Don't expect too much at first. You may need a couple more dilations, go for it it's worth it. The difference in swallowing is amazing. Just take it one step at a time.

[Hidden in reply to slobjohnb]

Thanks for your reply. I seem to have developed a phobia about medical issues since this journey started I now hate going near hospitals and medical centres and even though i.ve had endoscopys in the past i.m dreading going for this stretch I know it's for my benefit but i.m not looking forward to it

[slobjohnb in reply to Hidden]

I have found that a positive attitude to all this is essential, easy to say, hard to do. Try to go with the flow and trust the medics. It is a long difficult journey but after 18 months I am fit and quite well again and very grateful to the NHS.

[CharlieWood]

Since my op at the end of November last year I've I had 2 stretches done down here in South Africa, the last one in early May seems really good, I'd had a piece of meat jammed solid for 48 hours and not even liquid could get past. Both stretches done under general anaesthetic in the morning and I was out driving my car by lunchtime. Absolutely simple procedure with nothing to worry about. I'm now eating just about anything, very carefully 😁

[kiddy]

I agree anything to do with hospital does give you anxiety after you have been on the journey. I was cannula and endoscopy scared. I had mine done 3 weeks after OP. Had throat spray and done like an endoscopy they inserted botox. Quick and easy. I was on pain killers then tho so maybe sedation.

Good luck

Debbie

[Hidden in reply to kiddy]

Thanks i.m definitely having sedation because I know i.ll be anxious I try so hard to be positive but sometimes its hard and I tend to overthink situations and i.m always thinking 'what if' which doesn't help 😃

[Zantri]

Molly, I had dilation 9th July initial operation was 3rd May. It was scary but they recommended strong sedation (not going to choose anything else really) spray was yuk, throat was sore after but I was able to eat. Really enjoying toast. You will be fine but take someone with you xx

Z

Xx

[Hidden in reply to Zantri]

Thanks glad you're able to eat it's horrible when food gets stuck isn't it .glad you're ok now . I just want to get it done and over with and I hope it works .

[Zantri in reply to Hidden]

It will be so much better when you have it done, it’s the waiting that kills xx

Let us know how it goes xx

[Hidden in reply to Zantri]

Thanks I,ll let you know. How are you after your op it hasn't been very long ago are you feeling ok.

[Zantri in reply to Hidden]

Had feeding tube (jej) removed Monday, so now looking forward to getting back to work. Onwards & upwards xx

[Hidden in reply to Zantri]

You.ve been through such a lot I,m glad things are getting better for you as you say onwards and upwards . Take care x

[revdj]

I had esophagectomy surgery at the end of Feb. this year, so I am 5 months post-op now. Had the stretching/dilations done on May 22nd, and again on July 23rd. This procedure was done under sedation [you just sleep through it]. I have found with each set of dilations, that swallowing is improving. There really was no discomfort following either procedure.

[famousamos]

Hi , I have had two stretches or dilations. I was a nervoustoo! If your doctor is good, it's really no big deal at all . After the first stretch I had a sore throat and the first day could not swallow well at all. But the next day, it was fine. Not a lot of pain, just some discomfort for a day. I found that drinking water helped the first day. We figured out that the breathing tube that the doctor used had caiused some swelling at the back of throat , thus the difficulty swallowing the first day. ONce the swelling went down I was fine. The second dilation, the doctor did not use a breathing tube. I pretty much felt absolutely no pain or discomfort. My dilations did not help me much with the achalasia. The botox injection helped more. I am eventually going to get the POEM surgery done. You will be fine with the dilation or stretch. Stretching is no big deal , if you have a good docotor. Also, if you ever plan to do the POEM surgery, do not get too many dilations or botox injections, as it can cause scarring and make the POEM procedure more difficult. God Bless and I think you will be fine. Sandy

[Hidden in reply to famousamos]

Hi thanks for your reply what is the poem procedure i.ve never heard of it

[famousamos]

P.S. If it does help do not give up! There are others things to do! Stavros Stavropoulus it the top docor in the US and parts of Europe for treating esophageal disorders. He can help you. He is in New york at Winthrop hospital. I know it is all so terrfying. I was the same way. I thought I'd never get better and frankly I wanted to pass on the the "city in the sky". But I am sooooo much better now! It took a long time, but Praise God I am almost back to living a normal life again! Do not give up! Sandy

[Hidden]

I went for the stretch but the doctor said he thinks it's from stitches that are still visible apprantly they are staples and tissue grows over them which can take a long while . I,m not sure I,ve got this right but maybe someone has better knowledge about this and can enlighten me . I had sedation for the endoscope and the doctor told me this whilst I was still a bit sleepy.