Guest guest Posted February 20, 2012 Report Share Posted February 20, 2012 If you have achalasia, you may start to look back at your earlier GERD and wonder if you haven't had achalasia for a long time. Many of us are undiagnosed for years or misdiagnosed with GERD. You might consider getting a pneumonia shot. If you have achalasia, it seems much easier to get pneumonia because our esophagus doesn't move down all the things that can cause infections. Welcome to the group and good luck down your path of achalasia. Again, if it is achalasia, the most important thing is to seek out specialists and get treatments as needed, whether surgery or dialations to prevent your esophagus from stretching. Welcome to out little group. Sandy > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > Blessings :-) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 >I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager Hi Auri Yes I believe GERD caused mine. Mine started about 6 years ago in the middle of the night, four GI assholes put me on Nexium. This made it worse, so I could not digest what food that got through. Off all pills now and I take Magnesium for a much better BM. Also believe Magnesium opens the LES, regenerates the mussels. I am so much better than I was 3 years ago. You need a manometry test to confirm it. I have no operations or full dilations ever, found out how to manage it last 3 years. I use Magnesium, butter and Coke daily. Found out what I could eat. Originally lost 35 lbs to 135, but now gained some back. Feel great most of the time! Found out how to clean out the e before bed with water. Ray CA OC 81 > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > Blessings :-) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Hi Sandy, thank you. You are probably right now that I think about it. Back then I had never heard of this condition and its something I would have never considered. Is there any other way to prevent pneumonia with this condition? How often do people really get it? > > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > Blessings :-) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Hello Auri. Welcome to the group. We are here to support and help out the best we can. If you have any questions please ask and I will try and answer the best I can. in Gerogia Sent from my iPhone On Feb 20, 2012, at 22:23, " Auri " <prosperousauri@...> wrote: > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > Blessings :-) > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by > Schools charge students $5 for detentions > Some Chicago schools are under fire for fining kids for breaking even the smallest rules. > Privacy Policy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Hi , thank you! I do have lots of questions but didn't want to be a bother. Just trying to process and understand everything. It's a lot to digest. (Pun intended ;-) > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > Blessings :-) > > > > > > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by > > Schools charge students $5 for detentions > > Some Chicago schools are under fire for fining kids for breaking even the smallest rules. > > Privacy Policy > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Don't feel like your a bother. If you want to call me you can. I live in Georgia and my number is 478-919-8813. I am happy to help. Sent from my iPhone On Feb 21, 2012, at 8:56, " Auri " <prosperousauri@...> wrote: > Hi , thank you! I do have lots of questions but didn't want to be a bother. Just trying to process and understand everything. It's a lot to digest. (Pun intended ;-) > > > > > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > > > Blessings :-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by > > > Schools charge students $5 for detentions > > > Some Chicago schools are under fire for fining kids for breaking even the smallest rules. > > > Privacy Policy > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Thank youm I appreciate the offer :-) > > > > > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > > > > > Blessings :-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > TODAY(Beta) • Powered by > > > > Schools charge students $5 for detentions > > > > Some Chicago schools are under fire for fining kids for breaking even the smallest rules. > > > > Privacy Policy > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 I would get that dreadful hacking cough for months if I got a cold, not sure it was ever up to pneumonia standards except once or twice. before the HM. I seldom get it now. The pneumonia shot lasts 10 years but it is only for that one type of pneumonia. I do take the flu shot every year and I avoid sick kids if I can. Mucinex moves out all that gunk also, so I take that if there are signs of buildup. After my HM I don't get walking pneumonia or other infections nearly as often. Before I'd get something like that several times a year. My kids were younger, maybe they brought home more germs. Also put risers at the head of your bed only. Most of us sleep inclined somehow. I have a pillow pile, but they slip and I slide off during the night. You need to use gravity to keep your esophagus from filling up with saliva etc. even after surgery. Sandy > > > > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > > > Blessings :-) > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 I also would alway cough at night before my HM. I bought myself a sponge wedge and that was the best $100 I have ever spent. It meant that I could sleep and after around 3 months of not sleeping it saved my sanity. (Melbourne-Aus) On 22/02/2012, at 4:47 AM, " Sandy " <toomuchclutter@...> wrote: > > I would get that dreadful hacking cough for months if I got a cold, not sure it was ever up to pneumonia standards except once or twice. before the HM. I seldom get it now. The pneumonia shot lasts 10 years but it is only for that one type of pneumonia. I do take the flu shot every year and I avoid sick kids if I can. > > Mucinex moves out all that gunk also, so I take that if there are signs of buildup. After my HM I don't get walking pneumonia or other infections nearly as often. Before I'd get something like that several times a year. My kids were younger, maybe they brought home more germs. > > Also put risers at the head of your bed only. Most of us sleep inclined somehow. I have a pillow pile, but they slip and I slide off during the night. You need to use gravity to keep your esophagus from filling up with saliva etc. even after surgery. > > Sandy > > > > > > > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > > > > > Blessings :-) > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Welcome Auir to our group. Sorry you have to be here but this is where you will find a wealth of knowledge and support from people who suffer from the same things. Good luck in your journey that's ahead of you!  Kim A Wisconsin ________________________________ From: Auri <prosperousauri@...> achalasia Sent: Monday, February 20, 2012 9:23 PM Subject: Hello All- New Here  Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. Look forward to getting to know everyone. Blessings :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2012 Report Share Posted February 21, 2012 Auri ~~ there are two kinds of dilation: one is done pretty much with any esophageal endoscopy. It's about 15 or 20mm. For us Achalsians, it's pretty much useless -- often only lasts a few days. (Mine lasted less than a week -- but it was done as a " side effect " of them needing to get the probe down into the stomach and to the duodenum.) The regular pneumatic balloon dilation for Achalasia is 30, 35 or even 40mm, and does a much better job. Especially if one is older. It may last for years or forever. Doesn't tend to last as well for you youngsters though. And too many of them may make surgery a real problem. . .. . Good luck. And yes, travel IS possible if you LIKE traveling. See this: http://dmnewman.wordpress.com/2010/10/11/days-two-thru-four-london/ in WILD and wonderful WV > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > Blessings :-) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2012 Report Share Posted February 22, 2012 Hi , I didn't know about the two types of dilation, thank you. I just had the basic one with my EGD. I pray it holds out for a little while, I see a lot of people do not have great success with them. Thanks about the traveling, I checked out your blog. It's great to see people still living and emjoying life, because this can cripple you IF you let it. I started to get down, but I refust to let it get to me. I am going on my cruise and I am actually looking forward to it now, I was going because I didn't want to waste the trip. Now Im going with the expectation of having a great time with my family and get some much needed relaxation. > > > > Hello everyone, I am Auri, I'm 30 yrs old and live in VA. I haven't officially been DX with Achalasia but all signs are pointing that way. Out of the blue I lost my appetite, was very weak, had chest pain and started having tremors (which I believe was due to low blood sugar from not eating) a few weeks ago. After several emergency room trips, pnenumonia, heart and blood clot scares, the ER doc said it appeared my esophagus was dilated with salvia and air and recommended I see a GI doc. Had a GED done on last Friday and had the ballon dilation. Thank God I didnt know about it until after I came to or I would have freaked out lol. Since then I am able to eat and keep food down, but still not much of an appetite, so not eating much. Eating more out of obligation which stinks cause I love to eat. I have since lost 10 lbs which normally I wouldnt mind but under the circumstances thats not a good thing. Scheduled to have a barium swallow test in a few weeks. I have unfortunately dealt with a variety of health issues off/on over the years but this by far is the most challenging, frustration and at times scary. But with the grace of God, I am making it through. I have had GERD and dysphagia off/on since I was a teenager. I guess I was genetically predisposed to this condition or I was wondering if the years of acid reflux caused it? Who knows, all I know its a beast to deal with. But praying that it will soon get better. > > > > Look forward to getting to know everyone. > > > > Blessings :-) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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