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  3. Oesophageal Achalasia and Spasm

My experience.

Posted , 3 users are following.

vickyg
vickyg

I am a primary school teacher and am 29 years old. I have had symptoms of Achalasia for about a year, but got really bad about 3 months ago. Could not eat much food and if I ate too much (not a normal size meal) I'd bring it back up. Had pains in chest, back, sore throat, waking in night coughing etc, feeling food was getting stuck in back of throat, loss of weight and even found it difficult to drink water!! sad

Went to GP who referred me to Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, had to wait 3 weeks to be told it's acid reflux take these tablets and have a barium swallow. Waited another 2 weeks for barium swallow appoitment where radiologist told me it was Achalasia and would not continue to do acid reflux tests. It took 40 mins for 2 mouthfuls of barium to go in to my stomach and had not all gone through!! :shock:

I was then refered to Gastroentology and sent an appointment for end of July! Phoned hospital and went back to GP to say that I could not wait that long as now I've lost at least 2 stone and planning to get married in December. Was sent an appointment for Friday coming. Assuming it will be disscussing my results of barrium swallow and where to go next. :?

This illness is awful, did not realise how much of life revolves around eating and drinking! It has affected my social life and although my fiance is very suppotive I know it is affecting our relationship as well as I can't go out for drink, dinner etc.

Just wondered if anybody else in London area is on this forum and what their experience is/was? Want to get better soon so I can put on some weight for my wedding smile

Good luck to all out there with illness, reading other peoples experiences it seems things can get better! :D

0 likes, 34 replies

34 Replies

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  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I can't find you on Facebook. I am Marie Garnett and I am also a member of one of the achalasia groups on Facebook. xx
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi Ellis,

    I'm a teacher and had my op at beg of August so had about 3 and half weeks off before I went back to work and then I was eased in gently as in Nursery and children did not start properly till 10th Sept.

    I felt really tired after first few proper weeks at work.

    I do not really have pain but occasionally stomach hurts a bit but after I have food that does not go down well or sometimes if I have had a bit too much alcohol!! But it's not all the time and I just think back to when I could not even keep water down. The op is def worth it.

    Vicky xx

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi All

    I just wanted to ask whether any of your surgeons mentioned about what would happen if the surgery did not improve the achalasia? Fortunately everyone seems to have found the surgery successful.

    I am really sorry to be negative, but I am in my 20's (ok late 20's) with two small children and I was wondering about my prognosis. I did ask the Nurse Specialist about this and she said we will cross that bridge when/if it came to it (to me that means 'she doesn't know').

    Also, did they mention about after treatment, ie endoscopies/taking antacids for the rest of our life?

    Wishing you all a very merry Christmas xx

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi Rie

    I was told that things would definitely be improved after,no question.

    However as its still degenerative time will tell. I researched that it can be still successful up to 15 years later and beyond, im hoping im one of the lucky ones. but as you can only have this op another once I think.Im trying not to think too far ahead (Ill be inmy 5os,scary thought.) ll just be more careful with diet.(not forceing things.)

    I am having annual reviews and tests.

    sue.

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