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Achalasia-Esophageal Spasm

Posted , 7 users are following.

arthur73119
arthur73119

Esophageal Spasm. Does anyone who has been diagnosed with Achalasia suffer spasms as a result of the disease? And when I use the word spasm, I am not referring to pain. I am referring to a discomfort where it feels as though there is no relaxation even when food is not being eaten. Anybody?

Regards,

Arthur     

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Nettie_Noo_Noo
    Nettie_Noo_Noo arthur73119

    Posted

    Yes I do very frequently, my bowel as well now. It is an horrendous pain and, I have found nothing that takes the pain away. It’s just a waiting game for it to go. After these spasms my swallowing is much worse and, then I have days of GERD. The acid from my stomach literally shreds the inside of my mouth and, my lips buzz with acid. I was prescribed a GTN spray many years ago that is used for angina pain but, it did not make any difference apart from leaving me with a banging headache. You have my upmost sympathy because I know how painful it can be and, is so difficult to explain to others, who I’m sure think “oh it’s just a bit of heartburn” My stomach gets very distended as well before the acid reflux starts 
  • Junktessa
    Junktessa arthur73119

    Posted

    I am sorry to hear of your pain. The discomfort from the spasms is indescribable, and mine were occurring to a severe degree up to 6 times daily irrespective of meals for months. My doctors thought it was GERD and prescribed omaprazole, which didn't work. I switched to Nexium which didn't help either. After much research, I found a brand name drug called Aciphex which I coerced my doctor to prescribe, and it has made a considerable difference. I now get spasms 4 times daily instead of 6 and the pain is less severe.

    Only recently, after insudting on a manometry and pH test, was it recignized that I have achalasia. Not sure why Aciphex has helped, but I am grateful that it has. I hope you find relief soon!

  • AlanJM
    AlanJM arthur73119

    Posted

    Spasms with achalasia are not uncommon.   The possible causes seem to include the nerve system getting interfered with by blockage of food, normally from around the lower oesophageal sphincter;  reflux; or some other interference in the system.   People try various medications and remedies to help, including Buscopan,  calcium channel blockers, and nitrates (that aim to improve blood flow).

    People have mentioned Tildiem, Nifedipine and peppermint oil in hot water.

    ​Sometimes headaches can be a side effect from some of these, and it would be sensible to explore this with your doctor.

    ​Sometimes the muscles are indeed clamped tight all the time.   This might be reaction through the vagus nerve system.   It would be prudent to have the tests for diagnosis of you have not already had these.   Treatments are normally aimed at cutting the muscles and thereby achieving relaxation despite what the nerves want them to do.

    ​Other things that might be relevant are that the condition can be made worse if the rest of the digestive system is not working smoothly;  and that many people who have had surgical solutions still find that consciously pursuing relaxation techniques can have a beneficial effect.

  • arthur73119
    arthur73119

    Posted

    I have had Achalasia for 43 years. I have read everything on it and I have had all of the treatments by the best doctors; the Cleveland Clinic under the pre-eminent but now retired Dr. Thomas Rice.

    The one symptom which I have not had is the spasm which many Achalasics speak about. I specified that this is not an issue of pain. I have some other symptom which I believe is not related to my Achalasia at all. I believe that it is related to a bad reaction to taking a little Valium. I have been having trouble breathing but my oxygen levels are fine.

         

  • sheila1963
    sheila1963 arthur73119

    Posted

    Yes.  The pain is bad.  I just have to drink a ton of water until it relaxes.  No one really understand how bad this pain is.  I have had 2 laproscopic myotomys and the swallowing is better but not always working correctly.  I had my surgeries over 20 years ago when it was a new technique.  The problems I still have are the pain and tightening like my chest is going to explode (at the sternum /valve area).  I also have regurgitation at night still.  I am on omeprazole and ranitidine but neither help.  I am going to see another specialist in a couple months to see what more they can do.  I also get very painful headaches that last over a week and cannot be relieved.  I am beginning to wonder if these are related to achalasia.  I have been getting them for over 10 years.  I feel your pain!  No one really understands how hard this is and how the pain feels. 
    • AlanJM
      AlanJM sheila1963

      Posted

      I wonder if the pain around your sternum area is the pressure of all the water which is not then passing through into your stomach?   Can you feel it building up?   Does massaging your chest area help?

      ​Would the headaches be from medication that is meant to help against the spasms?

      ​Achalasia is associated with nerve endings around the muscles driving the peristalsis swallowing function, and there are signals to the brain through the nerve system.   I have heard of people getting pain in other places like the back before, but not headaches as such.   But that does not mean it is not true of course.

       

    • sheila1963
      sheila1963 AlanJM

      Posted

      I only drink the water as a last resort to get rid of the pain. Yes, sometimes the water can build up and I can tell when that happens so I wait and eventually the gravity pushes the water through and that seems to open up the valve and the pain relaxes. Massaging the area where I have had 2 surgeries (which is under the sternum, where the valve is) does not help.  It makes it worse.   I have had the headaches longer than I have been on the medications.  I knew that someday, after 20 years of this disease and 2 myotomies that I would have issues again at some point and I have not had a scope for awhile so I have an appt. to have things checked to see what has happened in there over the years.  Thanks for your response!
    • AlanJM
      AlanJM sheila1963

      Posted

      So perhaps it could be that it is the failure of the sphincter to relax that is actually causing the spasms?

      ​And if it is not relaxing, perhaps there is an argument for diagnosing whether further cutting of a muscle or two might give a reasonable chance of relief?   It must be a really technical thing and certainly one of the judgement of an experienced specialist.

    • sheila1963
      sheila1963 AlanJM

      Posted

      I have already had it cut a second time.  I was told by the Dr. at UW that there is a fine line between cutting too much or cutting too little.  I agree, sometimes it feels like it is just tightening up  - extreme pressure.
    • AlanJM
      AlanJM sheila1963

      Posted

      Having said that, it is also true that some people do have spasms after their surgery anyway.
    • sheila1963
      sheila1963 AlanJM

      Posted

      That is good to hear.  Thanks for your help and encouragement.
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