hello

[Guest guest]

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