Re: What if I do nothing?

[Guest guest]

Hello where are you from? Here is the thing with this disease. You might go a

long time and not much happens and then your symptoms might have an aggressive

fast onset. This disease is a progressive one and there will be a time where

you will have to have it taken care of.

I live in Georgia and If you want to call and ask me any question please feel

free to do so. I have had this disease for over 20 years. My phone number is

478-919-8813

in Georgia

Sent from my iPhone

On May 17, 2012, at 7:43, " woolie_man " <craig.waters@...> wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a bit

of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about

in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

>

>

>

> TODAY(Beta) • Powered by

> Hole-in-one contest winner cheated of prize

> Privacy Policy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and Welcome!

 

I've had this disorder for 24 yrs.  For some this disorder comes on fast and

can get worse quickly and for others it progresses slowly, but it will get worse

over time either way.  Doing nothing " could " result in a badly stretched out

esophagus. I struggled undiagnosised for a really long time, wound up eating

tiny bites of food hourly to sustain myself.  The regurg got so bad that many

things just came back up and would not stay down.  Slept on two pillows for

22yrs.  Many nights I would choke because the spit pools during the night and

you gag.  Well, it's not a bed of roses to have achalasia, and it's rare so

help is very difficult to get. 

 

There are options, mainly the HM surgery or the balloon dilitation.  Either

choice MUST be done by an expert that does these for achalasia patients, DO NOT

be anyones lab rat.  You must tell us what area you are in and find the best of

the best to go see.  I finally did that in 2010, I found a great surgeon and

had a face to face talk about my situation (as we are each unique).  She did my

surgery and it was a success....I now eat practically normal and can sleep on

just one pillow.  I have no heartburn.  I have no spasms any longer either. 

 

You can " do nothing " , but there are huge risks that you take.  If you do

nothing, you must check the size of your esophagus often with a GI.  If it

stretches, that could make surgery in the future less successful as well.  If I

could give you any advice it would be to find the BEST doctor to help you, that

gives you the best odds MHO. 

 

You will read of many failed surgerys here on this board, just know that there

are many more successful ones.  This group is here to support each other with

the good and the bad. 

 

Julee (now from Oregon) 

 

 

________________________________

From: woolie_man <craig.waters@...>

achalasia

Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:43 AM

Subject: What if I do nothing?

 

Hi,

I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a bit

of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing and

have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about in

10 or 20 years time?

Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

[Guest guest]

Hi, I tried to do that when I was in the army and was diagnosed 20ish years

ago. I ended up having a fully closed E and getting Medevaced to a Texas Army

medical Center. I tried again this past 2 years to ignore the failing myotomy

and had a closure for 4 days this past Feb. Achalasia has a mind of its own and

I remember what happened before. For me, one who does not like to go to doctors

at all, I think it is best to take care of it before it becomes an emergency or

too dialated or sigmoid or tortured ect....

Good luck.

Faith in MN

Re: What if I do nothing?

Hello where are you from? Here is the thing with this disease. You might go a

long time and not much happens and then your symptoms might have an aggressive

fast onset. This disease is a progressive one and there will be a time where you

will have to have it taken care of.

I live in Georgia and If you want to call and ask me any question please feel

free to do so. I have had this disease for over 20 years. My phone number is

478-919-8813

in Georgia

Sent from my iPhone

On May 17, 2012, at 7:43, " woolie_man " <craig.waters@...> wrote:

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a bit

of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about

in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

>

>

>

> TODAY(Beta) • Powered by

> Hole-in-one contest winner cheated of prize

> Privacy Policy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Wooli

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

Well I am the guy who has done NOTHING since the diagnosis at age 78 of

classical Achalasia. Mine started at age 75 as indigestion at night.

It has NOT progressed since age 78, in fact that I now understand it believe it

is much better. The secrets are to find out what you can eat then clear out the

e after every meal and at night.

Activity after eating , like a walk up a hill expands the lungs and seems to

move the food through the LES, or just breath deeply for several minutes, with

both hands on the top of the head, this will expand the lungs and stretch the

chest upward, allowing the LES to work better.

I have posted this before, but believe it helps me tremendously! Get a lot of

fiber and look at the items like fat=butter that OPENS the LES and RELAXES the

LES. I use a lot of butter and Magnesium twice a day 250 mg. Coffee 3 cups a day

and a Lotrel generic 5/20 twice a day which contains a calcium channel blocker

for blood pressure. And of course a cold can of COKE at mid day, coffee for

breakfast and early evening after dinner and lots of water before bed to get the

junk up.

Yes I have had my desperate times, what I now find if the food will not go

through, something is stuck in the LES, get it up, maybe drink several cans of

Coke, try to bring it up, I use a spit up glass, hopefully after this the LES

may open.

Also CO2 actually also opens the LES. I can not understand why some people do

not like carbonation, does it foam, froth, burp, gas, spasm? After all that's

how it works, to clean out the junk.

Ray CA OC 81 old as hell and no HM.

Drugs Decrease LES Pressure

Anticholinergics

Barbiturates

Benzodiazepines

Calcium channel blockers

Caffeine

Dopamine

Estrogens

Nicotine

Opiates

Progesterone

Theophyllin

Foods Decrease LES Pressure

Chocolate

Coffee

Ethanol

Fat

Peppermint

Spearmint

High fiber diet

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What

about in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group.  I am 53 years old and last month I had the surgery.  It

is amazing how good I feel.  Sometimes I do feel like something is caugh in the

base of my thraot but all I do is drink a slip or two of water and it goes

away.  I chew more and eat small portions.  I was told by my doctor that I do

not need to see him for another year and three year do the scope again.  I feel

the surgery is the only way.  I have notice that older age people who have A

the surgery is good.

 

Suzanne

From: woolie_man <craig.waters@...>

Subject: What if I do nothing?

achalasia

Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:43 AM

 

Hi,

I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a bit

of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing and

have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about in

10 or 20 years time?

Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

[Guest guest]

Hi! Welcome to the group. I don't have 10-20 years under my belt, but I'm happy

to share my experience for what it's worth.

I, too, am 40 years old. I started having what I thought was heartburn about a

year ago. I had never had heartburn in my life before that. My doctor put me on

Nexium which did nothing. I was having worsening pain every time I ate. By

October of last year (6 months after my very first symptom), I ended up in the

ER when a piece of sushi got stuck and refused to go down. After 2 months of

what felt like every test known to man, they diagnosed me with A. I met with a

surgeon in January, but like you, was managing well on my own (once I knew what

was going on, I changed the way I ate and that helped tremendously), so we

decided that I should manage as long as I could with no treatment.

However, I continued to get worse, and by April, I could no longer get anything

down- even water, and sometimes I would regurgitate my saliva. I had to get an

IV due to dehydration, and because the surgeon couldn't get me in for a few

weeks, I ended up having an emergency BoTox injection 2 weeks ago which I hadn't

even researched fully because I didn't consider it an option for me. Funny how

your perspective changes when you are dying of thirst and hunger!

Anyway, I have been eating and drinking fairly normally for the past 2 weeks

(although the symptoms are starting to come back already) which has been

amazing!!

I was VERY opposed to treatment in January, and now I can't WAIT to get the

surgery. Again, it is all about perspective.

I hope that you are able to continue to manage on your own, but like others have

said, you should be followed closely by an experienced A doctor because things

can be going on that you aren't even aware of (esophagus stretching, etc).

Best of luck to you, and I am happy to talk to you anytime. Email me and I will

give you my contact info.

Take care,

>

>

> From: woolie_man <craig.waters@...>

> Subject: What if I do nothing?

> achalasia

> Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:43 AM

>

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a bit

of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about

in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Craig, welcome to the group! Sorry you're here.

I think that to one degree or another, we've *all* tried doing nothing. For

some, decades. For others, just a few years. Some it hits so hard and fast and

completely that the option of doing nothing does not exist, ever.

I'm witcha on the weight loss: my first thirty pounds, I thought I'd died and

gone to heaven. The next thirty scared the bejebus out of me. And I ended up

in ER, and spent five days in the cardiac wing. Fact is: if you are losing

weight, you ARE starving. Do a bit of reading on the long term effects on the

body of starvation. I'd give a *whole lot* to have been sharper, sooner.

As for Mer -- love him, but he actually does more than any of us in order to " do

nothing. " His list is very good, and *all* of ameliorates Achalasia. NONE of

it cures it.

The nature of the beast is that its progress is uneven. When you *think* it's

responding to life style changes -- it *isn't*. . . . it was just in a natural

rest stage, and will come back, stronger, and worse, until you DO end up in ER.

At which point, survival can be very dicey. How much better to find out, study,

and line up the BEST of care *before* everyone's running around like chickens

with their heads cut off?

Truth is: Achalasia is the *worst* possible diet on the planet. Please don't

use it for that. DO get to your primary care physician, and get some blood work

done -- it's very likely that your electrolytes are already screwed up, and need

work. And starvation is going to mess with your metabolism, big time. If you

think your have weight problems now, just wait, and do nothing.

Prayers, hope, and love your direction.

/ West Virgina

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What

about in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

[Guest guest]

I agree with on this one. I, too, tried to just manage for years, breathing

deeply, running stairs after eating to try to push things down, etc. I did NOT

want to see a doctor.

There are a number of smaller procedures like Botox and dilatations that help

temporarily, but honestly, the dilatations are painful (I haven't tried Botox)

and generally only work for a few weeks to a few months.

I finally got to the point where my quality of life was so low that the surgeon

said there was literally no downside to having the surgery (that's how long I

ignored it--until I could no longer EVER eat in public or even with family

around, I couldn't work, could barely get myself to school, get groceries, etc.)

The myotomy changed my life (laproscopic, with partial wrap, back in 2001). It

was only a few days of discomfort/pain for years and years and years of eating

without anything sticking, without throwing up (side effect: spasms are just as

bad or worse than before and I have acid reflux for life). I was terrified of

the surgery and now I think if things got worse for me now, I would skip all the

painful little things (like dilatation) and go right for the myotomy.

Anyhow, you don't really need to do anything (except have a GE keep an eye on

things internally) until you have more trouble than you're having now.

> >

> >

> > From: woolie_man <craig.waters@>

> > Subject: What if I do nothing?

> > achalasia

> > Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:43 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >  

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

> >

> > It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

> >

> > So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

> >

> > And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

> >

> > I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

> >

> > I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found

something I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be

in this situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

> >

> > The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option

- Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

> >

> > I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

> >

> > I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about

in 10 or 20 years time?

> >

> > Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Welcome Craig,

I was diagnosed with achalasia a few months after the symptoms showed, and had

my HM a few months later in May, 2008 - just passed my 4 year anniversary. It

was the best thing I could have done.

I still have occasional issues, and I feel every bite of food that goes down,

but I'm pretty sure my esophagus is still straight, and my story is pretty

boring, thankfully - as opposed to some that you read here.

I found this board and did my due diligence, and am glad that I took the route I

did. Just keep asking questions until you are satisfied that you're on the right

track would be my only advice.

Best of luck to you,

Lee in Santa Barbara

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What

about in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Craig -

I was diagnosed with Achalasia last year after suffering with it for over

seven years. It started out slow but symptoms got worse as time past. It

got to the point that I would have spasms that would limit my ability to

eat anything and could barely get liquids down. I would regurgitate

throughout the day and anytime I felt a cough coming on I would grab a

trash can to catch the regurgitation. This past April I had surgery and it

has been the best decision I ever made concern this condition. Like you I

am in my early 40's and want to be able to enjoy a long and full life. The

best advice my surgeon gave me when I was considering whether or not to

have surgery was the longer I wait the more permanent damage can be done to

my esophagus. So I decided for quality of life reasons for the long haul

it was best to have the surgery and hope for the best.

I wish you the best and encourage you to not wait until it is to late to

make a decision. This condition is not fun and the sooner the better for

improving your quality of life.

Geoffrey (Woodbridge, VA, USA)

On Fri, May 18, 2012 at 1:01 PM, geminiguy50 <lee.oppert@...> wrote:

> **

>

>

> Welcome Craig,

>

> I was diagnosed with achalasia a few months after the symptoms showed, and

> had my HM a few months later in May, 2008 - just passed my 4 year

> anniversary. It was the best thing I could have done.

>

> I still have occasional issues, and I feel every bite of food that goes

> down, but I'm pretty sure my esophagus is still straight, and my story is

> pretty boring, thankfully - as opposed to some that you read here.

>

> I found this board and did my due diligence, and am glad that I took the

> route I did. Just keep asking questions until you are satisfied that you're

> on the right track would be my only advice.

>

> Best of luck to you,

>

> Lee in Santa Barbara

>

>

>

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after

> having problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

> >

> > It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and

> manometry before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower

> oesophagus which no longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal

> sphincter which doesn't relax.

> >

> > So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes

> with a second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

> >

> > And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have

> a bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

> >

> > I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months

> so far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has

> returned. To be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard

> to lose weight through cardio exercise, diet etc.

> >

> > I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found

> something I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I

> be in this situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

> >

> > The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1

> option - Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

> >

> > I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

> experiences have been since being diagnosed?

> >

> > I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done

> nothing and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle

> changes? What about in 10 or 20 years time?

> >

> > Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I too was diagnosed at age 40 and had my surgery (an open chest myotomy) within

about 10 days. The spasms, pain, and inability to swallow hit hard and fast and

I was chomping at the bit for relief within about three months. I felt like I

was going to die since it was getting to the point I could not get liquids down.

Like you, the weight loss was welcome but not the reason for it. I was engaged

to be married and couldn't have made it without my wonderful husband to be. I

could not get through a meal either at home or in a restaurant without getting

up numerous times. The first time I had spasms I thought I was having a heart

attack or something.

So I don't know how helpful this is. I'm 20 years post-surgery and while this

condition has been no walk in the park even after the surgery I have never

regretted it. I'm grateful I went in early. Even so, at my last endoscopy

with Botox, my esophagus looks moderately dilated. I hope I never have to deal

with a seriously stretched out or twisted esophagus.

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What

about in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

[Guest guest]

I am 2 weels post surgery, and I am feeling likwe a new person already. The

surgery went really well and everything is staying down. I have not yet tried to

solids yet I am still eating pureed and soft foods. I go to the surgeon for my

first post op check up on Tues. 5/22. I will most likely get the ok to start

eating solid foods again. It's the best thing I have ever done. Good luck.

________________________________

From: marie_dressler <bandreino@...>

achalasia

Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 11:43 AM

Subject: Re: What if I do nothing?

 

I too was diagnosed at age 40 and had my surgery (an open chest myotomy) within

about 10 days. The spasms, pain, and inability to swallow hit hard and fast and

I was chomping at the bit for relief within about three months. I felt like I

was going to die since it was getting to the point I could not get liquids down.

Like you, the weight loss was welcome but not the reason for it. I was engaged

to be married and couldn't have made it without my wonderful husband to be. I

could not get through a meal either at home or in a restaurant without getting

up numerous times. The first time I had spasms I thought I was having a heart

attack or something.

So I don't know how helpful this is. I'm 20 years post-surgery and while this

condition has been no walk in the park even after the surgery I have never

regretted it. I'm grateful I went in early. Even so, at my last endoscopy

with Botox, my esophagus looks moderately dilated. I hope I never have to deal

with a seriously stretched out or twisted esophagus.

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What

about in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

[Guest guest]

Congrats I am post op 4 weeks 3 days.  I am off the soft diet, but still watch

what I eat.  Remember to eat slowlly, small bites.

 

Suzanne

From: Rossillo <jackierteacher@...>

Subject: Re: Re: What if I do nothing?

achalasia

Date: Friday, May 18, 2012, 11:03 PM

 

I am 2 weels post surgery, and I am feeling likwe a new person already. The

surgery went really well and everything is staying down. I have not yet tried to

solids yet I am still eating pureed and soft foods. I go to the surgeon for my

first post op check up on Tues. 5/22. I will most likely get the ok to start

eating solid foods again. It's the best thing I have ever done. Good luck.

________________________________

From: marie_dressler <bandreino@...>

achalasia

Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 11:43 AM

Subject: Re: What if I do nothing?

 

I too was diagnosed at age 40 and had my surgery (an open chest myotomy) within

about 10 days. The spasms, pain, and inability to swallow hit hard and fast and

I was chomping at the bit for relief within about three months. I felt like I

was going to die since it was getting to the point I could not get liquids down.

Like you, the weight loss was welcome but not the reason for it. I was engaged

to be married and couldn't have made it without my wonderful husband to be. I

could not get through a meal either at home or in a restaurant without getting

up numerous times. The first time I had spasms I thought I was having a heart

attack or something.

So I don't know how helpful this is. I'm 20 years post-surgery and while this

condition has been no walk in the park even after the surgery I have never

regretted it. I'm grateful I went in early. Even so, at my last endoscopy with

Botox, my esophagus looks moderately dilated. I hope I never have to deal with a

seriously stretched out or twisted esophagus.

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and manometry

before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower oesophagus which no

longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal sphincter which doesn't

relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with a

second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a bit

of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months so

far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has returned. To

be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard to lose weight

through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found something

I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I be in this

situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1 option -

Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done nothing

and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle changes? What about

in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks everyone for your response, really appreciate the advice and kind words,

really happy I was able to find this post and reach out to other people who know

what I am talking about :-)

I'm based in Melbourne, Australia. Can anyone recommend a good surgeon local to

me (I'm worried I'm not going to have the same choice of care as what you may

find in the US? I'm also keen to see about Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM),

anyone know who can do this in Australia?

I'd also like to ask if anyone has had any success with Acupuncture or

Homoeopathy, if I am able to reduce the symptoms using these methods perhaps I

can protect my oesophagus? Again can you recommend anyone in my area?

Look forward to your feedback! Thanks, Craig.

[Guest guest]

I hope someone is able to refer a doctor for you! I tried acupuncture for a few

months and did not have any relief, but perhaps others have had more success.

Please keep us posted on your progress!

>

> Thanks everyone for your response, really appreciate the advice and kind

words, really happy I was able to find this post and reach out to other people

who know what I am talking about :-)

>

> I'm based in Melbourne, Australia. Can anyone recommend a good surgeon local

to me (I'm worried I'm not going to have the same choice of care as what you may

find in the US? I'm also keen to see about Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM),

anyone know who can do this in Australia?

>

> I'd also like to ask if anyone has had any success with Acupuncture or

Homoeopathy, if I am able to reduce the symptoms using these methods perhaps I

can protect my oesophagus? Again can you recommend anyone in my area?

>

> Look forward to your feedback! Thanks, Craig.

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Craig

I'm also based in Melbourne. My specialist is Geoffrey Kohn, Melbourne Upper GI

Group, who works at Knox Hospital and I think also out at Cabrini. He spent

quite a bit of time in USA so has seen many achalasia patients there.

Another specialist who has had quite a bit of experience in Melbourne is Assoc

Prof. Nottle. I have not seen but I've heard he has a lot of

experience.

It is hard to find a surgeon with experience in Melbourne. If you google either

of the names you will able to get contact details.

I had my HM two years ago from another surgeon and although letting me take down

liquids, it was either incomplete or scarring has closed it up again causing

problems with solids. I'm booked in to try Botox to see if that helps or I will

need to do a HM revision in the near future.

As others have said, my specialist advised me that it's best not to just leave

it and watch what I eat as the esophagus will over time continue to dilate and

that will cause so many problems in the future. I'm 37 so need to look after it

to try and stop those problems 20-30+ years from now.

All the best,

Sofia

>

> Thanks everyone for your response, really appreciate the advice and kind

words, really happy I was able to find this post and reach out to other people

who know what I am talking about :-)

>

> I'm based in Melbourne, Australia. Can anyone recommend a good surgeon local

to me (I'm worried I'm not going to have the same choice of care as what you may

find in the US? I'm also keen to see about Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM),

anyone know who can do this in Australia?

>

> I'd also like to ask if anyone has had any success with Acupuncture or

Homoeopathy, if I am able to reduce the symptoms using these methods perhaps I

can protect my oesophagus? Again can you recommend anyone in my area?

>

> Look forward to your feedback! Thanks, Craig.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Woolie,

I am 64 now, was diagnosed Achalasia more than 5 y.a. Could not drink, eat

anything cold, especially slime like yogurt, milk. Was listed for Myotomy,

refused saying, I wail pray through intersession of St. Therese of Lisieux

for healing, if that's God's will. At first used hot drink, before eating,

thanks Brown discovered vit. B1, and B12, it helped, used honey with

hot drink, it helped, In the end, thanks God I am drinking cold

drinks/water again, my symptoms were reduced by more than 50%, sometimes I

forget about it like it would disappear.

God bless you.

Jurek

On Thu, May 17, 2012 at 9:43 PM, woolie_man <craig.waters@...> wrote:

> **

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

> problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

>

> It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and

> manometry before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower

> oesophagus which no longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal

> sphincter which doesn't relax.

>

> So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with

> a second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

>

> And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

> bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

>

> I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months

> so far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has

> returned. To be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard

> to lose weight through cardio exercise, diet etc.

>

> I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found

> something I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I

> be in this situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

>

> The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1

> option - Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

>

> I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

> experiences have been since being diagnosed?

>

> I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done

> nothing and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle

> changes? What about in 10 or 20 years time?

>

> Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jerek

Very few people like you and me who have done nothing, I have only heard a few

who have not had a HM.

I an pleased that I have done nothing. My first solution was drinking the CO2

off the Coke at the fountian at Mcs, then later could get hot coffee down.

Now I manage each meal, basically same every day, let gravity work.

Ray CA Oc 81 old as hell.

>

> > **

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

> > problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

> >

> > It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and

> > manometry before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower

> > oesophagus which no longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal

> > sphincter which doesn't relax.

> >

> > So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with

> > a second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

> >

> > And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

> > bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

> >

> > I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months

> > so far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has

> > returned. To be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard

> > to lose weight through cardio exercise, diet etc.

> >

> > I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found

> > something I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I

> > be in this situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

> >

> > The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1

> > option - Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

> >

> > I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

> > experiences have been since being diagnosed?

> >

> > I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done

> > nothing and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle

> > changes? What about in 10 or 20 years time?

> >

> > Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ray,

 

In a technical sense you have done " nothing " but in a very real sense you have

done about as much as anyone could do to manage your disease.

The results speak for themselves. If age is a factor, and I suspect it is, the

actions you have taken, and there are far too many to start listing them, are

age appropriate and prove that at a certain age there is a very strong

possibility (individual cases will vary), that surgery and/or dilatations can be

avoided with the proper nutrition and methods of dealing with eating and the

disease itself.

 

________________________________

From: mer <ray_me_99@...>

achalasia

Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 3:52 PM

Subject: Re: What if I do nothing?

 

Hi Jerek

Very few people like you and me who have done nothing, I have only heard a few

who have not had a HM.

I an pleased that I have done nothing. My first solution was drinking the CO2

off the Coke at the fountian at Mcs, then later could get hot coffee down.

Now I manage each meal, basically same every day, let gravity work.

Ray CA Oc 81 old as hell.

>

> > **

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

> > problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

> >

> > It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and

> > manometry before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower

> > oesophagus which no longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal

> > sphincter which doesn't relax.

> >

> > So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with

> > a second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

> >

> > And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

> > bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

> >

> > I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months

> > so far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has

> > returned. To be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it hard

> > to lose weight through cardio exercise, diet etc.

> >

> > I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found

> > something I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will I

> > be in this situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

> >

> > The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1

> > option - Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

> >

> > I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

> > experiences have been since being diagnosed?

> >

> > I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done

> > nothing and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle

> > changes? What about in 10 or 20 years time?

> >

> > Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I was thinking the same, myself. It does seem that we know

age plays a huge factor (one of so many with this disease). I know I managed

" doing nothing " for so many years. But when I look at what " doing nothing "

consisted of, in retrospect, I'm wowed -- The vitamin B, the reducing the

number of foods I ate from thousands to ten or twenty, the way I cooked as well

as what I cooked, the timing, the tricks. It's kinda weird: sorta like

Alcoholism really: it sits there like a big fat troll in the garden, the

elephant in the room, and *everyone* " ignores " it. We adjust our friendships,

our social life, the timing of our eating, our pain meds, our very sleeping

posture, and claim that we're " doing nothing " . . . . It takes our life over,

but we " cope " so well. . . . Part of it is of course the slowness of the docs to

diagnose correctly and how often the GI personality is even then slow to act.

But my observation is that we, myself included, *also* delay and delay, and do

ourselves a good bit of harm in that delay.

In the end, we play roulette with our very lives. I sure came closer than I

could have foreseen, or expected. Etched in marble for me is the hours I spent

in ER waiting to be seen, wondering if I'd live long enough for a doctor to

help. I was very *lucky* and I know it. But I'd be a fool if I couldn't see

how MUCH I contributed to that emergency with my terrific " management skills " . .

.. .

Thanks for being here, and caring enough to add your two cents!

xox

> >

> > > **

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > I'm 40 years old and have just been diagnosed with Achalasia after having

> > > problems swallowing with chest pains etc.

> > >

> > > It took about a month of Gastroscopy, Barium Swallow, CT Scan and

> > > manometry before they finally diagnosed me with Achalasia, a lower

> > > oesophagus which no longer performs peristalsis and a lower oesophageal

> > > sphincter which doesn't relax.

> > >

> > > So far things are going really well, I've made some lifestyle changes with

> > > a second pillow, eating slower, chewing more that kind of thing.

> > >

> > > And because of this my symptoms have relaxed and I feel quite OK. I have a

> > > bit of discomfort when eating but it's manageable.

> > >

> > > I have had some weight loss since first symptoms (about 5 KG in 3 months

> > > so far), at one point I did loose my appetite but thankfully this has

> > > returned. To be honest I've always been overweight and been finding it

hard

> > > to lose weight through cardio exercise, diet etc.

> > >

> > > I'm not experiencing any regurgitation of food or have not yet found

> > > something I'm unable to eat, but I guess my question is for how long will

I

> > > be in this situation? Can I expect big changes soon?

> > >

> > > The hard part come to terms with is the fact there only seems to be 1

> > > option - Myotomy, a surgical procedure... That's it.

> > >

> > > I'd really appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts on this and how their

> > > experiences have been since being diagnosed?

> > >

> > > I understand everyone is different but has anyone on this forum done

> > > nothing and have been able to get on with life only making lifestyle

> > > changes? What about in 10 or 20 years time?

> > >

> > > Look forward to your response, thanks for reading!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I also find it interesting how differently everyone progresses. I may have had

symptoms before, but I really didn't notice them until January 2011. It didn't

affect me enough to take any action at all until May. And by the end of June I

couldn't even get down clear liquids -- regardless of which techniques I tried.

Then others have managed for decades. So any prediction about how long one can

manage with lifestyle/nutrition and other techniques is quite personal.

I am glad you are all doing ok -- and appreciating the good things in life every

day. Nothing like nearly starving or dehydrating to death to make one appreciate

the simple pleasures in life!

HM July 2011 and appreciating food a little too much ever since....

[Guest guest]

Steph, absolutely!! Notan's guys, at minimum, did a helluva lot of damage to

their esophaguses by " doing nothing. " But a good many of us hit THAT patch that

suddenly turns wait and watch into a MAJOR crisis. Having played that particular

game of roulette once, I certainly can't recommend it to others: no damn

guarantee you'll be around, or able to secure, decent help when it hits.

>

> I also find it interesting how differently everyone progresses. I may have had

symptoms before, but I really didn't notice them until January 2011. It didn't

affect me enough to take any action at all until May. And by the end of June I

couldn't even get down clear liquids -- regardless of which techniques I tried.

Then others have managed for decades. So any prediction about how long one can

manage with lifestyle/nutrition and other techniques is quite personal.

>

> I am glad you are all doing ok -- and appreciating the good things in life

every day. Nothing like nearly starving or dehydrating to death to make one

appreciate the simple pleasures in life!

>

>

> HM July 2011 and appreciating food a little too much ever since....

>

[Guest guest]

wrote:

>

> ... Notan's guys, at minimum, did a helluva lot of damage to their

> esophaguses by " doing nothing. "

>

Right. I assume you are referring to those patient in the study that

didn't receive any treatment. At 6.1mm/year for five years that's 30.5mm

total. If they started those years with normal diameter esophagi they

would have been near end-stage after the five years. Most likely some of

them were already dilated and did end up end-stage (megaesophagus

classification). Often as the esophagus dilates it also becomes longer

and bends into an S shape (called sigmoid). When it bends far enough it

can either kink, (causing another place to stop food) or droop below the

stomach, (making a pool for stuck food that does not drain), or both.

Still, doing nothing is an option. It does often ends badly but not

always. Even though I went a long time without treatment I don;t

recommend it and consider myself lucky.

notan

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I had a standard dilation last week as Univ of Chicago insisted I have endoscopy

since I am a transfer from another hospital. She said I have a torteous

esophagus, but managed to tell me this when I was still very much out of my mind

from anesthesia.

 

I looked up the textbook version of this but can anyone give me a better idea of

what this actually means to me? 

________________________________

From: notan ostrich <notan_ostrich@...>

achalasia

Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 3:13 PM

Subject: Re: What if I do nothing?

 

wrote:

>

> ... Notan's guys, at minimum, did a helluva lot of damage to their

> esophaguses by " doing nothing. "

>

Right. I assume you are referring to those patient in the study that

didn't receive any treatment. At 6.1mm/year for five years that's 30.5mm

total. If they started those years with normal diameter esophagi they

would have been near end-stage after the five years. Most likely some of

them were already dilated and did end up end-stage (megaesophagus

classification). Often as the esophagus dilates it also becomes longer

and bends into an S shape (called sigmoid). When it bends far enough it

can either kink, (causing another place to stop food) or droop below the

stomach, (making a pool for stuck food that does not drain), or both.

Still, doing nothing is an option. It does often ends badly but not

always. Even though I went a long time without treatment I don;t

recommend it and consider myself lucky.

notan

[Guest guest]

so did dilation help much ?

i think thats what i will be doing..

matt