And Four Weeks Later…

Four weeks ago, I was up early with much excitement in my heart. I was having the long-awaited operation on my esophagus to help with my rare swallowing disorder called Achalasia. We had traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, and found an experienced surgeon who performs this procedure every week. Four months later, I was ready to go under the knife, only it is a robotic, laparoscopic procedure.

I posted a detailed blog about the years, yes, plural, leading up to this decision. It’s titled, “That’s a Tough One to Swallow“. If you haven’t read it, now would be a great time so you can fully appreciate what has transpired.

I have to say God showed up and the operation was a HUGE success. Since the day of my surgery, I have not experienced any issue with swallowing, not even the slightest, at all. As the doctor prescribed, I have gradually changed my diet to allow me the chance to see if anything causes problems, aka heartburn or choking. Unfortunately, some definitely did.

I am hoping if you know anyone with heartburn issues, you might direct them to this blog so they can get an idea of foods to avoid. The first phase that started in preparation for the surgery was clear liquids, broth, Gatorade, plain jello, apple, cranberry or grape juice. This continued for a week after the operation.

Although I could swallow without any pain, choking, burping or other complications, I did have serious issues with horrific heartburn and diarrhea the week following the procedure. We were assured this was normal. Even with all that, we were confident the procedure worked and we were thrilled with the outcome.

The second week I was home I could slowly begin on Phase 2 food. I was not allowed peppers, onions, garlic, or anything with tomatoes. Also nothing bubbly. No coffee or tea. No lemon or lime. I could have chocolate, BUT, only artificial chocolate flavoring. As you might remember, I’m from Louisiana, and we cook with what we call “the trinity”, this includes peppers, onions and garlic. I had no idea how in the world I would cook without these basic – essential – ingredients.

Phase 2 allowed milk, yogurt (which is something I never really enjoyed), plain pudding, ice cream, oatmeal or cream of wheat, pureed cream soups, BUTTAH, and condiments like honey, jelly, and syrup. Would you believe the pudding, good ole vanilla pudding, was put on my naughty list? The heartburn was horrific. I tried canned chicken noodle soup (straining the chicken and noodles) and the seasoning in the can threw me a curve ball. From that point on, I decided to cook everything from scratch.

I was sleeping in the recliner at this point because I had five open wounds on my abdomen and typically I tossed back and forth in our bed, so I surmised the recliner would be the better option of the two for the time being. I was still dealing with heartburn but it was getting less and less, so sitting in an upright position would only help the issue.

Heading into week 3, I began to introduce newer food selections. I was excited. I was still having zero issues swallowing. ZERO. NADA. NONE. What a miracle. Exactly what we had prayed for.

As I started planning meals I could attempt in my new phase, I was reminded that for the meat, the use of a crockpot or pressure cooker would be the best tool to use so the meat is moist and thoroughly cooked. In this phase, it was very important that everything be moist! I could use butter, gravy (homemade), syrup, honey, milk, and whatever my little imagination could come up with. Some days I feel as though I am a contestant in a game show where they open the cupboard, and I have to pick three ingredients to make a “somewhat edible” dish.

My selections were looking more appealing and appetizing. Let’s just be real. One particular dish I made with ground beef, black-eyed peas, and brown gravy looked akin to wet dog food (YUCK) but it tasted great. The first thing I ate and continue to eat was scrambled eggs. Yummy! I was permitted pancakes and ate them without a single issue, but they were just not my favorite. Do you have any idea how many years it had been since I had consumed pancakes? I’ve never seen my hubby so excited. Evidently, he had been keeping track of said years. Cheese, glorious cheese, was another welcomed addition. I used it with my eggs, potatoes (yes, mashed potatoes), and later ground beef.

Are you interested to hear what made the naughty list for me in this phase? That would be the unassuming applesauce, sweet potatoes, and ground beef. Ouch! Just like you do with a baby, I reintroduced the naughty items to my diet at a later date. Some made it, others did not.

I’m disappointed I cannot have broccoli, cabbage, or salad for another couple of months at the earliest. It was advised to eat frozen or canned vegetables and fruit as opposed to fresh.

As I am sailing into my fourth week, I’ve been able to add chicken, tuna, salmon and ground beef. With suggestions from friends, I am using finely chopped carrots and celery for my seasoning and it is sufficient. I mean I won’t be writing a cookbook, but I’m not about to complain. I will be following this phase until the end of May after I am re-evaluated by the surgeon.

As of today, all my surgical paper strips have fallen off. I have been sleeping back in my bed and sleeping well. I rarely have heartburn now and to date, four weeks, I have not choked one single time. My sister likes to tell me I don’t burp anymore either! I returned to walking at least a couple of miles a day and it feels good.

Lastly, remember how I told you that every meal I would have to drink a minimum of three bottles of room temperature water? The acid test for my family to become believers, post-surgery, was when they witnessed me eat while only drinking one-half bottle of water. It made a believer out of them.

Thank you again for your prayers, your support, and your genuine concern. I am very appreciative of each of you.

By His stripes, we are healed.

With a smile and a happy heart,

Elle