paraesophageal hernia

[Kristi1357]

Has anyone here had experience with this condition?

My grandmother has this and her doctor has said it requires surgery a.s.a.p. (and from her symptoms and what little I can find on the internet, I agree). What makes me nervous is that this surgery only has a 50-50 survival rate and the doctor performing the surgery has done only 2 of these. The first patient died - she was in her 90s so that could have been a factor. The second was only operated on 2 weeks ago.

I guess I am wondering how to go about finding a gastroenterologist / surgeon with more experience in this type of surgery. I am having a hard time finding anything on the net and am getting frustrated. I think the entire family would feel better if she went to a more experienced surgeon anywhere in the U.S. - no matter the cost.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!
Kristi

 

[Lorix2]

My only suggestion is that she seek a 2nd opinion.

There's plenty of gastro's here in NH. Have you tried Dartmouth-Hitchcock Lebanon?

Best wishes to your GM.

 

[Kristi1357]

Dartmouth in Lebanon is a great idea Lorix2 - thanks!

I tried some of Boston's hospital's websites last night and came up with nothing. I am thinking they should try the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville, FL too (they live in the Villages, FL).

I have been through every GI in Nashua and Lahey Clinic myself - the doc that finally diagnosed my achalasia was at Beth Israel in Boston. (Lahey screwed me up more than I ever was!) So, I didn't really want to call around locally - don't have much faith in local GI docs.

My sister works for an endocrinologist and she's going to see if he has any Gastro contacts he can call for us. The main problem is that this is considered an emergency situation now. She has the symptoms of severe pain and vomiting. The next thing to happen, from what I've read, is strangulation of the stomach. And the outcome of that...I don't want to even think about it.

Anyone else have any experience with this?

 

[Serena]

I wish I had some advice, all I can offer is a prayer that she comes through this.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No experience or suggestions, Kristi, you seem to be doing what I would, Net and personal refrerral. I do wish your grandmother the best.

 

[Kristi1357]

Thanks Dan & Serena! We should know more on Weds. when she sees her surgeon again. I think we have talked her into a second opinion though - she was just afraid she'd have to go through all these tests again.

Thanks again!
Kristi