Newly diagnosed Achalasia patient

[Guest guest]

Well, I've not been officially diagnosed but all 3 tests, plus my

symptoms, point to Achalasia. I'm a 59 year old male. My doctor told me

that it's unusual for someone to come in whose esophagus is still in

pretty good shape. He said that many people have it for many years

before seeking help because they become accustomed to the symptoms until

they get worse and become intolerable.

I guess because I can't control Achalasia I was motivated to control

what I can. Since just before Thanksgiving, I've been watching my

calories and nutrition, running and working out with weight and am in

the best shape of my life. I'm down about 15 pounds and it's not because

of any problems eating. I don't know if there is a connection but my

symptoms have become so mild, I don't know that I would have sought

medical help if I was feeling as good as I am now.

Still, from what I read, the disease is always progressive and so

surgery is inevitable. Is that correct? Or are there people who opt to

manage without surgery who have done okay for a long time? My next

appointment is on Monday February 6th and at that point, I expect he'll

strongly be advising me to have the surgery.