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new endoscopy revealed return of Achalasia

Posted , 4 users are following.

Maz_Maz
Maz_Maz

althoughHi I first was diagnosed with Achalasia 33years ago.  I suffered it at its worst indigestion, nothing would go down severe cough day and night also regurgitating, night and day.  I had the hellors myotomy.  This operation improved my life significantly. However my symptoms never went completely I could eat and drink ok but still retched sometimes. It was a dream towards what I had been through. However within the last 2yrs i have been having lots of indigestion so dr put me on Lansoprazole, 3mths of being on these and i have been much better. My GP suggested I go for endoscopy to check things out, I did so last week and new surgeon says my oesophagus is dilated and so is taking me in for stretch dilation. I was shocked cos I feel much better. Has anyone else had this situation?

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • dreamweaver
    dreamweaver Maz_Maz

    Posted

    I also had a Hellors Myotomy two years ago. And at times, there are certain foods that cause me to reguritate. If I have something to eat say 8PM and after, I may have a difficult night but not always. I sleep elevated using a wedbe pillow specifically for my condition, and it helps me significantly. My surgeon had indicated that she has had cases where she had to operate once again severl years after the original Hellers Myotomy surgery. Where I am occasionally regurgitating, I'm considering to see my physician again but I'm not sure at this point. To answer your question though yes, my surgeon did say that it's posible that the surgery be done once again. 
  • AlanJM
    AlanJM Maz_Maz

    Posted

    I think you would need an endoscopy, a barium swallow test and manometry to assess what is happening.   Yes, the condition can get worse after  a long period of peace and quiet, but it needs the proper diagnosis as it might be something unconnected that is giving you digestion problems.   Some people do have a number of dilatations and seem to progress OK;  for others it provides only a temporary respite of a few months.   I think a lot would depend on the general tone and condition of your oesophagus.   The surgeon needs to be an experienced specialist.   Some people do have their fundoplication re-done after a long period, which sounds scarier for the patients than it  is for the surgeons.
    • Maz_Maz
      Maz_Maz AlanJM

      Posted

      th for advice, I have had enosopy and surgeon is dilating first one ever. Gong to spek to him on Thursday.
  • dreamweaver
    dreamweaver Maz_Maz

    Posted

    First one ever? Did he perform your original surgery? Can't believe that this is his first one unless he's tooting his own horn, you know the ego that some physicians have particularly the younger ones who recently completed their residency and are now practicing.
  • Googles
    Googles Maz_Maz

    Posted

    Hi Maz Maz,

    Like you, I've had Achalasia a long time and a relatively early Hellor's Myotomy had improvements similar to what you described.  Whilst my symptoms haven't worsened in recent times, my condition (in terms of repercusions) has become more onerous.  Has your consultant / surgeon, for instance, taken biopsies recently for further analysis?

    All the best,

    Mick

    • Maz_Maz
      Maz_Maz Googles

      Posted

      Thanks for your response mick up to now I have had an endoscopy which revealed I needed a dilation, also my esophagus has dilated. I have been taking lansoprazole and my symptoms have greatly improved. I have no trouble sleeping now and no indigestion. I am petrified of this dilation, mind you I am a stress head
  • dreamweaver
    dreamweaver Maz_Maz

    Posted

    What is a biopsy going to show?
    • Googles
      Googles dreamweaver

      Posted

      Hi Dreamweaver,

      In my case, the series of biopsies determined the extent of the dysplasia of the oesophageal epithelium.

      Regards,

      Mick

    • Googles
      Googles dreamweaver

      Posted

      Hi Dreamweaver,

      After a couple of endoscopies, a branchoscopy, a CT scan, a PET scan and a CPET assessment - I was given a reassuring confirmation that there was nothing malignant to report.  That said, given that there is acute dysplasia (upper end of spectrum) of my oesophageal epithelium, there is strong probability that cancer would be a likely dvelopment in the near future - and I have therefore agreed to an oesophagectomy; which is schedued for July.

      Regards,

      Mick

       

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