Introduction

[Guest guest]

I have been having really bad spasm pains for the last week or so and

yes a drink of cold water seems to really help.

I have started to choke in the middle of the night the last little while and

bring up food that hasn't made it into my stomach even though

i don't eat anything after supper and drink lots of water to flush things

down.

I think my E is getting stretched now but didn't show any stretching

in any of the tests that were done last round.

doctors still want to wait and see if my problems get any worse

before doing anything:(

they figure that if i can still eat somewhat normally there isn't much they

can do, that

most of the patients they see are happy to be able to swallow as well as i

do now after

surgery.

I hate this problem I hate not knowing what the future holds:(

matt

[Guest guest]

Hi Tracie and Welcome!

Glad you found this group.  It's so common to get the runaround with doctors! 

I

have had achalasia for over 22yrs and spent most of the time going from doctor

to doctor with little understanding.  There ARE doctors that KNOW about

achalasia, they study it and know all about it, so DO NOT settle for a doctor

that rarely if ever has seen a case like yours. 

Last year, I was exhausted from my battle with achalasia.  I was finally

diagnosised with manometry and endoscopy tests.  I was able to " teach " them

about my condition and with the help of this group I was able to have a consult

with a surgeon that KNOWS about my condition and has done several hundred Heller

Myotomy's.  It was like heaven to speak with someone who understood. 

Long story short, I had surgery last August it was done Lapro and I had

Heller/Dor fundo.  It was a complete success so far!  I can swallow food and

no

more regurg.  I think surgery was a good option for me. 

The spasms that you are referring too, I believe are the same ones that we all

have in comoon, they are esophageal spasms.  Drinking water or eating something

makes them diminish, most of the time.  They are extremely painful if not

caught

in time, so keep a bottle of water with you always!!! 

The key things to remember, find a surgeon that has lots of experience with

achalasia, and has done at least a couple hundred surgeries.  Don't settle for

less, it could hinder the outcome of your success. 

Julee So Calif.  

________________________________

From: s <ravenstorm2008@...>

Achalasia Group <achalasia >

Sent: Sat, March 19, 2011 7:04:00 PM

Subject: Re: Introduction

 

Thank you. The reason I had to have Botox was that the tests weren't

conclusive enough for a surgeon to go ahead and do anything. I had the mild

dilation but refused to go with the more serious dilation because I had read

that it would make surgery more difficult. I am looking forward to getting

this resolved. I don't know how people with anorexia force themselves to

throw up. If I never throw up again, I would be happy. I'm afraid that

someone is going to mistake this as anorexia or some eating disorder at the

college I go to. It is the most unpleasant feeling to have to rush to the

restroom several times during a meal. I am glad that your daughter is doing

well. Hopefully things go as well for me.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

Welcome to the group, and to the knowledge that you need never be alone again

with this. We understand absolutely everything you say. I had a myotomy

nearly 5 years ago and it was definitely the right decision to make. It has

enriched my life considerably. I asked my consultant what he would recommend his

wife to do in my situation and he had no doubt that the surgery was the best way

to go.

 

All the best to you in the forthcoming months. You know where to come for

support.

Love from Ann (UK).

From: s <ravenstorm2008@...>

Subject: Introduction

" Achalasia Group " <achalasia >

Date: Saturday, 19 March, 2011, 13:28

 

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Hi in ME,

Welcome to our group! One of the best things in the world is to find a group

of people that understand what you are going through when so many other

people don’t.

I am 37 and was diagnosed with achalasia when I was 16. March 29th will be 4

years since I had my esophagectomy and I am doing great now. Don’t let that

scare you, one of the hardest things with this is that everyone has

different symptoms, different rates at which things progress and there is no

standard. Part of my issue was at the time they just did a few dilitations

and then that was it. They sent me on my way with no follow up care or

anything. So I managed, I adjusted as the years went on, but I never really

knew how bad things were until I got severe aspiration pneumonia following

the birth of my second son in 2004. To make a very long story short, it took

me two years to come to terms with the fact that I needed the ‘ectomy, do my

research, see a few different doctors and get things in place to do it.

Things are good now. I eat normal and I feel good. Anyway, there are a

handful of us that have had the ‘ectomy surgery, and most have done fairly

well. However, that may not even be in your future.

The one thing that concerns me is that you see a doctor that has a lot of

experience. I know it is difficult with different insurance plans and what

not to go outside your plan, and I know it is hard when you have to travel

for medical care, HOWEVER, it is worth it for something like this. Your

doctor may be nice and may be trying to do everything he can to treat you,

but 1-2 cases per year is not experienced (no offense to anyone).

I went to Cleveland Clinic, which from where we are in NY is about a 5 ½

hour drive each way. Totally worth it. Dr. Rice sees hundreds of cases per

year – he is one of the best in the country. There are several doctors down

in PA as well, and I’m sure there are some closer to you. You should really

research this to find someone with more experience.

in NY

PS – We love Maine!! We vacation for a week every summer up there in Casco.

From: achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf

Of s

Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2011 9:51 PM

Achalasia Group

Subject: RE: Introduction

I'm 39 will be 40 in August. I live in Corinth Maine.

The doctor I am seeing seems to be fairly experienced with Achalasia. He

says they see 1 to 2 cases a year. This doctor has been good about keeping

me informed on what is going on. He told me what tests to expect and what

the next steps would be based on test results. The only problem is that he

doesn't perform the surgery and there is no one in Maine who does the

laparoscopic(sp) surgery. I would have to go to Boston or Dartmouth for that

type of surgery.

The botox was used to see if we could be more certain about the diagnosis

before considering surgery. The manometry test wasn't conclusive enough for

a surgeon. The botox has helped. I had it done in October and at least I can

eat. It is starting to wear off now and I will be seeing the doctor either

in May or June to discuss surgery.

One question I have is do you know anyone who has experienced really bad

muscle spasms on their right side that radiate into the jaw and ears. These

spasms go away with drinking water. They used to be infrequent until the

botox injection, now they happen all the time. They usually wake me up at

least once a night. Is this common?

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

________________________________

From: s <ravenstorm2008@...>

Achalasia Group <achalasia >

Sent: Sat, March 19, 2011 9:51:01 PM

Subject: RE: Introduction

 

I'm 39 will be 40 in August. I live in Corinth Maine.

The doctor I am seeing seems to be fairly experienced with Achalasia. He

says they see 1 to 2 cases a year. This doctor has been good about keeping

me informed on what is going on. He told me what tests to expect and what

the next steps would be based on test results. The only problem is that he

doesn't perform the surgery and there is no one in Maine who does the

laparoscopic(sp) surgery. I would have to go to Boston or Dartmouth for that

type of surgery.

The botox was used to see if we could be more certain about the diagnosis

before considering surgery. The manometry test wasn't conclusive enough for

a surgeon. The botox has helped. I had it done in October and at least I can

eat. It is starting to wear off now and I will be seeing the doctor either

in May or June to discuss surgery.

One question I have is do you know anyone who has experienced really bad

muscle spasms on their right side that radiate into the jaw and ears. These

spasms go away with drinking water. They used to be infrequent until the

botox injection, now they happen all the time. They usually wake me up at

least once a night. Is this common?

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Well, she told her professors right away but some of her friends already gave

some bad remarks to her but she forward the article to them about achalasia.

This is the only way to educate people. Now they felt really bad. You will still

experience some ignorant folks and will accused you of being bulimic like some

people that i know. You just learn to speak up. Good luck and wish you well!

________________________________

From: s <ravenstorm2008@...>

Achalasia Group <achalasia >

Sent: Sat, March 19, 2011 10:04:00 PM

Subject: Re: Introduction

 

Thank you. The reason I had to have Botox was that the tests weren't

conclusive enough for a surgeon to go ahead and do anything. I had the mild

dilation but refused to go with the more serious dilation because I had read

that it would make surgery more difficult. I am looking forward to getting

this resolved. I don't know how people with anorexia force themselves to

throw up. If I never throw up again, I would be happy. I'm afraid that

someone is going to mistake this as anorexia or some eating disorder at the

college I go to. It is the most unpleasant feeling to have to rush to the

restroom several times during a meal. I am glad that your daughter is doing

well. Hopefully things go as well for me.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Hi - 

I am down in Boston and had a heller myotomy in June 2008 at Mass General

Hospital.  My surgeon was Dr. Rattner.  I did a fair amount of research -

he is quite experienced with that procedure.  Should it turn out you require

surgery, I would highly recommend him.  Regarding the spasms on your side, ear

and jaw - yes and yes and yes.  I experience the same as well as spasms centered

in different parts of my esophagus; sometimes way at the bottom near my stomach

and other time up higher, nearly in my throat.  Post myotomy, I get spasms a

little less frequently and they tend to generally be less intense...

good luck,

Gene

[Guest guest]

It really sucks when the doctors won't take the measures necessary to

improve the quality of life. Yes it is good just to be able to swallow but

waiting doesn't sound like a good thing since it leads to distension of the

esophagus. My tests haven't shown any stretching yet either but at least my

doctor is considering the surgery option. I would seek the opinion of

another doctor it sounds like yours is caught in the wait until it becomes

worse cycle.

Before the Botox injection every meal resulted in food coming up, at least

at the moment I can get food to enter the stomach but hate the pain and

muscle spasms( the spasms are the one symptom that the doctor's tend to

ignore). Hopefully another doctor will give you a better solution.

-- Re: Re: Introduction

I have been having really bad spasm pains for the last week or so and

yes a drink of cold water seems to really help.

I have started to choke in the middle of the night the last little while and

bring up food that hasn't made it into my stomach even though

i don't eat anything after supper and drink lots of water to flush things

down.

I think my E is getting stretched now but didn't show any stretching

in any of the tests that were done last round.

doctors still want to wait and see if my problems get any worse

before doing anything:(

they figure that if i can still eat somewhat normally there isn't much they

can do, that

most of the patients they see are happy to be able to swallow as well as i

do now after

surgery.

I hate this problem I hate not knowing what the future holds:(

matt

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the information. In Maine it is hard to find doctors who

really know about the rare conditions. At least when I see my doctor I can

find out more about who in the area is qualified for this type of surgery.

You know its bad when your primary care physician tells you he is stumped by

your condition. I'm hoping that the doctor's who do this surgery are in

Portland and not Bangor. Bangor has a bad rap for surgeons who are not

skilled enough. My cousin had a hernia operation that was botched and ended

up in Portland having more surgery. At least now I have a group that is

knowledgeable and can provide me with a good list of things to ask the

surgeon prior to allowing him to do anything.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

I am sure i could pressure the doctor to take another look and do a Botox

injection

while he is there.

I understand where the doctor is coming from, most people with achalasia

cant

swallow at all and have real problems eating, i can manage to eat without to

much difficulty and I wonder if surgery might not only not make things

easier

but may make other issues worse.

even the idea of Botox injection if spasms get worse doesnt appeal to me.

sometimes i wish i could get a full nights sleep without getting up in pain

at-least

once in the night.

stress has lots to do with it as well and the last month with all the year

end

bills coming in doesn't help.

matt

[Guest guest]

Thank you very much. I know I have found the right place. Everyone here has

been exceptionally helpful. I now know that when I see the doctor I can make

it clear what I am looking for in regards to surgery. I trust that my doctor

has my best interest at heart. He has been very straightforward with me from

the beginning. I am so glad the last doctor moved to another hospital and I

got switched to my current doctor. He is very realistic about the outcomes

and gives me honest feedback. I look forward to getting this taken care of

so I can feel somewhat normal again.

-- Introduction

" Achalasia Group " <achalasia >

Date: Saturday, 19 March, 2011, 13:28

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I will definitely make sure the surgeon is experienced before I

let them do anything. My doctor won't be the one performing the surgery. He

is in favor of sending me to Portland or out of state if needed. My only

concern with leaving the state is that I only have MaineCare which is the

state's form of medicaid. They are very picky about what they will and will

not pay for. I don't see them jumping for joy at sending me out of state. If

that is what it takes I will find a way to get it done. I'm not opposed to

the open surgery over the lapro considering that the outcome in the end is

the same. At least I know what to ask now. I want a surgeon who has had a

lot of experience with this type of surgery.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

I have no problem speaking out. My daughter actually used my condition for

one of her nutrition classes in college. Her instructor had never heard of

this before. I am open and honest with people about my condition. Usually

when I go out to eat with friends I tell them up front that I may have to

leave the table suddenly due to this. It is amazing how ignorant people can

be. I am glad that your daughter spoke up.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the information. I will keep that in mind.

-- Re: Introduction

Hi -

I am down in Boston and had a heller myotomy in June 2008 at Mass General

Hospital. My surgeon was Dr. Rattner. I did a fair amount of

research - he is quite experienced with that procedure. Should it turn out

you require surgery, I would highly recommend him. Regarding the spasms on

your side, ear and jaw - yes and yes and yes. I experience the same as well

as spasms centered in different parts of my esophagus; sometimes way at the

bottom near my stomach and other time up higher, nearly in my throat. Post

myotomy, I get spasms a little less frequently and they tend to generally be

less intense...

good luck,

Gene

[Guest guest]

That is how mine started out. I could eat okay for the most part but over

the course of about a year it got to the point where very little was getting

into my stomach. Every meal was miserable. Right now even with the Botox

things will stick and it only lasts for about 9 to 12 months. I had mine in

October and it is already starting to revert. Some people don't respond well

to Botox. If you have to have additional treatments the failure rate

increases. I would still seek another opinion just to make sure that the

doctor didn't miss something. I have had at least 3 endoscopies which

showed no abnormalities. It took a manometry test and the Botox injection to

give enough evidence that this is indeed what I had. I started out with the

feeling that I had an air bubble trapped in my chest. This didn't happen

often but over the course of a year maybe year and a half it got worse.

I hope that they come up with a good solution for you.

-- Re: Re: Introduction

I am sure i could pressure the doctor to take another look and do a Botox

injection

while he is there.

I understand where the doctor is coming from, most people with achalasia

cant

swallow at all and have real problems eating, i can manage to eat without to

much difficulty and I wonder if surgery might not only not make things

easier

but may make other issues worse.

even the idea of Botox injection if spasms get worse doesnt appeal to me.

sometimes i wish i could get a full nights sleep without getting up in pain

at-least

once in the night.

stress has lots to do with it as well and the last month with all the year

end

bills coming in doesn't help.

matt

[Guest guest]

Hi , what you need to do is call the MaineCare case manager and explain to

them why you are going to Portland. A lot of those case manager will give

approvals if there is a documentation from your primary care/or GI physician

like letter why you need to be sent out of state, also send them a copy of your

history and also an article about the doctor you are going to see. I work

at a

Univ hosp and been dealing with case managers and most of those Medicaids

are flexible. Sometimes they can also give you suggestions of names of docs in

you area who does excellent jobs. Try to talk to your case worker too. It is

really really impt to see someone who has seen a lot of A patients and done HM

surgeries.. Good luck!  /

________________________________

From: s <ravenstorm2008@...>

Achalasia Group <achalasia >l

Sent: Sun, March 20, 2011 12:43:15 PM

Subject: RE: Introduction

 

Thank you. I will definitely make sure the surgeon is experienced before I

let them do anything. My doctor won't be the one performing the surgery. He

is in favor of sending me to Portland or out of state if needed. My only

concern with leaving the state is that I only have MaineCare which is the

state's form of medicaid. They are very picky about what they will and will

not pay for. I don't see them jumping for joy at sending me out of state. If

that is what it takes I will find a way to get it done. I'm not opposed to

the open surgery over the lapro considering that the outcome in the end is

the same. At least I know what to ask now. I want a surgeon who has had a

lot of experience with this type of surgery.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I will call them and see what they say. It would be great if they

had a doctor local who could do it.

-- Introduction

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

what I have is achalasia.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

was.

s

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

I live just outside Boston, you can see the details of my case (and many others

on this site) here:

http://f1.grp.fs.com/v1/0EuHTVZa7MO7_9CVNtf-isEtomiig1hLCLwsih7OVedP6zsygCV\

MKhcuLLWmuNtwolW2nukptQWSk8CPOlZuEUg2WFq5s94dUw/Member%20Stories%20%26%20History\

/s_Achalasia_Story.txt

Or from the webpage sidebar:

Files -> Member Stories & History -> s_Achalasia_Story.txt

I had surgery before I found this web site. I got lucky that the doctors I

happened to run into (except my primary care) all were experienced with A. Had

I found this site b4 surgery I may have selected a different route, but I'm

pleased where I'm at right now.

Lately I've only had time to read through this site every couple weeks. If you

have any questions about potential treatment in BOS you can contact me directly

at

6l7

947

OO93

for a quicker response.

>

> I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

> recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

> for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

> what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to the

> diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was removed

> in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

> prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a specialist

> The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

> ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

> things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

> seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

>

> I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

> what I have is achalasia.

>

> I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

> condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

> was.

>

> s

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you. I just may contact you at some point. I appreciate all the

information.

-- Re: Introduction

Hello ,

I live just outside Boston, you can see the details of my case (and many

others on this site) here:

http://f1.grp.fs

com/v1/0EuHTVZa7MO7_9CVNtf-isEtomiig1hLCLwsih7OVedP6zsygCVMKhcuLLWmuNtwolW2nu

ptQWSk8CPOlZuEUg2WFq5s94dUw/Member%20Stories%20%26%20History/s_Achalasia

Story.txt

Or from the webpage sidebar:

Files -> Member Stories & History -> s_Achalasia_Story.txt

I had surgery before I found this web site. I got lucky that the doctors I

happened to run into (except my primary care) all were experienced with A.

Had I found this site b4 surgery I may have selected a different route, but

I'm pleased where I'm at right now.

Lately I've only had time to read through this site every couple weeks. If

you have any questions about potential treatment in BOS you can contact me

directly at

6l7

947

OO93

for a quicker response.

>

> I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is s. I was just

> recently diagnosed with Achalasia. I never knew there were support groups

> for this. It has been a long road to the diagnosis but I am glad to know

> what I have and can now seek out proper treatment. During my journey to

the

> diagnosis it was thought that my gall bladder was to blame so it was

removed

> in August 2009. When my symptoms didn't go away I went back the doctor who

> prescribed acid reflux meds. None worked. I was finally sent to a

specialist

> The first one just gave me amitriptlyne(sp) which didn't do anything to

> ease the symptoms. The second doctor I saw has been great. He told me how

> things were going to progress in the search for a diagnosis. Now I will be

> seeing him in a few months to discuss surgery.

>

> I have had the botox injection which has led him to be more certain that

> what I have is achalasia.

>

> I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning more about this

> condition and seeing others experiences with surgery and how successful it

> was.

>

> s

>

>

[Guest guest]

HI there and welcome to the list!

On Fri, Mar 18, 2011 at 3:43 AM, Brittany <bdrosos33@...> wrote:

 

Hi Everyone,My name is Brittany and I have a 14month old son . After being pressured by his old doctor (I no longer go to him because of this)to get a Hep B vaccine which I cried for 30 min after, that I was going to do research and decided not to vaccinate him anymore. I was too scared and reading all the facts it was all bull how vaccines decreased the diseases when they never did. My husband and I believe that it's more risky to do it then not although most people think the other way around because they don't know better. I've read a couple books and done a bunch of research online and am so happy with our decision although I'm pissed at myself for not being stronger about saying " no " for the one vaccine and doing my research before hand. But I'm so glad I didn't get him anymore! There is nothing good that comes from vaccinating!!

Brittany

[Guest guest]

Hi, Brittany! Don't be angry at yourself for the one vaccine you allowed. Think of the all the rest that you didn't allow. Many of us (me!) allowed many more than one. You are so right that there is nothing good about vaccinating. It's all risk and no benefit. Your is lucky to have you guys for parents!

Winnie

IntroductionVaccinations > Hi Everyone,> > My name is Brittany and I have a 14month old son . After > being pressured by his old doctor (I no longer go to him because > of this)to get a Hep B vaccine which I cried for 30 min after, > that I was going to do research and decided not to vaccinate him > anymore. I was too scared and reading all the facts it was all > bull how vaccines decreased the diseases when they never did. My > husband and I believe that it's more risky to do it then not > although most people think the other way around because they > don't know better. I've read a couple books and done a bunch of > research online and am so happy with our decision although I'm > pissed at myself for not being stronger about saying "no" for > the one vaccine and doing my research before hand. But I'm so > glad I didn't get him anymore! There is nothing good that comes > from vaccinating!!> > Brittany> >

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our LL group.  Sounds like you are off to a great start!  I've had

the DVDs for a few years and need to watch again to brush on them.  Like you, I

love the facelift.  Keep us informed of your progress.  We've got a couple of

" cheerleaders " who really keep me motivated and inspired.  Hope you enjoy the

group and post often.

Chris

________________________________

From: serenitydivacalypso <serenitydivacalypso@...>

LifeLift

Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 11:36:50 AM

Subject: Introduction

 

Hi LifeLifters? I'm not sure...anyway bear with me as I have not been on a

group in a long, long time so hopefully this will work.

Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself and a little of what brought me to

Lifelift. I *was* a former personal trainer, mom of 3 (ages 10, 13, and 19) and

41. Life got in the way and lots of stuff, gained weight, and my new job kept me

pretty immobile--so everything got stiff. I was diagnosed this year with plantar

fasciitis and probable fibro, although my doctors won't confirm and honestly I

do not really " need " a diagnosis since I don't like to take meds anyway.

I had done BodyFlex after my second child, my daughter in 1997 and got decent

results and after my son in 2000 got really good results. So I found my old VCR

and put in the tapes and still got decent results as far as headaches and the

ability to feel my abdominal muscles (which I'm in physical therapy for right

now as apparently I've let them go to pot)...but my previous love for Greer was

gone. I used to love her pace, but I found it too frantic. I also had some

experience with Oxycise, which is fine, but I never " clicked " with Jill.

Meanwhile, my girlfriend send me a Lifelift DVD and one of Jill's Oxycise Easy

Does It ones as I had gotten rid of all my Oxycise years ago. Oxycise was okay,

but I still always felt meh after...although my abs hurt.

So I popped in Rashelle's DVD (the only one had at the time I have since

received the original and levels 1 and 2--very quickly!) the reflexology and

facelift and I was in love! Since I had the basics I figured of the BodyFlex

breath, it wasn't too far of a stretch to do this; however, I'm a stickler and

ordered the other DVDs (I think last Friday, I got them Tuesday!). Rashelle's

breathing to me is powerful, yet gentle and after I feel refreshed, not worn out

and all sweaty...at least no so far lol. I love her explanations of the lift,

the tips on the double chin holding the tongue to the base of the upper teeth

(and OMIGOODNESS I FEEL THAT!), and so I'm enjoying it. I don't always feel I

" get " the lift 100%, but like Rashelle says in the workouts, everyday is

different and I'm learning.

So that's a bit about me. I also do Classical Stretch, but I wasn't finding the

deep breathing working for me (I'm very type A at times) and my physical

therapists both said my ribs were " stuck " so I figured deep breathing AND

according to both of them relaxation, will help..we'll see because I go every

other week and my next on is the 2nd Monday in April.

Nice to meet you all!

[Guest guest]

Hang in there you will love LL> I also use to use bodyflex much rougher.

Start slow and work your way into the other videos.

I’m 7 weeks post surgery from six female surgeries . I’m 48 and very

thankful that with the limitations after surgery and lifting restrictions I can

still do LL.

you will love it. Stay with it persistence and consistence.

God's Blessings

Rettig (army mom of 2) Chaplin/Webmaster for BSM SEW Chapter 2

http://bluestarmomssew.com

The opinions reflected above are strictly my own and in no way reflect the views

of Bue Star Mothers or Proud Military Moms.

From: serenitydivacalypso

Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 11:36 AM

LifeLift

Subject: Introduction

Hi LifeLifters? I'm not sure...anyway bear with me as I have not been on a

group in a long, long time so hopefully this will work.

Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself and a little of what brought me to

Lifelift. I *was* a former personal trainer, mom of 3 (ages 10, 13, and 19) and

41. Life got in the way and lots of stuff, gained weight, and my new job kept me

pretty immobile--so everything got stiff. I was diagnosed this year with plantar

fasciitis and probable fibro, although my doctors won't confirm and honestly I

do not really " need " a diagnosis since I don't like to take meds anyway.

I had done BodyFlex after my second child, my daughter in 1997 and got decent

results and after my son in 2000 got really good results. So I found my old VCR

and put in the tapes and still got decent results as far as headaches and the

ability to feel my abdominal muscles (which I'm in physical therapy for right

now as apparently I've let them go to pot)...but my previous love for Greer was

gone. I used to love her pace, but I found it too frantic. I also had some

experience with Oxycise, which is fine, but I never " clicked " with Jill.

Meanwhile, my girlfriend send me a Lifelift DVD and one of Jill's Oxycise Easy

Does It ones as I had gotten rid of all my Oxycise years ago. Oxycise was okay,

but I still always felt meh after...although my abs hurt.

So I popped in Rashelle's DVD (the only one had at the time I have since

received the original and levels 1 and 2--very quickly!) the reflexology and

facelift and I was in love! Since I had the basics I figured of the BodyFlex

breath, it wasn't too far of a stretch to do this; however, I'm a stickler and

ordered the other DVDs (I think last Friday, I got them Tuesday!). Rashelle's

breathing to me is powerful, yet gentle and after I feel refreshed, not worn out

and all sweaty...at least no so far lol. I love her explanations of the lift,

the tips on the double chin holding the tongue to the base of the upper teeth

(and OMIGOODNESS I FEEL THAT!), and so I'm enjoying it. I don't always feel I

" get " the lift 100%, but like Rashelle says in the workouts, everyday is

different and I'm learning.

So that's a bit about me. I also do Classical Stretch, but I wasn't finding the

deep breathing working for me (I'm very type A at times) and my physical

therapists both said my ribs were " stuck " so I figured deep breathing AND

according to both of them relaxation, will help..we'll see because I go every

other week and my next on is the 2nd Monday in April.

Nice to meet you all!

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

Welcome to all of our new LifeLifters and thank you for your loyalty to all of

our beautiful, long time LifeLifters.

I am packing to move while I have 2 little ones running through the house so I

have my hands full for the next few weeks, BUT it makes my heart sing when I

come in and read these amazing testimonials for all of you.

, You are just totally awesome. Your spirit lifts me every time I read a

message from you.

This new message from serenitydivacalypso made me stand up and dance. I simply

loved reading all of yoru messages today. Even when you just tell us you do your

LifeLift breaths it always makes me smile.

I am crazy busy and in a rush today, but I had to say hello and thank you to all

of you. My heart is full and my energy is way up after reading your beautiful

messages.

I will write more as soon as I can get the rest of our boxes packed up, but

meanwhile I am here cheering all of you on. I have complete faith in each and

every one of you. I know you can do anything.

You are all completely and totally wonderful!

Love,

Rashelle

________________________________

From: pinkstardust <pinkstardust@...>

LifeLift

Sent: Sun, April 3, 2011 10:07:05 AM

Subject: Re: Introduction

 

Welcome to our LL group.  Sounds like you are off to a great start!  I've had

the DVDs for a few years and need to watch again to brush on them.  Like you, I

love the facelift.  Keep us informed of your progress.  We've got a couple of

" cheerleaders " who really keep me motivated and inspired.  Hope you enjoy the

group and post often.

Chris

________________________________

From: serenitydivacalypso <serenitydivacalypso@...>

LifeLift

Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 11:36:50 AM

Subject: Introduction

 

Hi LifeLifters? I'm not sure...anyway bear with me as I have not been on a

group in a long, long time so hopefully this will work.

Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself and a little of what brought me to

Lifelift. I *was* a former personal trainer, mom of 3 (ages 10, 13, and 19) and

41. Life got in the way and lots of stuff, gained weight, and my new job kept me

pretty immobile--so everything got stiff. I was diagnosed this year with plantar

fasciitis and probable fibro, although my doctors won't confirm and honestly I

do not really " need " a diagnosis since I don't like to take meds anyway.

I had done BodyFlex after my second child, my daughter in 1997 and got decent

results and after my son in 2000 got really good results. So I found my old VCR

and put in the tapes and still got decent results as far as headaches and the

ability to feel my abdominal muscles (which I'm in physical therapy for right

now as apparently I've let them go to pot)...but my previous love for Greer was

gone. I used to love her pace, but I found it too frantic. I also had some

experience with Oxycise, which is fine, but I never " clicked " with Jill.

Meanwhile, my girlfriend send me a Lifelift DVD and one of Jill's Oxycise Easy

Does It ones as I had gotten rid of all my Oxycise years ago. Oxycise was okay,

but I still always felt meh after...although my abs hurt.

So I popped in Rashelle's DVD (the only one had at the time I have since

received the original and levels 1 and 2--very quickly!) the reflexology and

facelift and I was in love! Since I had the basics I figured of the BodyFlex

breath, it wasn't too far of a stretch to do this; however, I'm a stickler and

ordered the other DVDs (I think last Friday, I got them Tuesday!). Rashelle's

breathing to me is powerful, yet gentle and after I feel refreshed, not worn out

and all sweaty...at least no so far lol. I love her explanations of the lift,

the tips on the double chin holding the tongue to the base of the upper teeth

(and OMIGOODNESS I FEEL THAT!), and so I'm enjoying it. I don't always feel I

" get " the lift 100%, but like Rashelle says in the workouts, everyday is

different and I'm learning.

So that's a bit about me. I also do Classical Stretch, but I wasn't finding the

deep breathing working for me (I'm very type A at times) and my physical

therapists both said my ribs were " stuck " so I figured deep breathing AND

according to both of them relaxation, will help..we'll see because I go every

other week and my next on is the 2nd Monday in April.

Nice to meet you all!

[Guest guest]

Hi Rashelle,

It's always so nice for me when I see a message from you to our

wonderful Life Lift group in my mailbox waiting for me to read and to

respond to if I feel inspired to do so. And you always do inspire me to

reply to your messages, my dear friend and much loved Life Lift Mom!!!

So, have fun packing to move!!! Do you mean that you are moving to a

new home?

Well, gotta go now, my dear Rashelle!!! I am going to go do a Life Lift

breathing session in front of my bedroom mirror now!!! Wow, do I love

Life Lift!!! It always feels so great when I do it, and I know that

each time I do a Life Lift breathing session that I am improving my

health tremendously!!!

Thank you so much for always caring for us and for always wishing us the

best of everything!!! I do so appreciate that, and I know that everyone

else on this super duper Life Lift group list does, too!!!!

Love always,

Pat

On 4/6/2011 8:21 PM, Rashelle Haines wrote:

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> Welcome to all of our new LifeLifters and thank you for your loyalty

> to all of

> our beautiful, long time LifeLifters.

>

> I am packing to move while I have 2 little ones running through the

> house so I

> have my hands full for the next few weeks, BUT it makes my heart sing

> when I

> come in and read these amazing testimonials for all of you.

> , You are just totally awesome. Your spirit lifts me every time I

> read a

> message from you.

>

> This new message from serenitydivacalypso made me stand up and dance.

> I simply

> loved reading all of yoru messages today. Even when you just tell us

> you do your

> LifeLift breaths it always makes me smile.

>

> I am crazy busy and in a rush today, but I had to say hello and thank

> you to all

> of you. My heart is full and my energy is way up after reading your

> beautiful

> messages.

>

> I will write more as soon as I can get the rest of our boxes packed

> up, but

> meanwhile I am here cheering all of you on. I have complete faith in

> each and

> every one of you. I know you can do anything.

>

> You are all completely and totally wonderful!

>

> Love,

> Rashelle

>

> ________________________________

> From: pinkstardust <pinkstardust@... <mailto:pinkstardust%40att.net>>

> LifeLift <mailto:LifeLift%40>

> Sent: Sun, April 3, 2011 10:07:05 AM

> Subject: Re: Introduction

>

>

> Welcome to our LL group. Sounds like you are off to a great start!

> I've had

> the DVDs for a few years and need to watch again to brush on them.

> Like you, I

> love the facelift. Keep us informed of your progress. We've got a

> couple of

> " cheerleaders " who really keep me motivated and inspired. Hope you

> enjoy the

> group and post often.

> Chris

>

> ________________________________

> From: serenitydivacalypso <serenitydivacalypso@...

> <mailto:serenitydivacalypso%40>>

> LifeLift <mailto:LifeLift%40>

> Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 11:36:50 AM

> Subject: Introduction

>

>

> Hi LifeLifters? I'm not sure...anyway bear with me as I have not been

> on a

> group in a long, long time so hopefully this will work.

>

> Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself and a little of what brought

> me to

> Lifelift. I *was* a former personal trainer, mom of 3 (ages 10, 13,

> and 19) and

> 41. Life got in the way and lots of stuff, gained weight, and my new

> job kept me

>

> pretty immobile--so everything got stiff. I was diagnosed this year

> with plantar

>

> fasciitis and probable fibro, although my doctors won't confirm and

> honestly I

> do not really " need " a diagnosis since I don't like to take meds anyway.

>

> I had done BodyFlex after my second child, my daughter in 1997 and got

> decent

> results and after my son in 2000 got really good results. So I found

> my old VCR

> and put in the tapes and still got decent results as far as headaches

> and the

> ability to feel my abdominal muscles (which I'm in physical therapy

> for right

> now as apparently I've let them go to pot)...but my previous love for

> Greer was

> gone. I used to love her pace, but I found it too frantic. I also had

> some

> experience with Oxycise, which is fine, but I never " clicked " with Jill.

> Meanwhile, my girlfriend send me a Lifelift DVD and one of Jill's

> Oxycise Easy

> Does It ones as I had gotten rid of all my Oxycise years ago. Oxycise

> was okay,

> but I still always felt meh after...although my abs hurt.

>

> So I popped in Rashelle's DVD (the only one had at the time I have since

> received the original and levels 1 and 2--very quickly!) the

> reflexology and

> facelift and I was in love! Since I had the basics I figured of the

> BodyFlex

> breath, it wasn't too far of a stretch to do this; however, I'm a

> stickler and

> ordered the other DVDs (I think last Friday, I got them Tuesday!).

> Rashelle's

> breathing to me is powerful, yet gentle and after I feel refreshed,

> not worn out

>

> and all sweaty...at least no so far lol. I love her explanations of

> the lift,

> the tips on the double chin holding the tongue to the base of the

> upper teeth

> (and OMIGOODNESS I FEEL THAT!), and so I'm enjoying it. I don't always

> feel I

> " get " the lift 100%, but like Rashelle says in the workouts, everyday is

> different and I'm learning.

>

> So that's a bit about me. I also do Classical Stretch, but I wasn't

> finding the

> deep breathing working for me (I'm very type A at times) and my physical

> therapists both said my ribs were " stuck " so I figured deep breathing AND

> according to both of them relaxation, will help..we'll see because I

> go every

> other week and my next on is the 2nd Monday in April.

>

> Nice to meet you all!

>

>