6 Month Update

As of July 23rd, 2013, I am officially 6 months post op from my Heller Myotomy with partial (toupet) fundoplication. 

Recap: I was suffering from random chest pains for several years, started having trouble swallowing food around 23-24 yrs of age, then drastically began losing weight and went in for more tests and an official diagnosis at age 25. If I had to classify my Achalasia, it would be type 3, the most severe. The entire lower portion of my esophagus does not propel food downwards, and the LES was completely shut. I also suffered from painful esophageal spasms daily. 

Can I eat anything I want?

Being honest, no. But I can eat most things. Let's say 90%? I should emphasize that there there are various degrees of Achalasia, and mine was the most severe. The lower half of my esophagus does not function in propelling food downwards. So if I swallow a particularly large pill (vitamins are a good example), or try eating a hamburger, or a soft shell taco, etc, I will have some difficulty. It is nowhere near as bad as before, and gulping water helps, but it certainly is not comfortable, and so I find it best to avoid certain types of food. Most of what you can eat this far post surgery will depend on how severe your Achalasia is. I read about plenty of people on the Facebook forums that can eat just as they did before! For me, I still find small frequent meals are best, and I stay away from foods hard to chew/swallow, (i.e. meats, some breads). 

Am I still in any pain?

For the most part, no. I have had a few bad days, lets say 1-2 a month, where I will suffer from esophageal spasms. However, the pain is not as intense as before, and I find that it only happens if I push my limits. Meaning that I eat to much, or eat something I shouldn't have. I did for some time have shoulder pain post surgery if I ate too much, see the previous posts for more details. 

Weight returned? Energy levels?

I always have had trouble gaining weight (darn metabolism!!). But, I have gained back about 8 lbs since the surgery. As far as my energy level, that has returned in full. I have returned to my normal level of activity, and then some!  

I think the best part of this experience (if there is one), is that I have learned to be very grateful for every bite of food I am able to eat. Appreciating the small things has new meaning. Yesterday I successfully ate a breakfast of pancakes, corned beef, and bacon, and after getting to the end of the meal and realizing I made to the end of a meal without struggling, I was ecstatic. 

For those of you out there still wondering if life will return to normal, the TRUTH is no. And if your Dr. is any good, they will hopefully be honest with you and give you reasonable expectations (as mine did). Achalasia is permanent, but surgery does make it so that you can eat and return to a "normal" lifestyle with few restrictions. This may sound glass half full, but I promise it's not! Every meal to me now is a small victory, and I am proud to show my scars. 

Please post questions or comments below, and thank you to all for your continued support!