Achalasia, Biopsies and Diabetes

Hi Asha,

They only take a biopsi 'cos they are in there anyway........

It sounds like Achalasia.

The results 'should' be with your doc in a week, or 2 weeks at the most. Your next test will be a 'pressure test' , I can't remember what it's called but I think it measures how much 'spring' your food pipe has (that's how I thought of it anyway).

The result will be either yes or no for Achalasia.

You 'should' then be automaticly referred to an Upper GI specialist. I'm under Dr Banks at UCLH in Euston Road London. His team are brilliant.

Good luck.

Chris 

Hi Asha, 

Understanding your condition will likely take a while, and you will have lots of options to consider if it is Achalasia. I think the Manometry (pressure test) is considered to be definitive re a result. I personally found the test to be painless but a bit weird; for me it was nothing compared to Endoscopy. It basically shows the strength and profile of muscles when swallowing. Accuracy/strength of contractions to move food if you like. I think it might be possible to have temporary muscle malfunctions, but if swallowing problems (lack of peristalsis) are persistent over months or years then Achalasia will likely be the conclusion... Most people with A get worse with stress and anxiety, so best try and stay calm and happy (easy to say I know); maybe spend some time doing what you enjoy best... I go fishing or taking photos.. 

This group is great to air and share, so friends wont be far away as your picture starts to become clearer.. In the interim, I find that Magnesium and VB can really help (both high strength), and drinking warm water followed by a gentle cough. Raising an arm whilst swallowing can help me too... Notwithstanding a hot tub! some positives at least ... 

Warmest, Neil 

 

It upsets me greatly when I hear that others are feeling frightened and, unsure of their situation. I can totally relate to how you are feeling. It does sound like you may have Achalasia as the regurgitation gradually became worse with myself personally to the point I became very isolated where food was concerned as I stopped attempting to eat with others and, stopped going out to eat. I struggled at home for quite a while prior to diagnosis. Continuous cycle of taking few bites then regurging, it’s exhausting. Once you have had the tests it ought to take a couple of weeks for each test result to reach your consultant or, GP. There are 3 main tests which are barium swallow done by way of an x ray, you swallow some quite bitter lemony tasting powder, I always think of it like popping candy as it fizzes up, then you are asked to swallow small amounts of the chalky barium whilst imagining can see how long how it takes to go down and, more often they give you a little cube of bread that is soaked in the barium to see how your oesophagus copes with something more solid. They will perform an endoscopy which is not very pleasant but, over quicker than you know it. This involves a narrow scopic tube being passed down through your throat and, from the images they can see any abnormally in the oesophagus but, the most accurate test in looking for Achalasia is the Mamamertry swallow test. A small tube with sensors are passed up through your nose and, into the oesophagus, this procedure takes up to two hours and, little by little you take small amounts of water, 5ml and, this is a very accurate test to see how the pressure is working to push your food through. They put another tube in through your nose and, that stays in place for 24 hrs and, you are attached to a small monitor which will be reading your Ph levels. You will be given a sheet to record when you are eating, sitting, lying down and, for you to note any symptoms of choking or GERD. If Achalasia is diagnosed there are a number of ways it can be managed now depending I suppose on motility of your oesophagus. Almost most surgery now to adjust the sphincter muscle in order for you to swallow is done laprascpically now. They can not cure Achalasia but, there are a number of ways to manage it that is best for the individual. I’m sure once you have a definite diagnosis you won’t feel as though you are going crazy. And, if they need to perform a Hellers operation you wil benefit greatly and, it will improve your quality of life, eat little and, often i always say and, do and, hopefully your life will return to something like normal. You will probably still have some acid reflux that can be eased by diet, and medication. I wish you all the very best Asha and, I have only very recently found this site and, I was diagnosed 35 years ago. There are more of us out there than I even realised and, you will recieve a lot of help and, support from others on this forum. Take care and, let me know how you are getting on with moving forward x dont be frightened x

It upsets me greatly when I hear that others are feeling frightened and, unsure of their situation. I can totally relate to how you are feeling. It does sound like you may have Achalasia as the regurgitation gradually became worse with myself personally to the point I became very isolated where food was concerned as I stopped attempting to eat with others and, stopped going out to eat. I struggled at home for quite a while prior to diagnosis. Continuous cycle of taking few bites then regurging, it’s exhausting. Once you have had the tests it ought to take a couple of weeks for each test result to reach your consultant or, GP. There are 3 main tests which are barium swallow done by way of an x ray, you swallow some quite bitter lemony tasting powder, I always think of it like popping candy as it fizzes up, then you are asked to swallow small amounts of the chalky barium whilst imagining can see how long how it takes to go down and, more often they give you a little cube of bread that is soaked in the barium to see how your oesophagus copes with something more solid. They will perform an endoscopy which is not very pleasant but, over quicker than you know it. This involves a narrow scopic tube being passed down through your throat and, from the images they can see any abnormally in the oesophagus but, the most accurate test in looking for Achalasia is the Mamamertry swallow test. A small tube with sensors are passed up through your nose and, into the oesophagus, this procedure takes up to two hours and, little by little you take small amounts of water, 5ml and, this is a very accurate test to see how the pressure is working to push your food through. They put another tube in through your nose and, that stays in place for 24 hrs and, you are attached to a small monitor which will be reading your Ph levels. You will be given a sheet to record when you are eating, sitting, lying down and, for you to note any symptoms of choking or GERD. If Achalasia is diagnosed there are a number of ways it can be managed now depending I suppose on motility of your oesophagus. Almost most surgery now to adjust the sphincter muscle in order for you to swallow is done laprascpically now. They can not cure Achalasia but, there are a number of ways to manage it that is best for the individual. I’m sure once you have a definite diagnosis you won’t feel as though you are going crazy. And, if they need to perform a Hellers operation you wil benefit greatly and, it will improve your quality of life, eat little and, often i always say and, do and, hopefully your life will return to something like normal. You will probably still have some acid reflux that can be eased by diet, and medication. I wish you all the very best Asha and, I have only very recently found this site and, I was diagnosed 35 years ago. There are more of us out there than I even realised and, you will recieve a lot of help and, support from others on this forum. Take care and, let me know how you are getting on with moving forward x dont be frightened x