"The Stent"

Jul 12, 2009

I have had this fistula (leak) in my stomach for 2 months now.  The fistula is not healing and after consulting with many doctors we have decided to put in a stent.  The stent is a tube that goes from my esophagus through my stomach to keep any foods or liquids from touching the fistula therefore keeping the area dry and giving it a chance to heal.  This is my last ditch effort at a normal healing of the fistula.  I still have a feeding tube and a surgical drain.  Thank God I have these things because with this stent I can hardly swallow a sip of water.

The Stent feels like I am trying to swallow a baseball that is stuck in my esophagus.  I have constant heartburn that is worse if I bend over or sometimes just pops up for no reason causing me the worst heartburn attach I have ever had....almost constantly.  I have handled these complications with no problems and have just moved on from issues and tried to live a normal life.  This stent is something all together different.  I am really having a hard time with this.  I can only hope that it feels a little better with time.  I have to keep this thing in for at least 6 weeks to let this fistula heal.  I just have to power through.  I have to find my strength for this one.

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