February 18, 2007
That Was Some Gift
I went to the doctor Friday afternoon; it was a follow-up after the endoscopy, and I got one hell of an early birthday gift.
I was told that I'll be on this diet for the rest of my life. This hernia is never going to go away! The doctor would, however, refer me to a surgeon if I wanted to have the hernia repaired.
I'm torn. On the one hand, this low-fat diet is better for me, and I have been feeling a bit better these last two weeks. My teeth could certainly use a break from all the pop and coffee and just may get a bit whiter, who knows. And I've lost three pounds.
On the other hand, I'd be on this diet for the rest of my life. No coffee, not even decaf, no more "sweet red devil Coca-Cola," no pizza, no spaghetti sauce, no chocolate. And I'd have to sleep on an incline forever. (As a stomach sleeper, this does not bode well.) And how do I know I wouldn't still have the acid reflux after the surgery? I had it before the hernia, you see.
I feel almost selfish in wanting to have the surgery. More to the point, the doctor made me feel selfish, too. I talked it over with my family, and the majority opinion is to stay on the diet and so forth until I have to go back to the doctor in May. This will also give me time to do some research on the subject of surgery.
I suppose I'm feeling a bit scared by all of this, too, as someone I know actually had esophageal cancer and had his whole esophagus removed. He had a hiatal hernia and acid reflux, too.
But now I put this question to you: faced with this kind of situation, what would you do?
Show Comments »
I don't think it is selfish at all to have the surgery. Why do you think that?
Posted by: Occasional Visitor at February 19, 2007 07:10 AMThe way the doctor said "I can send you to a surgeon, if you want" with that look on his face. It was like he was saying "Stop whining! Why can't you deal?"
This doctor isn't known for his sparkling bedside manner.
Posted by: GroovyVic at February 19, 2007 07:37 AMAs a diabetic, I feel for you. It's always a jolt to be told you can no longer safely eat things you like! (Not to mention irritating!) I'd try his suggestions, first. Good luck!
Posted by: linda at February 19, 2007 12:21 PMDo the diet for awhile and see how you feel. You can always have surgery later, but you should see/talk with the surgeon and see what he/she has to say about it: what would change, how you would feel physically, recovery period, etc. That way you can make an informed decision instead of no decision.
Posted by: LeeAnn at February 19, 2007 12:27 PMWhat LeeAnn said, plus search on the Internet to read case studies about others with the same condition. Check out how many had the surgery and was it successful. Life is too short to have to eat tasteless food when there's an alternative.
Posted by: junebee at February 19, 2007 08:46 PMI always think it is a good idea to have a 2nd opinion. Physicians have there own way of thinking, and some are more realistic and empathetic than others. My dad and brother both had the surgery. I would be happy to let you know the positives/negatives, if you would like.
Posted by: kim at February 20, 2007 09:58 AM