3 tips for those with newly diagnosed Achalasia

After joining a Facebook support group for Achalasia, I have learned a lot about other peoples' experiences. Here are top pieces of advice I would give.


1) Don't wait
Many people are waiting their symptoms out. Dealing with their Achalasia on a day by day basis. While I agree the surgery is not something you should jump right in to, sometimes it is the best alternative. Waiting and continuing to suffer is no good. Also, since the food is actually stuck in the esophagus, continuing to eat with this condition dialates the esophagus further. Wikipedia does not have the best example, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Achalasia2010.jpg, but the point is, it is not a pretty picture. The esophagus becomes stretched out. This can create further problems. Meaning the overstretched esophagus will sag. You don't want to have to have your esophagus removed. So please people, common sense. You can live with this condition, but there is a point when you should seek further medical treatment.

2) Partial Wrap
RESEARCH! Not all doctors are familiar with this condition. Yes, a wrap should be performed to prevent heartburn and acid erosion. However, only a partial wrap is needed (Toupet or Dor Fundoplication). The process of Fundoplication was really created for GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) patients. This procedure was added on to Heller Myotomys after it was discovered patients post Heller Myotomy often suffered from heartburn. Even from reading wikipedia, you can see that the complications of a full (Nissen) Fundoplication consist of dysphagia (trouble swallowing). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen_fundoplication
So please be sure to research and discuss with your doctor.

3) Don't waste time with Botox
I keep reading about people trying Botox. That is only a temporary solution. Again, do your research. Botox and dilations are often and only short term solutions.

I hope these tidbits help. Feel free to post any questions you have in the comments.

3 Months Post HM Update

As of April 23rd, I am exactly 3 months post surgery, which was the heller myotomy with a partial (toupet) fundoplication.

Overall, I am feeling great! Especially in comparison to where I was before. I have gained 5lbs, and am no longer on any medication. I have not had any chest pain (esophageal spasms) or heartburn in the past month. Sucess!

I do still have minor issues eating. Mainly that I can not consume large amounts of food in one sitting. But, I can swallow, and eat most anything within reason. Large chunks of meat, or bread (or tortilla etc) that does not break down easy, still give me trouble. It is easy enough to avoid those things though. I still have partial anxiety when it comes to eating in front of other people. I assume this will pass with time.

Thank you for your support! I have over 600 page views. My hope is to continue to update this blog with more info on Achalasia. But as I am now in the recovery stage, the updates will be fewer. Stay tuned!

I have been promising pics, so here they are: