Hello

[Guest guest]

On 10/31/2005 at 10:40:14 A.M. Central Standard Time you wrote:

I am planning for a balloon dilation and i would like to know from someone that has done it if is very painfull and how for how long the positive results were observed. (if any)

Ron, I have had two balloon dilations. One last 2 1/2 years.

The second one I had in February of this year and it is still

holding. The pain is very slight and when I left the doctor's

off I went about my usual routine.

I think a lot depends on the experience of the doctor and what

size balloon he uses. Some doctos don't feel comfortable starting

off with the larger balloons.

As Sandy said, we are all different and have different situations.

If I had been a much younger person, I would never have had the

second dilatation because by then I had learned that they might

make the surgery less effective later on. So if you can wait to

find a good experienced surgeon then that probably would be the

way to go.

You didn't mention Botox, but I definitely would not recommend

it. It's effectiveness is very short term and on some like me, did

not work at all.

Again, let me echo Sandy.....please tell us where you live. Someone

may know an excellent doctor in your area.

Best of luck,

Maggie

Alabama

[Guest guest]

Dear Sandy,The advice that you gave about getting on with the surgery early on in the progress of achalasia rang a loud bell with me.It has made me realise that I have waited far too long to get things done. I tend to be one of those stupid people who hides their head in the sand to a certain degree, and resolves to "see how it goes" or "I can cope".And, although I am now in the process of being treated, I realise the wisdom of your words and want to pass the message on to anyone who is dithering about getting something done. It's simple- It's not going to go away, it's going to get worse eventually, and the sooner you deal with it, the more chance you have of a less difficult future.PLEASE don't make my mistake. DO SOMETHING! Love from Ann (recently appeared from the sand) XXXX> >> > I have had achalasia for about two years now, i havent done anything > > but just two gastroscophy and barium swallow so far. > > I started two months ago reflexology sessions every two weeks (very > > painful for my feet). I'm taking 1000mg/day magnesium aspartate > > togheter with 10mg/day B12 vitamin that both should relax muscles.> > The treatment seems to start working(?), now i can eat at least the > > usual "mushy" food every day (98% of the times). Before this mix of > > vits and reflexology i had been going without food or drinks sometimes > > for three days in a row. (lost 50lb in two years) > > I don know if any other has any experience on this or other non > > surgical treatments that solved at least partially the problem. > > I am planning for a balloon dilation and i would like to know from > > someone that has done it if is very painfull and how for how long the > > positive results were observed. (if any)> > > > Thanks> > > > Mauro> >>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/8/05 11:06:23 AM Eastern Standard Time,

moonbeam@... writes:

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Moonbeam...your email came through in some sort of strange looking code.

[Guest guest]

I have been getting your message ok. This however, didn't come accross.

Irene & Romeo, Bischon, 8 mo.

Angel April, 1993-2005

hello

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[Guest guest]

Hello. Don't be shy. Come in and introduce yourself.>> hello everyone from ITALY> > > ---------------------------------> : gratis 1GB per i messaggi, antispam, antivirus, POP3>

[Guest guest]

I would ask if your scheduled dilation next year

is based on results or observations made from a

videoesophagram by a qualified Dr. of Radiology,

a look-see scope and my personal all-time favorite

....the lovely relaxing, soothing manometry-!!

Sometimes a scope may reveal a solution as simple

as antifungals for a month.

God bless you Abby. Hoping your dramatic weight loss

and reduced ability to hydrate is but temporary.

D Mac

In achalasia , " Abby " <missmawavi@...> wrote:

>

> Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was just

> recently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for a

> long time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is true

> that people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it is

> like. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends and

> family thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my " baby weight " ,

> but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of water

> normally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I am

> always tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. They

> scheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. I

> guess my question to those with experience with this is, can I wait

> that long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or should

> I plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly

appreciated.

>

[Guest guest]

It really depends on what your weight and height is, and if you

are getting malnourished because of this. If that’s the case then I would

try to up the procedure.

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From: achalasia

[mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of Abby

Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 12:31 AM

achalasia

Subject: Hello

Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My

name is Abby. I was just

recently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for a

long time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is true

that people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it is

like. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends and

family thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my " baby weight " ,

but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of water

normally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I am

always tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. They

scheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. I

guess my question to those with experience with this is, can I wait

that long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or should

I plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Abby, balloon dilation is less effective in people under the age

of 40. Surgery is the most permanent fix.

No, you should not have to wait till January.

Where are you located? And does your insurance severely limit

your choice of providers?

in PA

----- Original Message -----

From: " Abby " <missmawavi@...>

> Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was

> just

> recently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem

> for a

> long time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is

> true

> that people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it

> is

> like. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends

> and

> family thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my " baby

> weight " ,

> but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of

> water

> normally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I

> am

> always tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down.

> They

> scheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January.

> I

> guess my question to those with experience with this is, can I

> wait

> that long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or

> should

> I plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly

> appreciated.

>

[Guest guest]

Abby, Why are they having you wait so long? My 13 yr old daughter was diagnosed with A in April, she had botax injections later that month which were instant relief, but only temporary. Because of her age everyone felt overall that the Heller myotomy would be the best route to take, which she had done 5 weeks ago today. 's symptons were very mild so to speak compared to alot of patients on this site, they say she is at the early stages of A. The biggest thing was her weight, she was overweight to begin with, but she's a toothpick now, she lost 50 lbs as well since August. She has put back 2 1/2 pnds since surgery, I'm hoping that continues. But my personal opinion, unless you have road blocks preventing it, I would be jumping on the band wagon with the Dr's to proceed faster. It's a long drawn out process as it is. Best of luck. Patty C in Fla. Warren

<juliecwarren@...> wrote: It really depends on what your weight and height is, and if you are getting malnourished because of this. If that’s the case then I would try to up the procedure. C Warren Co-Founder www.achalasia.us From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of AbbySent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 12:31 AMachalasia Subject: Hello Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was justrecently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for along time. I was really glad to find this

group, because it is truethat people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it islike. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends andfamily thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my "baby weight",but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of waternormally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I amalways tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. Theyscheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. Iguess my question to those with experience with this is, can I waitthat long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or shouldI plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs.

Try it free.

[Guest guest]

Why must you wait till Jan Never heard of such a thing You need it NOW Losing that much weight since March Is much to much Get on him NOW Or change DR

-- Hello

Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was justrecently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for along time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is truethat people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it islike. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends andfamily thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my "baby weight",but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of waternormally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I amalways tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. Theyscheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. Iguess my question to those with experience with this is, can I waitthat long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or shouldI plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Where do you live, Abby? Please give us the city and state--possibly one of the

other

members can recommend a doctor who can help you.

Gayle in San Francisco, CA

>

> Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was just

> recently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for a

> long time.

>

[Guest guest]

January isn't acceptable. Speak to your doctor about why so long. Remind them that every day you wait it lowers the chance of a long outcome. Check the background of your doctors, I can't imagine an experienced achalasia doctor making you wait that long if you are ready, willing, and able. Give us their name and your location. Between all of us, we know most of the doctors who are experienced. Your doctor should be the department head of a major teaching hospital or have some other highly regarded professional position. The successful treatment of achalasia depends on the experience of the doctor.

There are several new Moms here, hopefully they will reach out to you and help you through this difficult time. Having a baby and having achalasia is difficult. Others in the same situation can be very helpful to you.

Again repetitive, you are the queen of the ball, achalasia is a rare disease and any doctor will want to treat you to advance their prestige. Be very aware of that. They will return your phone calls and emails. You are a very desirable commodity to show off their skills to their students, and to teach their students. You are in a position of power. Search the web, starting at the major medical centers close to you and click on gi and minimally invasive surgeons. Call the heads of the department. They will likely call you back the same day or that week, at the absolute latest.

Oh... my pet peeve, if they want you to wait until Jan, are you with an HMO? Then it would make sense. Another huge issue. Don't get me started.

Sandy in So Cal... Click here... my favorite website.... All the medical articles around the world are summarized about everything. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

>> Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was just> recently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for a> long time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is true> that people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it is> like. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends and> family thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my "baby weight",> but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of water> normally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I am> always tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. They> scheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. I> guess my question to those with experience with this is, can I wait> that long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or should> I plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly appreciated.>

[Guest guest]

I think everyone on the board will agree. You need to see a doctor

much, MUCH sooner than january!! When I was first diagnosed, I

called at least 7 GI docs before I finally found someone who could

see me sooner than 2 months. When I finally got in, I was refered to

a different GI doc, one that I tried to see, but had a 3 month

waiting list!!! When doctors find out you have A, they will bend

over backwards to help you. Like Sandy said, call and call and call,

till you find someone who can see you sooner. You could be far into

recovery by january and feeling soooo much better.

> >

> > Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was

just

> > recently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for a

> > long time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is

true

> > that people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it is

> > like. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends and

> > family thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my " baby

weight " ,

> > but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of

water

> > normally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I am

> > always tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. They

> > scheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. I

> > guess my question to those with experience with this is, can I

wait

> > that long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or

should

> > I plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly

> appreciated.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

No!!!! 50 lbs is tooooooooooooooooo much no matter what her weight of height is It only means she is not gettting nutrients and getting dehydrated And waiting till Jan means more problems Now Is the time

-- RE: Hello

It really depends on what your weight and height is, and if you are getting malnourished because of this. If that’s the case then I would try to up the procedure.

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of AbbySent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 12:31 AMachalasia Subject: Hello

Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was justrecently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for along time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is truethat people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it islike. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends andfamily thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my "baby weight",but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of waternormally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I amalways tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. Theyscheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. Iguess my question to those with experience with this is, can I waitthat long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or shouldI plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Abby wrote:

> ... They scheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until

> January. ...

Achalasia is very rare. If the reason you have to wait until January is

because there are not many GI doctors in your community, then it is

unlikely that the population is large enough for a doctor to have much

experience with achalasia. Most doctors have never had a patient with

achalasia. You may find it is worth traveling to a medical center where

they receive achalasia patients from a large area.

Some wait may be a good thing so that you have time to consider the

options and make sure what kind of treatment you want. There is no

treatment that is universally considered to be the best treatment in all

cases, or even in specific cases. Successful treatment may cause acid

reflux (GERD). Some doctors that do surgery prefer to do an antireflux

procedure with it, but others don't. There is no antireflux procedure

with dilatation, which may or may not be a good thing depending on who

you talk to.

notan

[Guest guest]

-- RE: Hello

It really depends on what your weight and height is, and if you are getting malnourished because of this. If that’s the case then I would try to up the procedure.

C Warren

Co-Founder

www.achalasia.us

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of AbbySent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 12:31 AMachalasia Subject: Hello

Hello everyone...I am new to this group. My name is Abby. I was justrecently diagnosed with achalasia, but it has been a problem for along time. I was really glad to find this group, because it is truethat people that don't suffer from it don't understand what it islike. I just had a baby four months ago and most of my friends andfamily thought I was using it as an excuse to lose my "baby weight",but they don't know what I would give just to drink a glass of waternormally. I have lost a little over 50lbs since mid-March and I amalways tired since I can't keep much food or beverage down. Theyscheduled me for a balloon dilation but it isn't until January. Iguess my question to those with experience with this is, can I waitthat long without putting myself at a terrible health risk, or shouldI plead with the doctors to move it up? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

Hello Diane,

Dr. Bray @ Cedars Sinai helped pioneer the

videoesophagram, it gives a better 3D pix

and " live action " rather than the traditional

barium swallow

There are GI specialists for e-problematics

at UCLA, USC Univ. Med Center (This is not to

be confused with county) & Cedars Sinai.

Cedars is a ripoff. They jacked me with a $3K bill

for a manometry after the insurance had paid on it

but I did have the video swallow done there with

comprehensive results because I wanted Bray.

My cell# is in the database if you want to dicusss

>

> Hi all,

> I am new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name

is Diane

> and I have been told that I have achalasia since last march. so

far I have

> not had any procedures done since I was not sure of my doctor he

didn't seem

> to be able to answer my questions. So I think I have found a good

one, But i

> am always open to suggestions so if anyone knows a good dr. in

L.A. please

> let me know. also I have to do a motility test this coming Friday

i tried to

> do it once before but panicked and could not continue, does anyone

have any

> ideas how i can get thru this? any help you can give would be

appreciated,

> Diane

>

[Guest guest]

I feel I have to defend Dr. Bray. He took the time during the barium to show me everything going on. I apparently have vigorous achalasia and it was fascinating to see how my esophagus is constantly moving, almost like a trapped snake all the time. He also took the time to show me how fizzy carbonation makes the les open. To be honest, I didn't pay that much attention to what it cost for everything there. I have Blue Cross PPO insurance and the initial costs may have been very high, but the contract rate seemed reasonable to me at the time for the tests and surgery. Cedars is a private hospital. Our insurance has a high deductible and we also pay, I think, 30% of the contract rate. It didn't seem outrageous and was handled smoothly. I actually expected the total payment to be more. Sadly I didn't keep track of the different bills. I did notice the contract rate was about 1/3 of the starting bill so that was the significant difference.

Dr. Bray knows a lot about achalasia, About 5 years ago when I was searching, Cedars had the best overall gi and surgical group for achalasia and I think they still do in Southern California. UCLA and USC had people leave. UCI didn't ever really enter the esophagus forum.

Price isn't everything, I've had arguments about billing and absolutely hit the roof when a gp sent a 189+ day notice for $2 on a 3 year old bill. That is after they tried to charge the insurance company I had 5 years before it 3 different times in addition to my current insurer.

I understand issues with cost and billing and I know they are vague when you ask them the total cost. If you get the best treatment possible the first time around, hopefully you minimize your costs in the future. ly, I don't know much about the other So Cal facilities being achalasia knowedgeable. I'd still pay the cost at Cedars until we hear more about the others.

Sandy in So Cal... the heat wave is moving e from us.... BEWARE.

> >> > Hi all,> > I am new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name > is Diane > > and I have been told that I have achalasia since last march. so > far I have > > not had any procedures done since I was not sure of my doctor he > didn't seem > > to be able to answer my questions. So I think I have found a good > one, But i > > am always open to suggestions so if anyone knows a good dr. in > L.A. please > > let me know. also I have to do a motility test this coming Friday > i tried to > > do it once before but panicked and could not continue, does anyone > have any > > ideas how i can get thru this? any help you can give would be > appreciated,> > Diane> >>

[Guest guest]

Yeah Sandy,

I agree. Dr. Bray is super!

What's the deal with this tentative

A meeting in Studio City tomorrow?

D Mac

> > >

> > > Hi all,

> > > I am new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My

name

> > is Diane

> > > and I have been told that I have achalasia since last march. so

> > far I have

> > > not had any procedures done since I was not sure of my doctor

he

> > didn't seem

> > > to be able to answer my questions. So I think I have found a

good

> > one, But i

> > > am always open to suggestions so if anyone knows a good dr. in

> > L.A. please

> > > let me know. also I have to do a motility test this coming

Friday

> > i tried to

> > > do it once before but panicked and could not continue, does

anyone

> > have any

> > > ideas how i can get thru this? any help you can give would be

> > appreciated,

> > > Diane

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , Why do you refuse surgery? Is it out of fear, or out of the fact that you are very able to live with your complaints? I was diagnosed somewhere around 1994/1995 myself and had my first Heller's Dec. 6th 1995. It was done with a Nissen-fundoplication, as was recommended to you. I think (and hope) that was the suggestion they made to you back then. In the mean time it has been proven, that a Nissen wrap is totally wrong for us achalasians. If this wrap is being used in achalasians, problems return within 10 years in 75% of all cases. The wraps that can be done are Dor or Toupet. In the mean time I have had another myotomy and they have altered my wrap. To be honest I don't know whether I now have a Dor or a Toupet, doesn't matter, I don't have any reflux so it does it's job. Anyway, what I want to tell you, is find yourself the best surgeon, should you go for surgery.

And furthermore, never ever have a Nissen-fundoplication!!! Isabellapaddypower2468 <paddypower2468@...> wrote: My name is patrick (paddy) I live in the UK in Kent, I am 42 diagnosedwith Achalasia in 1995. It was recommended that I have the helliermyotomy and nissan fundaplication, but I refused and still do today. Iam keen to gain information from other's and exchange information Ihave myself. Speak to you all

soon

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.

[Guest guest]

Hi Paddy, Welcome. I am fairly new to this group. I have had Achalasia for 20 years. When I was diagnosed they really only did the dilitations and surgery only if necessary. With recent events and the information I have gained from this group, I decided to have the surgery done. I had an open heller myotomy with a partial fundoplication. That was two weeks ago. I have only had reflux once and heartburn once. I am eating almost anything now. I am just cautious. Others that had one the same time as me are eating toast etc. Once thing you will learn is to educate yourself, be informed and get a Dr and Surgeon that know A and are experienced in the Heller Myotomy. I wish you luck and never hesistate to ask questions. I'm sure someone on this site will either have the answer or know where to get it. Take care of

yourself and again welcome. (Oshawa, Ontario Canada)paddypower2468 <paddypower2468@...> wrote: My name is patrick (paddy) I live in the UK in Kent, I am 42 diagnosedwith Achalasia in 1995. It was recommended that I have the helliermyotomy and nissan fundaplication, but I refused and still do today. Iam keen to gain information from other's and exchange information Ihave myself. Speak to you all soon

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

[Guest guest]

Hi

You put things into words great, this board does feel like a family! I have been a member for almost 1 year now, after an achalasia carreer of over 15 years now and I am so gratefull to indeed have found this group.

I wanted to comment on your plans for surgery in Austria... In the first place you should have a good look around here on the board, as there indeed are several great and experienced surgeons on achalasia in the states.

If you should ever want to head back to Austria for surgery, if I were you, I would than have a good look around at what I call the German board (which in fact is an Austrian board). Even though they did diagnose you over there, that doesn't say the same hospital is experienced enough in performing myotomies (the surgery you're talking about). There are several good experienced achalasia surgeons in Europe (I know of several in Germany and I know of Dutch doctors, as I am from The Netherlands). So if you should ever need to know more on that one, please let me know.

Isabella

hello

I've just discovered this board and feel like I have finally come home. I told my wife, "I think I've found my people."I've had achalasia symptoms for 10 years although I was just diagnosed last year.In the beginning I waited several years before I saw a doctor even though I suffered from intensely painful throat/chest spasms. I thought I had acid reflux. Then the swallowing difficulties began and they gradually worsened until I was drinking at least a liter of water with every meal.I was diagnosed by doctors here in the U.S. variously with acid reflux and anxiety.I spent this last year in Austria where, because of the free medical care, I was able to afford to have the proper tests and was quickly diagnosed with achalasia. The doctors were a little hesitant to say achalasia as my esophagous is not seriously distended. But everything else pointed to achalasia.I had a botox injection

but it didn't really help.Anyway, I have learned to live with the disease so far. I always have cool water with me in case I get a spasm (small sips help the pain). I drink a lot when I eat and I chew very, very well.I changed careers: I was a chef for 20 years.So, I'm living with it. My friends are sympathetic but I don't think they really have an idea of what it's like. But you guys do.I am going to wait and if it gets really bad I will go back to Austria (I'm in the States again) and have the surgery. Thank God I have Austrian residency--I couldn't afford the procedure here.I will keep reading and want to thank you and express my gratitude for all of your heartfelt comments.Chris

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[Guest guest]

- just read your note - I am a recently diagnosed A person. I had my Myotomy on Dec. 5, 2007 at Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Rice, one of the best doctors and highly recommended. So if you decide to stay in the states are anywhere close to Cleveland Ohio check him out Millie - VAchrisk5555 <chrisk5555@...> wrote: I've just discovered this board and feel like I have finally come home. I told my wife, "I think I've found my people."I've had achalasia symptoms for 10 years

although I was just diagnosed last year.In the beginning I waited several years before I saw a doctor even though I suffered from intensely painful throat/chest spasms. I thought I had acid reflux. Then the swallowing difficulties began and they gradually worsened until I was drinking at least a liter of water with every meal.I was diagnosed by doctors here in the U.S. variously with acid reflux and anxiety.I spent this last year in Austria where, because of the free medical care, I was able to afford to have the proper tests and was quickly diagnosed with achalasia. The doctors were a little hesitant to say achalasia as my esophagous is not seriously distended. But everything else pointed to achalasia.I had a botox injection but it didn't really help.Anyway, I have learned to live with the disease so far. I always have cool water with me in case I get a spasm (small sips help the pain). I drink a lot when

I eat and I chew very, very well.I changed careers: I was a chef for 20 years.So, I'm living with it. My friends are sympathetic but I don't think they really have an idea of what it's like. But you guys do.I am going to wait and if it gets really bad I will go back to Austria (I'm in the States again) and have the surgery. Thank God I have Austrian residency--I couldn't afford the procedure here.I will keep reading and want to thank you and express my gratitude for all of your heartfelt comments.Chris

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[Guest guest]

Hi

Welcome aboard this rocky roller coaster ride of achalasia. You will have good times and bad times, but as you said no-one really understand what it is like except probably your wife when you are having a really bad day. I hope you are able to have your pain and spasms under control for awhile yet - i had 8 Botox injections over six years and they helped me - some moreso than others. You are l8ucky that water helps with your eating as it was one of the things that i couldn't handle. Water just made me worse especially with food! I always had to have somehting fizzy to help push things through - low cal dry ginger ale was my "Drano" of choice!!! This board is a great place to help you find doctors, hospitals etc with experience in achalasia and offers the only real support i know of. Good luck.

Deb from Melbourne Australia.

hello

I've just discovered this board and feel like I have finally come home. I told my wife, "I think I've found my people."I've had achalasia symptoms for 10 years although I was just diagnosed last year.In the beginning I waited several years before I saw a doctor even though I suffered from intensely painful throat/chest spasms. I thought I had acid reflux. Then the swallowing difficulties began and they gradually worsened until I was drinking at least a liter of water with every meal.I was diagnosed by doctors here in the U.S. variously with acid reflux and anxiety.I spent this last year in Austria where, because of the free medical care, I was able to afford to have the proper tests and was quickly diagnosed with achalasia. The doctors were a little hesitant to say achalasia as my esophagous is not seriously distended. But everything else pointed to achalasia.I had a botox injection

but it didn't really help.Anyway, I have learned to live with the disease so far. I always have cool water with me in case I get a spasm (small sips help the pain). I drink a lot when I eat and I chew very, very well.I changed careers: I was a chef for 20 years.So, I'm living with it. My friends are sympathetic but I don't think they really have an idea of what it's like. But you guys do.I am going to wait and if it gets really bad I will go back to Austria (I'm in the States again) and have the surgery. Thank God I have Austrian residency--I couldn't afford the procedure here.I will keep reading and want to thank you and express my gratitude for all of your heartfelt comments.Chris

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[Guest guest]

Hi

You can access the German/Austrian board through the website www.achalasie.de, scroll down untill you see a square containing 3 links, the middlest link (Offenes Diskussions-Forum -Österreich-) is the one you need.

Most of the time people write about Dr. Schulz, who works in Castrop-Rauxel Germany and who belongs to the most experienced surgeons concerning achalasia. Need to add, that he's not experienced with -ectomies (but thank God you're not having to have that one done). Furthermore I know of Prof. Eckardt DKD Wiesbaden (diagnosing) and Prof. Junginger (surgery) in Mainz. In Holland you have Prof. Smout for diagnosing and Prof. Gooszen and Dr. Broeders for surgery.

In Austria I didn't know of any surgeons, but I checked the board for you and guess which name came up right the first minute...indeed: Prof. Pointner...

I don't know how well your German is? If you need any help on that one, just let me know, I can help you out if necessary.

Isabella

hello> > I've just discovered this board and feel like I have finally come home. I told my wife, "I > think I've found my people."> > I've had achalasia symptoms for 10 years although I was just diagnosed last year.> > In the beginning I waited several years before I saw a doctor even though I suffered from > intensely painful throat/chest spasms. I thought I had acid reflux. Then the swallowing > difficulties began and they gradually worsened until I was

drinking at least a liter of water > with every meal.> > I was diagnosed by doctors here in the U.S. variously with acid reflux and anxiety.> > I spent this last year in Austria where, because of the free medical care, I was able to > afford to have the proper tests and was quickly diagnosed with achalasia. The doctors > were a little hesitant to say achalasia as my esophagous is not seriously distended. But > everything else pointed to achalasia.> > I had a botox injection but it didn't really help.> > Anyway, I have learned to live with the disease so far. I always have cool water with me in > case I get a spasm (small sips help the pain). I drink a lot when I eat and I chew very, very > well.> > I changed careers: I was a chef for 20 years.> > So, I'm living with it. My friends are sympathetic but I don't think

they really have an idea > of what it's like. But you guys do.> > I am going to wait and if it gets really bad I will go back to Austria (I'm in the States again) > and have the surgery. Thank God I have Austrian residency--I couldn't afford the > procedure here.> > I will keep reading and want to thank you and express my gratitude for all of your heartfelt > comments.> > Chris> > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _> Looking for last minute shopping deals? > Find them fast with Search. http://tools. search.. com/newsearch/ category. php?category= shopping>

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