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Calcium Channel Blockers

Posted , 3 users are following.

neil32387
neil32387

Hi all,

It just dawned on me that I should probably share my thoughts on use of calcium channel blocker medication to help with Achalasia. These are fairly serious drugs used to relax and widen blood vessels for angina/ hypertensive patients. I knew that some success had been had with these for Achalasia so asked my doc to let me try them. Been on them now for 2 months. My subjective feelings are that they do help. I don't think by any stretch that they are a cure, as they don't seem to help with continued peristalsis (ie fully emptying after initial swallowing) but they do seem to help me whilst eating... I do think everyone is different but blood flow seems to be a part of it for some... The brand I take are called Tildium in the UK... Obviously prescription only - so only one for the doc..

N.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • AlanJM
    AlanJM neil32387

    Posted

    Glad they are helping. There are schools of thought that blood flow to nerve endings is part of the cause of achalasia and some report help from Viagra, so what you have found does have some logic to it.
    • neil32387
      neil32387 AlanJM

      Posted

      Thanks Alan,

      The reason I pursued this route was that I had noticed improvements after heavy chest exercise (purely by accident). I could only put that down to increased blood flow in the chest region... So when I read about CCBs it seemed only logical to to talk to the doc about it...I look fwd to the day more research is done ... Until then we soldier on!smile Warmest Regards,

      N

  • jamie62411
    jamie62411 neil32387

    Posted

    Hi thank you for your response to the channel blockers that you take for A. I live in the States and was diagnosed 4 years ago with A 3 with cardio spasms. Right now I don't have a doctor that is versed supporting me. There just are not that many that have the expertise to take on my case.

    My spasms have been off the chart latley and I was curious about how the CB helped. So thank you for your feedback.

    Jamie

    • neil32387
      neil32387 jamie62411

      Posted

      Hi Jamie,

      Unfortunately we are a bit special!smile But there is great support from this group; possibly to the point that someone can recommend help close to you...

      High strength Magnesium for prolonged periods seemed to help me with spasms; plus mindfully avoiding stress.... I still suffer, but it helps..

      Keep calm and carry on - as we say here on the muddy usland!smile Wishing you good luck and healthy karma..

      N

    • jamie62411
      jamie62411 neil32387

      Posted

      Neil

      Yes we all should keep stress low and karma high! Each case of A is different as I have learned over the years. Find me on FB as I have some great contacts for support here in the States as well as across the Pond!

      Take care

      Jamie

  • AlanJM
    AlanJM neil32387

    Posted

    Just had a response form a surgeon contact who said that he does prescribe Tildiem (and Nifedipine) in low doses to some patients with spasms.   It possibly affects the blood supply but also may act directly on the cells involved, but patients need to be warned about possible risk of headaches and dizziness.
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