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weak peristalsis vs spasms?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I have had my manometry and barium swallow tests and been told that I have achalasia and I am now waiting to see my consultant to discuss the results.

My manometry showed a very tight LES valve and instead of weak or no peristalsis (as I was thought was the results would show) the graphs showed uncoordinated peristalsis where the oesophagus was all contracting at the same time (instead of in waves as in normal peristalsis.) Is this the same for other achalasia sufferers on here?

I have read a little about vigorous achalasia and was wondering if anyone has experience of this. Are my results what I should have expected with achalasia or are they likely to get worse?

any information would be appreciated

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Pokey
    Pokey

    Posted

    Hi Mazed

    I think everyone gets different results. I'm not convinced there is a 'typical' Achalasia condition or sufferer on which expectations can be based.

    My manometry showed that as well as a very strong closed LES, I had a completely inactive, paralysed oesophagus. Apparently there is supposed to be at least some activity in the top third of the oesophagus. Your results are pretty unique, but each person often has something unique about their condition. The oesophagus is not really the problem though, is it? If it still funtions at all, then maybe it's functioning might improve over time if treatment can provide a decent resolution to the Achalasia.

    How your condition will progress with the input of medical treatment is anybody's guess. If you have treatment it will in all likelihood have some positive effect. The real question is how long will that effect last? Some treatment I had 15 years ago halted deterioration and improved my condition. However, treatment since has not had any effect whatsoever, but neither had there been any deterioration. It has been constant all that time.

    Someone else would be able to give you a contrasting account I'm sure. Listen to what the doctors tell you, read what you can on the Internet but be cautious of any advice you are given which contains absolutes, because there aren't any. You'll have your own experience and I hope it's a positive one. All the best.

  • Edz
    Edz

    Posted

    Thankyou for that Pokey.

    I suppose you are right that I will just have to wait and see. As I am newly diagnosed I want to know all the answers at once!! Hopefully you are right that with treatment I can at least get some relief.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Pokey is totally on the mark saying there are no absolutes with this condition,.it varies in a unique way with each sufferer. IF i remember correctly from past input he described his use of very fizzy drinks to help force down his food. In my case my drinks have to be very very cold. Another contributor said neither was suitable only if mildly warm.

    The only thing I find incorrect with many peoples input is the popular misconception that achalasia is a disease. It is not ! A disease is contracted, you cannot catch achalasia from anything or anyone. Its a condition which you suffer which can then bring about illnesses which may vary,.for instance weakness and general debility through the lack of food nourishment. The situation of acid reflux caused within the condition may give rise to a different set of problems occurring which may turn to illnesses but there are enough remedies available to deal with this seperately.

    It is unfortunate that we do not know yet why achalasia occurs. That is the one thing we all know for sure

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