Dilation Procedure XII as Success

Last week I underwent dilation procedure XII and it was a success proving good things do come to those that wait. I had some scheduling issues and a nasty cold that caused delays but in the end it worked out OK. This time they were able to open my esophagus to 18mm. Definitely forward progress and as soon as the mother of all sore throats goes away I plan to take it for a test drive.

I did learn something new this time around. When I went in for the pre procedure checkup I mentioned to the doctor that I would occasionally try to push the size of what I could eat to see if I could help stretch the opening myself. Apparently this is a big time no-no. Swallowing applies downward pressure and with the dilation procedures they use the balloon type things that push outward applying radial pressure. Trying to swallow larger things than I should especially near my wind pipe is not recommend and can cause some problems. I guess this is what they mean when they say you shouldn't try this at home. :-)

Operation Garbage Plate Update

As part of my experimentation I have tried to venture out to two chain restaurants. Neither went very well and ended up with my not eating much as all. For some reason it seems that the food at a lot of these chains do not favor the swallowing impaired. (Who knew that we are not part of the target demographic?) Most of the choices seemed to be multiple variations on a few key components, none of which I can eat easily or want to out in public. The super sizing of portions doesn't really help matters much. One area I seem to do OK in is Italian. Just about anything with Alfredo sauce and enough time works out OK. One thing that this has shown me is what I can eat when at home and preparing it myself vs eating out is two different things. I have become very good at adapting things for my situation at home that I had forgotten what food out in the "real world" is like.

I did ask about getting my PEG tube removed this time around. we decided not to take it out at this point even though I haven't had to use it in quite some time. Apparently the limit to the amount my esophagus opens up would make it very difficult to put a new one in if they had to. Seeing as it isn't causing me any problems at the moment it was decided to leave it in just in case something went wrong with a procedure and I had to use it.