Pre-Diagnosis of possible Achalasia...symptoms not under control
Posted , 5 users are following.
I'm a 38 yr old female, for the last couple of years i've had off and on symptoms of chest pain, acid reflux, vomitting and problems swallowing. This past January-March 2016 symptoms were quite bad, and I saw my dr who after several tests diagnosed me with Acid Reflux and put me on PPI's. For several months I thought I had everything under control, with only the swallowing issue coming up a couple of times, and chest pain after a large meal.
Approx 9 weeks ago, everything started acting up again, nauseas all the time, cannot eat solid foods without feeling like i'm choking, chest pain, heartburn, acid reflux, i have also lost significant weight in the last couple weeks, due to not being able to eat much.
Had an ultrasound, fluoroscopy and just recently last week a gastroscopy, which all came back normal, with the exception of low esophageal function. My gastroenterologist has sent in a request for me to have a myometer (?) test, which will hopefully happen in the next week or so.
In the mean time though, I feel like I am suffering horribly. Even water causes chest pain, I am constantly feeling like I am choking or have something stuck in my throat. I am eating tiny portions, washing it down with plenty of water (i've tried warm and cold), only eating soft foods, soups and protein shakes.
I have found some cough drops that have an anesthetic component to them, which give a little relief but it is only very temporary.
Does anyone have any other suggestions in how to deal with the symptoms? It could still be weeks before I have an actual diagnosis and I'm not sure how much more of this I can take 
0 likes, 14 replies
donna15310 sheila17721
Posted
Ask your doctor to have you sent for the special test for Achalasia. I can't remember the name of the test. A catheter, filled with sensors, is put down the nose into the stomach, and measures the movements [contraction/relaxation] of the Esophagus, as well as the stomach sphincter muscle. 'Alan,' who is on this Forum, will know the test-name, and can give you a lot of valid information. This is a great Forum, and i'm sure that Alan will respond to your posting. I had surgery last week,[ Heller-myotomy & Fundoplication], for Achalasia [type 1]. There is no cure, no total 'fix', but a better quality of life in terms of being able to eat...at least I hope that will happen for me. Still in recovery and healing stage. Good luck.
sheila17721 donna15310
Posted
My specialist has already put in a requisition for the motility test to test for achalasia, I'm just waiting to hear from the hospital as to when that test will happen.
I hope you recover quickly from your surgery and that it provides you with much relief.
Thank-you!
donna15310 sheila17721
Posted
Thank you, Sheila. The Motility test is so important; it gives a true 'diagnosis' of Achalasia. The test is 'different', so-to-speak, but it is so important to have this done. Sounds like your specialist is on the ball!
m17579 sheila17721
Posted
There are surgical options as well as having botox injected into your LES.
It will get better, I promise.
Try to keep positive, you will beat this
sheila17721 m17579
Posted
I'm hoping to get into a dietician soon, to help with the dietary part. Finding foods that don't make me nauseus or get stuck in my throat has been very difficult, my enerly levels are very low and I am having difficulty sleeping at night because of acid reflux.
I'm just hoping to find out what is going on soon, so that I can find a treatment and move forward. The not knowing at this point is hard.
Thank-you for the kind words!
robert76159 sheila17721
Posted
It's called a motility study. That will tell them for sure if you have achalasia. I have Type3 and had POEM surgery back in june. My cramps and chest pains are gone along with my trouble eating and swallowing food but have has major problems with acid coming up high into my throat , it gets so bad it wakes me up , can't swallow snd hardly even breath. Feels like a torch is in my throat. AnywY, ask your doc to get you in quicker and get you some help now!!! Be forceful and firm that's all they respond to these days. After all , your the one suffering not them. Good luck and feel better. The gentleman was right, Alan knows his stuff. Lol
m17579 robert76159
Posted
robert76159 m17579
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That's a great question . Wish I could tell you. I think all my Dr care about is putting another notch on his belt for poem. Not many doctors in the NY Metro area are doing it. His NP handles everything after surgery. I will be calling tomorrow to ask your question. Thank you. They gave me new meds last week and said they would call in a couple of days to see how I'm doing. No phone call, really what I expected. I remember when I was a kid, our family dr use to come to our house to see us. Lost art!
AlanJM sheila17721
Posted
On the website of the oesophageal patients association under the oesophagus and Achalasia, there is, towards the bottom of the page a downloadable booklet 'A Patient's Guide to Achalasia' that you may find helpful.
?It also explains about manometry tests.
?The pain is probably muscular spasms in your oesophagus.
?If you can take on some relaxation exercises, and try to reduce tension and stress levels, perhaps by some kind of mindfulness training or equivalent, you will probably find this helps to a degree.
sheila17721 AlanJM
Posted
Thank-you! I will definitely download the booklet!
I'm working on some meditation techniques and starting yoga to help with relaxation.
Thank-you!
donna15310 sheila17721
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robert76159 AlanJM
Posted
robert76159 donna15310
Posted
I agree Donna as well as the USA. It seems like my country always waits to see how things turn out elsewhere. I guess as long as some country gets the ball rolling. I am going to try some form of relaxation technique. I have 4 incurable diseases and it's very hard to relax . Thanks everyone for your help , if I ever forget to say thanks , it's only because I forgot ... never to be mean etc.
sheila17721
Posted