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Oesophageal spasm

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lesley44398
lesley44398

I have had oesophageal spasm for 40 years without knowing what it was until yesterday! The pain is akin to a heart attack and on several occasions I have ended up in casualty because paramedics thought exactly that. Interested to find out if anyone has discovered how to cope with the episodes without taking regular medication. Up to ow I find that an iced drink or ice cream works to stop the contractions fairly rapidly but have to get to the ice as soon as the attack starts or I am in extreme pain for up to an hour. Also do other sufferers find that the post sternum area is somewhat sore for a few hours after the event. Think this is an unrecognised condition what do others think?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • robert69209
    robert69209 lesley44398

    Posted

    I have suffered with Achalasia for 50 years. I have found a "cure" for the chest pains that has gotten me through. You are on the right track with the ice cream. I find that very cold, creamy whole milk takes the pain away 100% of the time. I carry an insulated lunch bag with cold milk in it wherever I go. I keep the mik very cold with freezer blocks and I cover the milk with an insulated ice water cooler,called Vacu Vin. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have cold mildk available at all times. As soon as I feel it coming on, no matter where I am, I drink right away. I hope this helps.
    • lesley44398
      lesley44398 robert69209

      Posted

      Thank you sooo much.  It is somewhat relieving to know that I am not the only one with this scary condition.  Pity it is not a research project for someone! 
    • AlanJM
      AlanJM lesley44398

      Posted

      Some people have buscopan medication that may help.   Other people find bananas helpful.   The spasm is to do with all the muscles in the oesophagus contracting tgoether rather than in the sequence to take the food to the stomach.   There is some material on the website of the oesophageal Patients Association under The Oesophagus   and Achalasia.
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