Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

[Guest guest]

Jan, I have been a member of this group for 8 years. I have

seen many people come and go. Some of them tried alternative

routes, but to my knowledge only 3 options are recommended,

and actually only two make any sense.

Botox is a short term fix and may work well for someone who

needs to be able to eat while waiting for surgery. The average

link of success is about 6 months. Not much option there as

far as I'm concerned.

The other is dilatation and surgery. Since you say you want

an option other than surgery, I'll try to tell you what I've learned

regarding dilatation. Again, it is very important to have a GI

that is expert in Achalasia. There have been some studies and

I really believe that the size of balloon and the length of time

it is held in place has a direct effect on how long the dilatation

last. Many doctors are not comfortable starting out with one

of the larger balloons. They will start with a small and gradually

increase the size with each dilatation. The largest balloon is

40 mm.

I have had 2 Botox which did me no good at all. I have since had

two dilatations. The first one lasted 3.5 years. I really think I could

have gone a bit longer but for fear I'd stretch my esophagus I

elected to have the 2nd one. That was 2 years ago. I am still

eating well, though I know it is taking longer for the food to get

to the stomach. When I had a barium swallow a year ago, I was

told my esophagus was twice the size it should be, which is the

same as it was when I had the 2nd dilatation. Each of mine was

given with a 35mm balloon and held for 3 minutes. The doctor

told me on the first one that he would not feel comfortable using

a 40mm on me, but didn't say why. I'd suspect it was because

of my age. I was 70 at the time.

One member here, who don't post much anymore, had two

dilatations, the last one about 9 years ago and is still doing

good.

There are no sure answers, here or with the doctors. Many

who have posted on this board, had surgery and went their

merry way. They don't post anymore because they are not

having problems. Only a few of them remain here to post.

The others are the ones who had problem with surgery and

are back with more questions. If you look at the number of

members and the number who post you can get a better idea

of the successful ones. My recommendations for someone

your age is to find the most experienced doctor you can and

go with his/her recommendations.

I personally am not afraid of either method. My reasons for

going this far with the dilatations are much different to yours.

I hope this has been helpful to you, but don't hesitate to ask

questions. You are doing what you should be doing and that

is educating yourself before making a decision.

Good luck,

Maggie

Alabama

Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan

Without know all your details I cannot be too exact but

basically there are three options open for Achalasia. Dilation –

Botox or the surgery you will have seen mentioned, myotomy, which I had done a

week ago and doing very well. In my case the options were explained and

suggestions made but they were open to debate if I was not happy. I agreed with

the surgery option. The reason given to me for this option was my age,46,

better long-term outcome and more control during the op. In other words

dilation can need many attempts to get the right affect and has its risk of rupture,

Botox is only short term generally speaking whereas the myotomy is more controllable

during surgery and has the best long term results if done correctly which is

very important as many Drs have made mistakes in the past due to lack of

experience and we the patients suffer.

Hope that helps a little from someone relatively new but with

1sy hand experience.

Andy

Yorkshire, England

PS Its now a week since my myotomy and the staples are out

tomorrow, all 14 of them – panic!

From: wipperwillow

[mailto:wipperwillow@...]

Sent: 24 January 2008 20:03

achalasia

Subject: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago

and the doctors want to

do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and have

been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives. I

keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing

diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is

talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here found

another way to go?

Jan

Monroe, WA

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy- I am 56 and surgery has been the only option offered to me.

What I was trying to get at was why are there no doctors who are

studying the effect/cause of diet on achalasia? Is there anyone is

this group who has pursued this avenue and what have they learned?

I had the dialation done and felt better for a couple of months. I

have not had as bad symptoms since then. I really want an alternative

to surgery.

Jan

>

> Hi Jan

>

> Without know all your details I cannot be too exact but basically

there are

> three options open for Achalasia. Dilation - Botox or the surgery

you will

> have seen mentioned, myotomy, which I had done a week ago and doing

very

> well. In my case the options were explained and suggestions made

but they

> were open to debate if I was not happy. I agreed with the surgery

option.

> The reason given to me for this option was my age,46, better long-

term

> outcome and more control during the op. In other words dilation can

need

> many attempts to get the right affect and has its risk of rupture,

Botox is

> only short term generally speaking whereas the myotomy is more

controllable

> during surgery and has the best long term results if done correctly

which is

> very important as many Drs have made mistakes in the past due to

lack of

> experience and we the patients suffer.

>

> Hope that helps a little from someone relatively new but with 1sy

hand

> experience.

>

>

>

> Andy

>

>

>

> Yorkshire, England

>

>

>

> PS Its now a week since my myotomy and the staples are out

tomorrow, all 14

> of them - panic!

>

>

>

> From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@...]

> Sent: 24 January 2008 20:03

> achalasia

> Subject: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

>

>

>

> I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

want to

> do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and

have

> been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives.

I

> keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

alkalinizing

> diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is

> talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

found

> another way to go?

>

> Jan

> Monroe, WA

>

[Guest guest]

I can see where you are coming from with the surgery as last

option. I will leave it for the other users to comment on your other questions

as I have no experience in that area – sorry. There are a few ‘experts’

who will pop up and enlighten you more.

Andy

From: wipperwillow

[mailto:wipperwillow@...]

Sent: 24 January 2008 20:31

achalasia

Subject: Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

Hi Andy- I am 56 and surgery has been the only

option offered to me.

What I was trying to get at was why are there no doctors who are

studying the effect/cause of diet on achalasia? Is there anyone is

this group who has pursued this avenue and what have they learned?

I had the dialation done and felt better for a couple of months. I

have not had as bad symptoms since then. I really want an alternative

to surgery.

Jan

>

> Hi Jan

>

> Without know all your details I cannot be too exact but basically

there are

> three options open for Achalasia. Dilation - Botox or the surgery

you will

> have seen mentioned, myotomy, which I had done a week ago and doing

very

> well. In my case the options were explained and suggestions made

but they

> were open to debate if I was not happy. I agreed with the surgery

option.

> The reason given to me for this option was my age,46, better long-

term

> outcome and more control during the op. In other words dilation can

need

> many attempts to get the right affect and has its risk of rupture,

Botox is

> only short term generally speaking whereas the myotomy is more

controllable

> during surgery and has the best long term results if done correctly

which is

> very important as many Drs have made mistakes in the past due to

lack of

> experience and we the patients suffer.

>

> Hope that helps a little from someone relatively new but with 1sy

hand

> experience.

>

>

>

> Andy

>

>

>

> Yorkshire, England

>

>

>

> PS Its now a week since my myotomy and the staples are out

tomorrow, all 14

> of them - panic!

>

>

>

> From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@...]

> Sent: 24 January 2008 20:03

> achalasia

> Subject: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

>

>

>

> I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

want to

> do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and

have

> been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives.

I

> keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

alkalinizing

> diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is

> talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

found

> another way to go?

>

> Jan

> Monroe, WA

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy- I guess I'm not looking for " experts " ...just regular people

to see if anyone has tried something other than what the doctors are

saying I must do. There are many books written on the subject of

Alkaline diets so I have been wondering if others have tried this

approach.

Jan

-- In achalasia , " Haigh " <andy.haigh@...>

wrote:

>

> I can see where you are coming from with the surgery as last

option. I will

> leave it for the other users to comment on your other questions as

I have no

> experience in that area - sorry. There are a few 'experts' who will

pop up

> and enlighten you more.

>

>

>

> Andy

>

>

>

> From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@...]

> Sent: 24 January 2008 20:31

> achalasia

> Subject: Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

>

>

>

> Hi Andy- I am 56 and surgery has been the only option offered to

me.

> What I was trying to get at was why are there no doctors who are

> studying the effect/cause of diet on achalasia? Is there anyone is

> this group who has pursued this avenue and what have they learned?

> I had the dialation done and felt better for a couple of months. I

> have not had as bad symptoms since then. I really want an

alternative

> to surgery.

> Jan

>

>

> >

> > Hi Jan

> >

> > Without know all your details I cannot be too exact but basically

> there are

> > three options open for Achalasia. Dilation - Botox or the surgery

> you will

> > have seen mentioned, myotomy, which I had done a week ago and

doing

> very

> > well. In my case the options were explained and suggestions made

> but they

> > were open to debate if I was not happy. I agreed with the surgery

> option.

> > The reason given to me for this option was my age,46, better long-

> term

> > outcome and more control during the op. In other words dilation

can

> need

> > many attempts to get the right affect and has its risk of

rupture,

> Botox is

> > only short term generally speaking whereas the myotomy is more

> controllable

> > during surgery and has the best long term results if done

correctly

> which is

> > very important as many Drs have made mistakes in the past due to

> lack of

> > experience and we the patients suffer.

> >

> > Hope that helps a little from someone relatively new but with 1sy

> hand

> > experience.

> >

> >

> >

> > Andy

> >

> >

> >

> > Yorkshire, England

> >

> >

> >

> > PS Its now a week since my myotomy and the staples are out

> tomorrow, all 14

> > of them - panic!

> >

> >

> >

> > From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@]

> > Sent: 24 January 2008 20:03

> > achalasia <mailto:achalasia%

40>

> > Subject: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

> >

> >

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> want to

> > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

and

> have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

alternatives.

> I

> > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> alkalinizing

> > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site

is

> > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> found

> > another way to go?

> >

> > Jan

> > Monroe, WA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Andy- I guess I'm not looking for " experts " ...just regular people

to see if anyone has tried something other than what the doctors are

saying I must do. There are many books written on the subject of

Alkaline diets so I have been wondering if others have tried this

approach.

Jan

-- In achalasia , " Haigh " <andy.haigh@...>

wrote:

>

> I can see where you are coming from with the surgery as last

option. I will

> leave it for the other users to comment on your other questions as

I have no

> experience in that area - sorry. There are a few 'experts' who will

pop up

> and enlighten you more.

>

>

>

> Andy

>

>

>

> From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@...]

> Sent: 24 January 2008 20:31

> achalasia

> Subject: Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

>

>

>

> Hi Andy- I am 56 and surgery has been the only option offered to

me.

> What I was trying to get at was why are there no doctors who are

> studying the effect/cause of diet on achalasia? Is there anyone is

> this group who has pursued this avenue and what have they learned?

> I had the dialation done and felt better for a couple of months. I

> have not had as bad symptoms since then. I really want an

alternative

> to surgery.

> Jan

>

>

> >

> > Hi Jan

> >

> > Without know all your details I cannot be too exact but basically

> there are

> > three options open for Achalasia. Dilation - Botox or the surgery

> you will

> > have seen mentioned, myotomy, which I had done a week ago and

doing

> very

> > well. In my case the options were explained and suggestions made

> but they

> > were open to debate if I was not happy. I agreed with the surgery

> option.

> > The reason given to me for this option was my age,46, better long-

> term

> > outcome and more control during the op. In other words dilation

can

> need

> > many attempts to get the right affect and has its risk of

rupture,

> Botox is

> > only short term generally speaking whereas the myotomy is more

> controllable

> > during surgery and has the best long term results if done

correctly

> which is

> > very important as many Drs have made mistakes in the past due to

> lack of

> > experience and we the patients suffer.

> >

> > Hope that helps a little from someone relatively new but with 1sy

> hand

> > experience.

> >

> >

> >

> > Andy

> >

> >

> >

> > Yorkshire, England

> >

> >

> >

> > PS Its now a week since my myotomy and the staples are out

> tomorrow, all 14

> > of them - panic!

> >

> >

> >

> > From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@]

> > Sent: 24 January 2008 20:03

> > achalasia <mailto:achalasia%

40>

> > Subject: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

> >

> >

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> want to

> > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

and

> have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

alternatives.

> I

> > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> alkalinizing

> > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site

is

> > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> found

> > another way to go?

> >

> > Jan

> > Monroe, WA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry but that’s what I meant – just regular people –

but with more knowledge than me.

Someone will pop up if you hang on.

Andy

From: wipperwillow

[mailto:wipperwillow@...]

Sent: 24 January 2008 20:58

achalasia

Subject: Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

Hi Andy- I guess I'm not looking for

" experts " ...just regular people

to see if anyone has tried something other than what the doctors are

saying I must do. There are many books written on the subject of

Alkaline diets so I have been wondering if others have tried this

approach.

Jan

-- In achalasia ,

" Haigh " <andy.haigh@...>

wrote:

>

> I can see where you are coming from with the surgery as last

option. I will

> leave it for the other users to comment on your other questions as

I have no

> experience in that area - sorry. There are a few 'experts' who will

pop up

> and enlighten you more.

>

>

>

> Andy

>

>

>

> From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@...]

> Sent: 24 January 2008 20:31

> achalasia

> Subject: Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

>

>

>

> Hi Andy- I am 56 and surgery has been the only option offered to

me.

> What I was trying to get at was why are there no doctors who are

> studying the effect/cause of diet on achalasia? Is there anyone is

> this group who has pursued this avenue and what have they learned?

> I had the dialation done and felt better for a couple of months. I

> have not had as bad symptoms since then. I really want an

alternative

> to surgery.

> Jan

>

>

> >

> > Hi Jan

> >

> > Without know all your details I cannot be too exact but basically

> there are

> > three options open for Achalasia. Dilation - Botox or the surgery

> you will

> > have seen mentioned, myotomy, which I had done a week ago and

doing

> very

> > well. In my case the options were explained and suggestions made

> but they

> > were open to debate if I was not happy. I agreed with the surgery

> option.

> > The reason given to me for this option was my age,46, better long-

> term

> > outcome and more control during the op. In other words dilation

can

> need

> > many attempts to get the right affect and has its risk of

rupture,

> Botox is

> > only short term generally speaking whereas the myotomy is more

> controllable

> > during surgery and has the best long term results if done

correctly

> which is

> > very important as many Drs have made mistakes in the past due to

> lack of

> > experience and we the patients suffer.

> >

> > Hope that helps a little from someone relatively new but with 1sy

> hand

> > experience.

> >

> >

> >

> > Andy

> >

> >

> >

> > Yorkshire, England

> >

> >

> >

> > PS Its now a week since my myotomy and the staples are out

> tomorrow, all 14

> > of them - panic!

> >

> >

> >

> > From: wipperwillow [mailto:wipperwillow@]

> > Sent: 24 January 2008 20:03

> > achalasia

<mailto:achalasia%

40>

> > Subject: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

> >

> >

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> want to

> > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

and

> have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

alternatives.

> I

> > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> alkalinizing

> > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site

is

> > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> found

> > another way to go?

> >

> > Jan

> > Monroe, WA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan

My take on this, is very much the same as Andy's based on my research

and the talks I have had with doctors.

An alkaline diet sounds like something good for GERD for example. As

far as achalasia goes I haven't heard of there being any magical

formulas unfortunately. There are little tricks that may or may not

help with your eating though:

*Carbonated beverages (coke at least seems to help for me);

*Medication such as calcium channel blockers / nitrates;

I have also read something about acupuncture but I've no idea if it

actually would give you any benefit.

Not that I'm too excited about surgery either but as Andy wrote it's

the best we've got apparently. I should my own surgery in 2/3 week's

time.

Best of luck!

Francisco

>

> I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

want to

> do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and

have

> been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives.

I

> keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

alkalinizing

> diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is

> talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

found

> another way to go?

>

> Jan

> Monroe, WA

>

[Guest guest]

I guess I'm one of those people who will not submit to the knife

until I've looked at every other alternative. I feel that once I've

gone through the surgery there is not turning back. You're stuck with

it. Doctors seem to have a one-track mind in regards to surgery.

They have no alternative....and that bothers me.

Jan

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> want to

> > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

and

> have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

alternatives.

> I

> > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> alkalinizing

> > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site

is

> > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> found

> > another way to go?

> >

> > Jan

> > Monroe, WA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Quick P.S:

I'm no expert either! I haven't even had any surgery or dilations

done thus far unlike many of the folks posting here. But I have been

living with untreated Achalasia for about 3 years now...

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> want to

> > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

and

> have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

alternatives.

> I

> > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> alkalinizing

> > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site

is

> > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> found

> > another way to go?

> >

> > Jan

> > Monroe, WA

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Have you tried any alternatives to diet to " treat " your achalasia?

Why have you gone " untreated " ? I've had this condition a relatively

short time and I would not want to live without trying to manage it

with some kind of attempts and feeling better.

Jan

-- In achalasia , " Francisco " <frapim@...> wrote:

>

> Quick P.S:

>

> I'm no expert either! I haven't even had any surgery or

dilations

> done thus far unlike many of the folks posting here. But I have

been

> living with untreated Achalasia for about 3 years now...

>

>

> > >

> > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> > want to

> > > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

> and

> > have

> > > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

> alternatives.

> > I

> > > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> > alkalinizing

> > > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this

site

> is

> > > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> > found

> > > another way to go?

> > >

> > > Jan

> > > Monroe, WA

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I definitely know what you mean! That bothers me as well, although

not as much as knowing that the root cause of Achalasia (which is

what should be addressed really) is still unknown so really the

surgery is a form of refined " mutilation " of the offending muscle.

I would really like to see some developments on an actual cure but

can't force the doctors to come up with one I'm afraid.

As for why it was untreated, well symptoms were faint and manageable

so what happened was that most of that time I wasn't even diagnosed

properly as having it. Only in the last year or so it's really gotten

worse.

Sadly, as I've said, I can't say that I have tried an actual

alternative treatment, just little tricks here and there - I'd be

happy to elaborate more on them if you like but I think they're

mostly well known - that have gotten me by so far but it hasn't been

easy.

Francisco

> > >

> > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> > want to

> > > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

> and

> > have

> > > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

> alternatives.

> > I

> > > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> > alkalinizing

> > > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this

site

> is

> > > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> > found

> > > another way to go?

> > >

> > > Jan

> > > Monroe, WA

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Jan,

No expert talking here, just a fellow achalasian, experiencing achalasia for over 15 years now and facing the -ectomy.

Believe me, I've tried it all: diets, dilatations (bougy and balloon), myotomy and Botox...

No doubt about the doctor's treatments, they all work. Nevertheless the one works better than the other in the one achalasian than in the other. There's more to find on the different treatments and it's pro's and con's here on the board. Long-term relief is mostly only to be gained by myotomy. Furthermore with having dilatations and/or Botox you lessen your chances of a complication free and successfull myotomy.

But your question is about diets, acupuncture etc. Hmmm, well, I don't think highly of those in case of achalasia, simply because of the fact that these don't work for us. Indeed with some diseases this type of treatment works, in our's it doesn't. That's why you don't read much about it here.

In case of spasms magnesium supplements etc. might help, but real relief, no I'm sorry, haven't heard of it.

There is only one case I know of, of a lady who succeeded in lessening her spasms with acupuncture. Furthermore I've only heard about acupuncture being tried but unsuccessfull (that's the one thing I haven't tried myself -LOL-).

Isabella

Alkaline Diet & Achalasia> > > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors want to > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and have > been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives. I > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here found >

another way to go?> > Jan> Monroe, WA>

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan,

I have tried acupuncture and a diet after an unsuccessful dilation. I went to see a doctor practicing Chinese medicine. What I found difficult is that he had a totally different view on the cause of my issues.

The regular medical explanation of Achalasia is that something causes the nerves at the end of your E. to die and therefore no longer control the peristalthasis and the LES (sfincter that functions as a lid on your stomach). The LES should open as soon as food is on its way. Now the Chinese doctor said the problem was not at all in the nerves and the LES, but in the stomach refusing food and therefore instructing the nerves to act the way they do (thus corrupting the passage of food). He gave me acupuncture and a special diet, which I couldn't do as eating was my problem! I found it hard that his diagnose was so different from the GI's. As I did not get any results and only got worse, I stopped the treatment.

Then I got so bad that I couldn't eat anything but babyfood, chocolate cream and cream in general. I also had 4-5 spasms a day, which wore me out completely. I only wanted something to be done and therefore had my myotomy. It did the trick and I can eat again. I think it also depends on how bad the issues are. I didn't care what they did, as long as it would help me!

Of course I hope there is another way, but as long as there isn't, I am thankful for the surgery!

Take care!

Greetings from Holland,Astrid

Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

I guess I'm one of those people who will not submit to the knife until I've looked at every other alternative. I feel that once I've gone through the surgery there is not turning back. You're stuck with it. Doctors seem to have a one-track mind in regards to surgery. They have no alternative. ...and that bothers me.Jan> >> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors > want to > > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and > have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives. > I > > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an > alkalinizing > > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is > > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here > found > > another way to go?> > > > Jan> > Monroe, WA> >>

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[Guest guest]

Hi Astrid- I am sorry that things got so bad for you but I'm glad you

found the help you needed. I must consider myself lucky that I don't

have it quite so bad although I have lost 65 lbs. I at least now feel

relatively comfortable and have found that using what I've found in

alkaline diet books to be very beneficial. I also went on a 10 day

fast and consumed only spirulina smoothies. I somehow felt that doing

that put me in control of the symptoms although I do acknowledge that

I may not be able to " get my sphincter back " . I also practice yoga

and have found that leaning towards a mostly vegetarian diet is

helping.... it is what is in most of the alkaline diet books. I

really want to see that I can manage this and not have to give up and

go for surgery which I see as being totally non-reversable...once you

do it there is no turning back. I do understand that other people

have had no choice. I'm hanging in there for something else.

Jan

>

> Hi Jan,

>

> I have tried acupuncture and a diet after an unsuccessful dilation.

I went to see a doctor practicing Chinese medicine. What I found

difficult is that he had a totally different view on the cause of my

issues.

>

> The regular medical explanation of Achalasia is that something

causes the nerves at the end of your E. to die and therefore no

longer control the peristalthasis and the LES (sfincter that

functions as a lid on your stomach). The LES should open as soon as

food is on its way. Now the Chinese doctor said the problem was not

at all in the nerves and the LES, but in the stomach refusing food

and therefore instructing the nerves to act the way they do (thus

corrupting the passage of food). He gave me acupuncture and a special

diet, which I couldn't do as eating was my problem! I found it hard

that his diagnose was so different from the GI's. As I did not get

any results and only got worse, I stopped the treatment.

>

> Then I got so bad that I couldn't eat anything but babyfood,

chocolate cream and cream in general. I also had 4-5 spasms a day,

which wore me out completely. I only wanted something to be done and

therefore had my myotomy. It did the trick and I can eat again. I

think it also depends on how bad the issues are. I didn't care what

they did, as long as it would help me!

>

> Of course I hope there is another way, but as long as there isn't,

I am thankful for the surgery!

>

> Take care!

> Greetings from Holland,

> Astrid

>

>

> Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

>

> I guess I'm one of those people who will not submit to the knife

> until I've looked at every other alternative. I feel that once I've

> gone through the surgery there is not turning back. You're stuck

with

> it. Doctors seem to have a one-track mind in regards to surgery.

> They have no alternative. ...and that bothers me.

> Jan

>

>

> > >

> > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> > want to

> > > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

> and

> > have

> > > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

> alternatives.

> > I

> > > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> > alkalinizing

> > > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this

site

> is

> > > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> > found

> > > another way to go?

> > >

> > > Jan

> > > Monroe, WA

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Looking for last minute shopping deals?

> Find them fast with Search.

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>

[Guest guest]

Jan,

Welcome to the group! I don't know about the alkaline diet, but

my husband has tried accupuncture for his DES (diffuse esophageal

spasm - a different E motility disorder). He had 20 accupuncture

treatments with a traditional Chinese medicine doctor about 18 mos.

ago. It relaxed him and helped with stress, but it did nothing to

reduce his E spasms or dysphagia.

Other members may have a better memory on this than me, but I

thought there was another group that dealt with " alternative

achalasia " treatments.

While you are researching and/or trying alternative treatments,

please keep in mind that achalasia can cause permanent damage to your

E (esophagus). It's best to at least have your condition monitored to

make sure that your E isn't widening (that can be hard to tell by

symptoms - per the experiences of some members of this group). Many

times physicians recommend surgery as a first treatment because it is

considered the best way to prevent further damage to your E. Good luck

in your search for answers!

in Michigan

>

> I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors want to

> do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and have

> been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives. I

> keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing

> diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is

> talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here found

> another way to go?

>

> Jan

> Monroe, WA

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jan I am a newly diagnosed Achalasian that had surgery on Dec. 5, 2007, and was not diagnosed until July 2007, but I have had the symptoms since 1998 and I used various methods to accomplish the process of eating and had no major difficulty in doing so. The reason for my quick surgery was the condition of my esophagus, it was 4 to 6 times larger than normal because of the food stretching the esophagus and not going into the stomach. The esophagus really acts like a second stomach without the digestive juices to process the food (it just rots in the esophagus) and from what I understood from my doctor this is the problem (it could possibly lead to other troubles). He told me he thought he could salvage my esohagus with surgery. Now the choice we have is do we play with more damage to the esophagus or do we have surgery and take our chances. The scary part for me is that I had no

symptoms that my esophagus was being stretched other than regruitation of food sometimes (seldom) but a constant taste of the food that I ate the day before, a full feeling. No acid, no chest pains, no spasms other than hickups, no regruitation after every meal or everyday. So I could have decided I would do nothing and continue as I was and I wonder how long I would have continued as Dr. Rice said I was getting a small crook in my esophagus. So if you are not interested in surgery then my suggestion to you is keep a close check on the condition of your esophagus because it seems that there is a point of where nothing else but removal is the choice. There is no known cure currently and it is proven that it worsens with time but each of us has a different speed. So from a newbe be careful and check things out, be open. Millie - VA wipperwillow <wipperwillow@...> wrote: I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors want to do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea and have been researching in libraries and on the internet for alternatives. I keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site is talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here found another way to

go?JanMonroe, WA

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[Guest guest]

Jan wrote:

> ... I

> keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing

> diet may yield relief if not a cure. ...

I have a thought game for you. It starts out ridiculous.

If your arm was cut off by a chain saw what diet would you use to " cure

it? " Okey that is a ridiculous question. In achalasia we don't lose a limb.

If you had spinal nerve damage or brain damage, what diet would you use

to cure it? Maybe this is ridiculous too. That may have more traumatic

neural damage than in achalasia.

If you had a branch of the vagus nerve to your stomach cut by a surgeon

to reduce acid production, and wanted to undo it, what diet would you

use? Is this ridiculous too? No one cut the branches of the vagus never

to our esophagi.

Some of the the neural connections from the vagus nerve to the esophagus

are damaged, destroyed and missing in achalasia. How is a diet going to

heal that?

Doctors are in the patient business. Surgeons are in the surgery

business. Pharmaceutical companies are in the drug business. And,

authors are in the book business. Take the advice of all of them with

plenty of salt. Do your home work. Educate yourself and be careful not

to be indoctrinated. And when it comes to books consider that, it is a

lot harder to get into legal trouble by telling people in print how to

make their own snake oil than it is by selling snake oil, but it can

make you a lot of money. With snake oil salesmen of all types, from

politics, religion to stock market gurus, some of the people we love and

respect are going to be the true believers telling us how good it is.

Some authors tell the truth. I will let you decide about your authors. I

just suggest you stay open to the idea that what you read may not be on

the level.

notan

[Guest guest]

I have a friend who works in the same office where I work who had to have the Vagus nerve cut several years ago because he had too much stomach acid. He says the nerve keeps regrowing and they have to keep cutting it.....so apparently it can and does regrow. Jan notan ostrich <notan_ostrich@...> wrote: Jan wrote:> ... I > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing > diet may yield relief if not a cure.

....I have a thought game for you. It starts out ridiculous.If your arm was cut off by a chain saw what diet would you use to "cure it?" Okey that is a ridiculous question. In achalasia we don't lose a limb.If you had spinal nerve damage or brain damage, what diet would you use to cure it? Maybe this is ridiculous too. That may have more traumatic neural damage than in achalasia.If you had a branch of the vagus nerve to your stomach cut by a surgeon to reduce acid production, and wanted to undo it, what diet would you use? Is this ridiculous too? No one cut the branches of the vagus never to our esophagi.Some of the the neural connections from the vagus nerve to the esophagus are damaged, destroyed and missing in achalasia. How is a diet going to heal that?Doctors are in the patient business. Surgeons are in the surgery business. Pharmaceutical companies are in the drug business. And,

authors are in the book business. Take the advice of all of them with plenty of salt. Do your home work. Educate yourself and be careful not to be indoctrinated. And when it comes to books consider that, it is a lot harder to get into legal trouble by telling people in print how to make their own snake oil than it is by selling snake oil, but it can make you a lot of money. With snake oil salesmen of all types, from politics, religion to stock market gurus, some of the people we love and respect are going to be the true believers telling us how good it is. Some authors tell the truth. I will let you decide about your authors. I just suggest you stay open to the idea that what you read may not be on the level.notan

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[Guest guest]

Dear Jan, I have been following your posts and the advice and comments that have already been made and would like to add my own to them. I know EXACTLY where you are coming from, because I had that mindset for many years. I have had achalasia since 1990 and decided that I would cope with it myself. I have learned my lesson the hard way, because what I did not realise was that all the time I thought I was coping, my oesophagus was getting more and more out of shape. I am not an expert in achalasia either, but believe me, I became an expert in coping. I knew all the tricks, including running up and down the stairs like a mad woman, anything to get the food to move down. I used to go for weeks

without regurging and thought that I had stopped it getting any worse. WHAT AN IDIOT - When I eventually had the sense to have the myotomy in May 2006 the Surgeon could only describe my oesophagus as a "mess". Don't make my mistake, learn from it and DO SOMETHING. From Ann in England. wipperwillow <wipperwillow@...> wrote: Have you tried any alternatives to diet to "treat" your achalasia? Why have you gone "untreated"? I've had this condition a relatively short time and I would not want to live without trying to manage it with some kind of attempts and feeling better.Jan-- In achalasia , "Francisco" <frapim@...> wrote:>> Quick P.S: > > I'm no expert either! I haven't even had any surgery or dilations > done thus far unlike many of the folks posting here. But I have been > living with untreated Achalasia for about 3 years now...> > > > >> > > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors > > want to > > > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea > and > > have > > > been researching in libraries and on the internet for > alternatives. > > I > > > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an > > alkalinizing > > > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site > is > > > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here > > found > > > another way to go?> > > > > > Jan> > > Monroe, WA> > >>

>>

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[Guest guest]

Nortan - I like this makes so much sense, we forget about common sense sometimes when we are hurting. Thanks for reminding me. Millienotan ostrich <notan_ostrich@...> wrote: Jan wrote:> ... I > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an alkalinizing > diet may yield relief if not a cure. ...I have a thought game for you. It starts out ridiculous.If your arm was cut off by a chain saw what diet would you use to "cure it?" Okey that is a ridiculous

question. In achalasia we don't lose a limb.If you had spinal nerve damage or brain damage, what diet would you use to cure it? Maybe this is ridiculous too. That may have more traumatic neural damage than in achalasia.If you had a branch of the vagus nerve to your stomach cut by a surgeon to reduce acid production, and wanted to undo it, what diet would you use? Is this ridiculous too? No one cut the branches of the vagus never to our esophagi.Some of the the neural connections from the vagus nerve to the esophagus are damaged, destroyed and missing in achalasia. How is a diet going to heal that?Doctors are in the patient business. Surgeons are in the surgery business. Pharmaceutical companies are in the drug business. And, authors are in the book business. Take the advice of all of them with plenty of salt. Do your home work. Educate yourself and be careful not to be indoctrinated. And when it

comes to books consider that, it is a lot harder to get into legal trouble by telling people in print how to make their own snake oil than it is by selling snake oil, but it can make you a lot of money. With snake oil salesmen of all types, from politics, religion to stock market gurus, some of the people we love and respect are going to be the true believers telling us how good it is. Some authors tell the truth. I will let you decide about your authors. I just suggest you stay open to the idea that what you read may not be on the level.notan

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[Guest guest]

Jan Rowan wrote:

I have a friend who works in the same office where I work who

had to have the Vagus nerve cut several years ago because he had too

much stomach acid. He says the nerve keeps regrowing and they have to

keep cutting it.....so apparently it can and does regrow.

It does only sort of. (I am wishing I had use a different example.) As

I understand it, and I could be wrong, when researchers look into this

in a lab they find that vagal afferent fibers reinnervate but not vagal

efferent fibers. It is efferent fibers that control the muscles of the

esophagus. Even though this is what I seem to read I find it a bit odd

and suspect because I would think that efferent fibers play an

important role in acid production, but I suppose that changes in the

ganglia and other pathways could cause the return of acid production,

and there are changes there as the body tries to adapt. This kind of

thing has also been studied in heart transplants where the heart has

obviously been disconnected from the vagus nerve but in time may show

signs of reinnervation, but it only seems to be afferent. In any case,

I also believe in miracles.

notan

[Guest guest]

Jan.

Just been looking at your previous posts to see what background

you have told us about to see what help we can offer and I must say that

your last comment – ‘Doctors seem to have a one-track mind

in regards to surgery.

They have no alternative....and that bothers me.’

actually bothers me and me be the reason you are reluctant to

accept that surgery may be the only option. Why does that bother you –

that they have no alternative. Have you had a bad experience with Doctors

and just don’t believe them. My first GP didn’t believe I had

Achalasia as its so rare (according to the figures around 600 people in the

whole of the UK have it out of 60 million) so I had to go through numerous

tests before being referred to hospital and then after the three usual tests it

was confirmed but it doesn’t mean I don’t believe or don’t

trust them anymore.

Andy

From: wipperwillow

[mailto:wipperwillow@...]

Sent: 24 January 2008 21:12

achalasia

Subject: Re: Alkaline Diet & Achalasia

I guess I'm one of those people who will not

submit to the knife

until I've looked at every other alternative. I feel that once I've

gone through the surgery there is not turning back. You're stuck with

it. Doctors seem to have a one-track mind in regards to surgery.

They have no alternative....and that bothers me.

Jan

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia a few months ago and the doctors

> want to

> > do the myotomy surgery on me. I am not thrilled with this idea

and

> have

> > been researching in libraries and on the internet for

alternatives.

> I

> > keep coming across numerous books that indicate that an

> alkalinizing

> > diet may yield relief if not a cure. Everyone I see on this site

is

> > talking about their surgery and their doctors. Has anyone here

> found

> > another way to go?

> >

> > Jan

> > Monroe, WA

> >

>