Unable to Swallow -- A Patient's Story of Years Living with Achalasia
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- Опубліковано 16 лют 2015
- Chris suffered for years with Achalasia, a disease that prevented him from swallowing food or even water.
For more info on digestive disease visit columbiasurgery.org/digestive-... or call 212-305-1021. - Наука та технологія
***tears***I know exactly what this man was feeling. I am experiencing this NOW and it's like no one really understands what is happening!! It is so frustrating on top of waiting to get the help needed!
+Audrey Thomas (It's Audrey) me too :(
Patience is key. Im currently experiencing this and i will get over it.
Hiy! Went through this in 2004 was scary was because swallowed nail Polish remover in "97 and was diagnosed later in 06 think this happens to people in prison or 3rd worlders and poor People in the equator but am impressed how I believe you!
I’m 13 experiencing this lol
I got it when I was 11 and now im 20 and it has gotten better but it still hurts a lot every day
Only being age 20 with this, I feel this mans pain 🙌🏻 Goodluck to anyone watching this and facing similar problems ❤️
Same😒
Same… what did you do??
@@isabelbiggin4433 I'm having the same issue. It's horrible. I've had my esophagus dilated twice. It did nothing. I think I will have to do this next. I'm terrified
@@melinda7425 I went to the doctor they prescribed me nexium powder packets… it’s working for the most part but if I forget to take them my symptoms come back immediately. I also still have heart burn or a feeling of something hard being swallowed.
@@isabelbiggin4433 I've never heard of those. Thank you
I have it too! Found myself in a place where I was rushed in to have botox on my stomach sphincter
.. since I couldn't eat or drink for a view days! Soon after I had the surgeries called "POEM" and " THE DOOR"..
my life has changed dramatically! I don't wake in the middle of the night shooting stomach fluids out my nose and gasping for air...I dont stop on the side of the freeway to vomit so I can breath...I thank my God for this and using my very skilled Doctors to help this desperate situation! This is a rare disease but you can live a better life! Please do something! I did
..and haven't regretted it!
I have same problem since two years finally recently they found out it’s achalasia I’m waiting my referral to do surgery pray for me and other patients, I wish best of luck for everyone I understand this guy fully
Did u get it done? If so how do you Feel? I also have Achalasia
Yeah I understand what he went through. I pray that things are better for you in Jesus name.
God is good. I have been having difficulty swallowing since June. I went from about 215 to 132. I have been back and forth to the ER since June. I was in the hospital twice in July because of this. I almost died in July, because I couldn't swallow food or water. They kept telling me that it was GERD and prescribed medication for that, but the medication didn't work. I thank God I can get liquid down. But I miss being able to enjoy eating food. It's such a blessing, and you don't know what you got until it's gone. I have to get another test done. That I'm not looking forward to. I pray it reveal what need to be revealed in Jesus name. I pray that doctors learn to listen to their patients more.
God help us all. He is our only hope.
Hi any updates?
Going for my POEM surgery next month! Would not wish this disease on any one. Im so excited to drink water again
How did it go?
Thank you for posting..You're not alone. God bless you🙏 and everyone with Achalasia.
I am one of them🤗
Me to
Me too 😢
@@imtiazkhmedkhan8342 any treatment?
@@muhammadpatel7228 I did ballon dilatation but it won't work
That swallowing cold liquids sensation after getting the treatment hit the nail on the head. I had my Myotomy done earlier this year and the feeling of cold water going down on a scorching mid Atlantic summer day is hands down the best feeling on earth.
I'm about to get mine done tomorrow!
Hello Lopez, I am too afraid for surgery. I really appreciate if you can update how you are feeling today or are there any side effects after the surgery ??
Ive lived with this for 20 years without diagnosis dr,s never found the problem in the uk i have good days good weeks but great video i will definitely look into this ❤
My son is going through something like this. It started two weeks ago and the drs can’t figure out what’s wrong. He hasn’t been diagnosed with anything other then dysphasia. I’m going crazy trying to do my own research. Please pray for him, thank you
I feel I may have this as well. Life is a nightmare. I hope you find your son some relief. He'll be in my prayers
Skyler Obriant thank you, I hope you get better soon. I will pray for you also.
I have the same problem for the last one month or so. I can't eat any solid food. Everyday I have dreams of me eating my favourite food but wake up to realize it was only a dream. Pls pray for me
jose mathew Im praying for you Im am going through the extract thing I’m scared of choking and I haven’t ate much solids. Your not alone
@@juannegrete7542 thank you for your prayers. God bless you and heal you in Jesus's name
i totally get that emotion too. after my myotomy and fundoplication i was so emotional. i wanted to thank the surgeon but couldnt. not without crying. he didnt know how much he had helped. rice crispies? no way i couldnt believe it. coming round they offered me water and i said i cant swallow. they said you can now. wow
That's a blessing.
I had condition for over20 years. Ido feel cold smoothies go down but I have to regurgitate my water or smoothie, any kind of drink or my food sometimes on daily basis would want come up. It was very hard to go out to eat and I would regurgitate my food. I didn't loose weight I actually gain weight. Go figure ! Who can even figure that out !! Going to U.CL.A to do surgery for this condition. I am hopeful that it will turnout well for me. Thats my prayer 🙏. Praise jesus!
How did u gain weight
So so happy for this patient.
When it comes to yo health it's always good to get second opinions or even third opinions cause some doctors are smarter than others
I'm 13 and i have this it's scary but it sometimes gets better
Omg same I’ve had this for a year
I drink water to help me swallow. I'm 12..
I’m 24 and living with achalasia when i was 6yo. I wish someday it go far away from me and all of people have it. God bless us
Thank you my brother I suffered same problem .8 years and your words remind me it's really nice and when after my surgery I drink cold juice it was awesome it's go down all the way and it'd brings my tears out because I feel that after 8 years ... thanks brother to share it you not alone
Oh man im so happy you are doing way better now! I get so happy and excited when i feel that little bit of cold drink that rushes down my esophagus for just those little couple seconds
Lesley Watkins
It was so helpful to read your story and be able to relate to you and your achalasia.
I first had a problem nearly 7 years ago when I started having trouble swallowing food and then even water.
I saw my gap who sent me for various tests. After about 6 months and 4 stone lighter, I was diagnosed with achalasia.
I went for a pressure test, to find out how bad is was, and was booked in immediately.
I had my endoscopy and a dilation and was able to eat small amounts for the first time in months.
Last year the problem returned and I was sent straight to our major hospital and had another dilation.
It is very hard to cope with sometimes and I know I will have to have more treatment and was very interested in the poem procedure.
I feel for everyone suffering as I know exactly what you are all going through.
Best wishes to you all.
I was 15 when I first noticed it and it caused me to miss school because I was so dehydrated
How are you doing with it now?
I have an intense fear with swallowing most foods. My throat closes up even thinking about eating most foods. Seeing my body waste away makes me sad and everyone is noticing. I eat alone or I don’t eat at all....
It's the same for me
im doing okay right now it is still an issue but its being kept under controlled for now
Repent and believe in Jesus. He will heal you.
jose mathew fuck you dude seriously
How are y’all handling this.
This video saved my life... got surgery done because of this video ❤❤❤❤❤
I had a very simaliar experience. The difference was that even though I am in a small town, my doctor sent me to the gastro pretty quickly. As soon as he heard my symptoms he knew what it was. He tried several things (meds, inflation) that had moderate success. But I opted for surgery (20 years ago). And have experienced almost complete relief.
what is the surgery called ? :)
I've had this problem for 3 years now, my weight started at 205 and currently at 130, I've lost all muscle mass and strength. Had extensive testing 6 months ago and 3 balloon stretches which only helped for 2-3 days. This video gives me hope, and something to explore treatment wise, .my other alternative is to continue on as I have been and if my weight loss calculations are correct I won't be here by next June. At age 59 this isn't what I want to be thinking about as otherwise I'm a pretty healthy, happy guy. Thanks for making this video.
i feel you sir. me also from 75kg to 55kg at the moment. lost 20 kg in 1 year and 8 months of not having a good eat.
I can identify with Chris. In order to help you guys that are having the same issue - the worst thing you can do is be frightened and not get it corrected by a gastroenterologist. If you are terrified (as I was) of the endoscopic procedure thinking you will gag - forget it. The drugs they give you are terrific. You will not know a thing. My achalasia was a bit different than Chris's, but all-in-all, the swallowing issue was identical. To set you at ease, I am posting the results from my gastroenterologist. Trust me, you will have instant relief. I was able to eat normal again the SAME day, - although I was apprehensive to take my first swallow thinking I might have food get stuck again it did not get stuck! I tried over the next few days with foods I KNEW would be an issue; bread, granola, pork chops, pizza - you know what I mean. They all went down fine! So here's the Gastro report, in detail, for all of you to read with hopes it will set your mind at ease and give you the confidence to have the procedure. YOU WILL NOT GAG, YOU WILL KNOW NOTHING - YOU WILL AWAKE WITH THE ABILITY TO SWALLOW AGAIN!
# # #
PROCEDURE: EGD with esophageal balloon dilatation and antral biopsy to rule out Helicobacter pylori.
INDICATIONS: A 66-year-old gentleman complaining of esophageal dysphagia. He has had dysphagia to solids for a very long time and had food bolus impaction when he was 10 years old. He had an upper GI series that suggested cricopharyngeal achalasia with tertiary esophageal contractions and a benign-appearing stricture suspected at gastroesophageal junction with a small sliding hiatal hernia.
PREMEDICATION: Monitored anesthesia care.
OPERATION: The risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure were reviewed with the patient. Risk factors mentioned included but were not limited to cardiopulmonary complications from anesthesia, aspiration, hemorrhage, perforation and a pathology misread of 5% to 10%. Informed consent obtained prior to starting the procedure. Olympus video gastroscope was introduced in the oropharynx under direct vision advanced over esophageal sphincter into proximal esophagus. The scope was maneuvered into distal esophagus. There was no increase in resistance to passage of scope through upper esophageal sphincter. I did not appreciate a Zenker's diverticulum or achalasia of upper esophageal sphincter or increase in cricopharyngeus muscle tone. Furthermore, there was no increase in esophageal rings or furrows. There was no stasis change and no evidence of traction diverticulum.
The squamocolumnar junction was well-demarcated at 36 cm and there was a tight stricture at this level suggestive of a tight Schatzki's ring measuring no more than 9 mm in diameter. Efforts to transgress the Schatzki's ring were not successful initially and scope caused circumferential trauma and scant oozing. However, with sustained pressure, I was able to get through Schatzki's ring into a very small hiatal hernia measuring no more than 1 cm and then into gastric lumen. Gastric mucosa suggested patchy erythema in the peripyloric area with some scarring and there was functional pyloric stenosis, however, pylorus could be easily intubated with the adult gastroscope. Descending duodenal mucosa was unremarkable and the scope was advanced to second portion of duodenum.
No evidence of duodenitis or arteriovenous malformations or inflammation of duodenum. The scope was then withdrawn in the antral portion and antral biopsies were obtained for H. pylori. Retroflexion suggested mild bleeding from the passage of scope through a tight Schatzki's ring. No additional findings were noted. The scope was then withdrawn in the distal esophagus and using controlled radial expansion through the scope balloon Schatzki's ring was engaged with a 12 mm balloon and dilated sequentially to 13.5 mm and then to 15 mm with deflation set at every stage inspect the effectiveness of dilatation. At 15 mma mucosal tear was seen at 7 o'clock position. There was heme effect. A smaller tear was also noted at 2 o'clock position.
Thereafter, stomach was decompressed, scope withdrawn and procedure terminated. Patient tolerated the procedure well without difficulties or complications.
IMPRESSIONS:
1. No evidence of increase in upper esophageal sphincter tone, Zenker's diverticulum, traction diverticulum, stasis change or increase in esophageal rings or furrows.
2. Tight stricture noted at 36 cm coinciding with squamocolumnar junction suggestive of a tight Schatzki's ring that was dilated first with the passage of the adult gastroscope and then with controlled radial expansion through the scope balloon to 12 mm, 13.5 mm and 15 mm with mucosal tears and heme effect.
3. Barely 1 cm hiatal hernia.
4. Mild antral gastritis in the vicinity of pylorus with scarring and erythema, status post antral biopsy for Helicobacter pylori.
5. Some narrowing of the pyloric opening noted. However, the adult gastroscope was advanced without difficulty.
6. Normal duodenal mucosa.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Await pathology. (UPDATE: Pathology report came back as normal)
2. Cut food fine and chew well to minimize chance of dysphagia.
(UPDATE: No need to do this, as I am back to normal)
3.Anti-reflux measures.
4.Repeat endoscopy as necessary based on patient's symptoms
Thank you for posting all that. Fascinating. Anyone know a great GI doc in Spokane, WA? 😬
so what was the treatment ? how did you improve?
@Chris Nutone this is fantastic information you have provided. Unfortunately I never got sedated for either of my two main endos which resulted it a lot of gagging and pain. For me it felt like what I assumed waterboarding feels like. My fear of general anaesthetic has increased greatly since I got food bolus stuck several years ago and went under anaesthesia and they gave me a relaxant drug that I ended up being severely allergic to. The doctors said a routine operation turned into something very dangerous and I nearly died. I think my surfer was only supposed to take 30 mins and yet I was out for over 4 hours.
I have dysphagia and have had it for approx 24 years, I reckon I first started noticing this when I was about 13. It’s not every meal. I can swallow most of the time, but I’d say most meals I get the feeling that my oesophagus constricts (anywhere from 1 to 20 approx times) and I can only continue eating when it relaxes. It’s scary at times and it has meant that I avoid social eating.
I had a scope and punched the doctor in the face and then was put to sleep for the scope
But unfortunately my swallowing issues returned 2 days later
Hello all. I had the problems you are describing on this forum--could not swallow food, was living on liquids, lost 25 lbs, etc. I had three CP dilations, each of which helped for a number of weeks, but then problems returned. My ENT surgeon said I was *not* a candidate for a myotomy, though he never said why. Then, a GI suggested I take low-dose anti-depressants because of their secondary effects on the GI system. I now take 75mg of nortriptyline each night and the results have been DRAMATIC. I can now swallow most solid foods, and have done so for over one year since the medicine. Also, I had to dissolve the capsules in water for several months but can now swallow the capsules. I urge you to try this treatment if you are not finding relief elsewhere.
I was also able to keep it under control by using escitalopram. Now I am looking for other options as well like yoga meditation as it relaxes your whole body
Hi this medicine can helpful for upper esophageas blockage plz give me ansr
@@soniasinghal6271 I don't believe my anti-depressant therapy is good for blockage.
I am asking u this is my question that it's medicine can we use for blockage yes ya no .bcs my father suffring uppr esophageas blockage prblm
@@soniasinghal6271 No, I don't believe it's for blockages.
7 years before I finally figure out what the hell is going on with me lol.. thankful for all the people that share what they're going through.
Hello im having the same thing did you lost weight at the process ??
They should show this video as testimonial to this procedure.
Thank You for posting.
I understand. I got this in 2000, after going thru numerous doctors that said I had bronchitis, Allergies, etc. I went to a GI doctor in 2001, was told I had Acid Reflex although the radiologist discontinued the barium swallow due to trickling down slowly. GI Dr didn't address that, was given the purple pill. Didn't help. Didn't go to another GI doctor until last month. I could never find anyone that had what I had online and I wasn't given a correct diagnosis in 2001. Having the Poem procedure in 2 weeks.. I have gotten down to lowest weight since I was a teenager. Thanks for uploading and the interview and information.
Although as being from the West am impressed this only happens to third world foreigners as far as I am concerned.
My teenage little brother is going through this now. How was the procedure/surgery???
Melonie Dixon I am going through this and finally I will have surgery to fix it. I hope your brother gets the help and support he needs because this has caused me great stress and anxiety which is not good for this condition.
@@shaysimon1763 He got the balloon dilation 3 weeks ago and symptoms are starting to come back
@@shaysimon1763 I hope the surgery does you well! Im sorry that u have to go through this aswell
Glad you are better ! I feel the tears! I’ve been dealing with Achalasia for 7 months I’ve lost 40 pounds everyday is a drag now my poem procedure will be done this Friday just waiting on it
Hi I also suffer with Achalasia.. How are you feeling after the procedure?
@@verashadams3365 after 10 days of eating soft foods I am back to normal eating almost anything I want I feel so much better the only downsides so far is at certain points I get really bad heart burn most likely caused by certain foods like tomato sauce/ketchup/pizza so I have to avoid them for now my doctor has also told me.
I'm sorry to hear that I will do thank you
God bless him🙏❤️❤️I was just diagnosed with Achalasia and I have surgery in 2 weeks , can't wait🥰🙏🙏
❤❤❤how did it go ? 😊
I don't know if I have this but sometimes it just feels like I can't swallow. Not even drinking helps. I just had it a few minutes ago and co-workers thought I was choking. I try to relax my throat. It's a scary feeling. I just try to tell my self that it will pass.
Lori Vattes hello?
How are you doing now?
Same bro I don’t know what it is
Could be if its momentary an esophageal spasm, did you seek medical attention? hope everything is well
It will be better to go to a doctor and get checked out. You owe yourself that much.
I was diagnosed with Achalasia. I also had the surgery 4 years ago. I am going back for the Pneumatic Dialation in a few weeks. In my case i know what caused my Achalasia. I became dagerously B12 deficient for many years (2001 to 2010) but did not know this. I had alot of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing. I got my B12 problem under control but beleive it caused the nerve damage to my esophagus because that is a side effect of B12. I find that Pasta, Rice, mashed potatoes,oatmeal and most cream soups are the easiest to eat. The worst thing i cannot get down no matter what is fresh Rasberries or strawberries.
I agree with you I recently discovered that I have mthfr gene and I believe the same happened to me nerve damage from years of not absorbing b vitamins correctly since methylation is impaired. Achalasia is hell on earth.
11th year now and I finally found a specialist. I was trapped in the crazy medical system cycle and crashed so many times. I can‘t wait to finally eat normal again. Not pressing it down with gallons of water and force and occasionally pass out.
It’s been a week now since my POEM procedure at St.James teaching Hospital Leeds. I have been having swallowing problem for over 5 years I have been diagnosed by acid reflux and went through endoscopic for 3 times but I’m glad I can eat/drink now Finally I can go out for dinners with my friends and family. G it was huge relief when I took my barium swallow next day it was great you feel it all the way through your stomach.
Hey how are hope you are doing well which dr do you go to is st.James teaching hospital is in ga?
Lord, i'm in tears when he said " i was so happy to see my self swallow" i feel him so much. God bless him, and all othe People wirh this disease. I have not been diagnosed, but i'm having symptoms for 5 months already. The things i would do to swallowing and eat, drink normal again, oh god. God bless everyone, wish you all the best, i pray. I hope i get diagnosed and feel better soon!! Also it hurts when they don't understand your symptoms, it's flustrasing. The things i would do to feel better again, i can't even explain!!
Go get it check quick as possible and don't let this Damn doctors do what they want to do
I'm going for a POEM procedure tomorrow after having Achalasia for nearly two years. This video was the first one I watched that spoke about it, and I had no idea what achalasia was beforehand. I wish I could shake this man's hand.
Can you tell me how yours started?
How did it go????
How did it go? I am having POEM procedure tomorrow.
@@nursefayeeren5533 It was pretty painless, and nearly a year later I'm still able to eat well. Very very worth it. Good luck to you!
@@LiamPolmear Thank you so much. Dr said it will be very painfull, and he said I may have reflux for life. He recommended to not eat any kind of meat, eggs, some other food items which could cause GERD. He said I will be using acid reducer for life. You said your was not painfull and you can eat everything right?
I can relate too.. had HM last 3yrs.. I can say Im better now than before
Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed in 2016 and had the Robotic Heller Myatomy with DOR Fundoplication. I chose that because I did not want to deal with the silent acid reflux or high reflux rates and have to be on meds post POEM. Now there is an improved POEM that addresses the acid reflux so I hope this helps people.
That's a concern I was thinking about with doing the POEM is that reflux would happen since the esophagus is always open. May I ask who did your surgery?
@@melinda7425 Dr. Santiago Horgan at UCSD.
@@Caress1972 Thank you so much !
How is ur life style now
Can you follow the normal routine work now
i use water to swallow my food
So do I and it works! I had open surgery a few months ago and it worked although I still have to drink water
Christopher Gleedwood
Jahiem Blair ewww
Hahaha. How can you not be Stigmatic ?
No man I am replying to my own post's. How is the world without a little miracle, Cannondale Star Boy!
i think i might be going through this right now
Just diagnosed with jackhammer esophagus. 10/10 pain. 30+ pounds lost. No GERD, no regurgitation, just the sensation of swallowing a golf ball sized moravian star, somehow without bleeding. I understand the jackhammer analogy, but the jackhammer is from the inside out. Imagine that scene from Alien, where the monster bursts out of that guys chest. Yes. Yes really. There is a vid on here of a woman having an extended attack and I can't watch it without feeling sympathetic pain. The ONLY thing that gets you through is knowing that it will end. Am looking forward to treatment of any kind. Am in the hands of the Cleveland Clinic so I feel confident.
@Saint Duck Any news? How are you now? I'm pretty sure I have achalasia because of, or maybe along with esophageal spasms and severe gerd.
@@brookeb7994 Have been on Imipramine, an anti-anxiety med. Off label side effect for esophageal spasm control. Controls the spasm's 100% with daily use. Never had gerd, so can't help there.
@@Duck420Ag that's awesome and incredible you found a solution! Thank you for sharing it.
Going to see a doctor about this same issue today
Cool. I dig this.
Going through this now (2023) I think I have had it for years (now 41) always been very skinny. Achalasia type 2 is what they say. I have had the dilation treatment a couple of weeks ago which seemed to help a little, on PPIs to help. Had a test where they stick a probe into your sphincter via your nose and get you to swallow water to check the pressure. Having the keyhole surgery in late April 2023 to cut stomach and esophagus and tie them back together somehow. Have been told I will have trouble with reflux for the rest of my life after the surgery. Will let you know how it goes. IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND YOU HAVE SAME SYMPTOMS GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR. I PUT IT OFF FOR YEARS AND WISH I DIDN'T AS TREATMENT IS LIFE CHANGING.
Thankyou for posting. been battling depression for a year or so, and my body has been failing on me rapidly recent months. odd skin rashes and aches are just the beginning it seems, as for the past three months i have been unable to sleep or swollow properly. so bad that i cans sleep at night without feeling someone is almost pressing on the bottom of my adams apple. i suspected it was because i quit smoking, and find myself spitting slippery sticky saliva, (gross, sorry) and sometimes wonder if that has something to do with it?
I've been dealing with Achalasia since I was 36. After I went into an "SVT" I had noticed shortly after I was having problems swallowing. I've been to many Dr's here in Florida to no avail. I've trained myself to deal with it, I knew exactly how it was going to react when I ate and knew how to compensate, but I am now at 65 and it's worse and getting to be a real problem.
whats your secret sir? how did you manage to deal with it for a long time?
Thanks for sharing your story I’m going to try that. Because I just went to a gastroenterologist and they took some biopsy. Have to wait on results but he pretty much said he couldn’t see anything. I also had a barium swallow test. And I passed with flying colors.
Hey do you have WhatsApp I’m dealing with this
I've been struggling since September 2021. Was finally diagnosed with Achalasia. Hopefully when my insurance kicks in in July I'll be able to eat again after the procedure.
I had the Hellers myotomy done in 2000 when I was 15 and Nissens Fundoplication.
Richard any complications?
@@bizzyguju i also had both in 2011. i was great after the hellers. i could eat well. it doesnt last forever. i had a dilation 2017 and another in 2020. the poem procedure sounds amazing . obviously take liquid vitamins under the tongue.
I have this as well. I can’t even eat mashed potatoes, apple sauce, etc., I’m terrified I won’t be able to eat anything.
Have you recovered?
Be healed in Jesus's name
I've recently started going through this as well, it's so scary. It feels like everything is getting stuck in my throat. It's so bad I had to eat some baby food my son never ended up eating. He is almost 2 now and I found some in the pantry that was still good. I'm so afraid I'll never be able to eat or drink like before it's so scary
Just rememeber u are going to get through it u will be able to eat :)
What did you did? I need help!!
Inspirational.
It was nothing but God that brought me here this is what I'm going through now. It's over the top painful at times can't eat plus sometimes the food sit right above your stomach the you have to make yourself throw up or you can't breath. I'm trying to get it done now 6 plus year's with this.
My wife told me to tell other Achalasia suffers what we discovered that helps and is a non-invasive medical procedure. I started out suffering from Acid reflux for the past 10 years in the last 6 months my food wouldn't go into my stomach. I spent hours on hours spewing up my food and just by chance I found a cure woo hoo. I want to share with other Achalasia suffers. For the past month, this is what helped me open the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).
Ok, I use this every day, every time I eat, everywhere I go, I carry this just like I do my cell phone, it's called a Terminal Zapper or the basic zapper they both work, man I'm free from spewing up all the fricken time so exhausting. Click on the link and buy one, It really works. Once you have the Zapper make sure you have a brand new 9-volt battery. Usually, with a new 9-volt battery in the Zapper, you turn it on then you hold the copper plates to the skin of your stomach where you feel the food is stuck, and with in a few seconds you'll feel the food slip into your stomach, it's awesome. Eventually when the food takes 5- 10 minutes to slid into your stomach change the battery. I always carry a spare. I know it works, good Luck and pass it on to other achalasia sufferers...... by the way I don't get a commission. I just want to help. Peace rawsynergy.square.site/
In 2007, I began to experience difficulty swallowing food. At first, the symptoms were not too bad but got gradually worse. I was finding myself having to carry a bottle of water with me whenever I was eating, to try and help push the food down into my stomach. These were not gentle sips of water, they were huge gulps that were needed to create pressure, but on occasions, the food would not budge, resulting in what I can only describe as a drowning sensation when the water came back up (really frightening at the time!).
After being diagnosed with Achalasia of the Cardia (with dysphagia), I had a Heller myotomy early in 2008. My weight had gone from 90kg to 68kg by the time of the operation. Unfortunately, the procedure wasn't successful and as soon as I got home from the hospital I was experiencing difficulty again, even with the softest of foods.
I later had Pneumatic dilation treatment. The first balloon dilation was 15mm, followed by a second dilation two days later of 20mm and finally, the third dilation of 30mm. They didn't have a 30mm balloon at the hospital so they had to order it. When I had the 30mm procedure they took me to the operating theatre (I suppose in case there was a perforation of the esophagus).
When I came around, the surgeon smiled and said he thought the sphincter muscle had stretched sufficiently as there was a sign of bleeding.
At the very onset, I was given the choice of having a Heller myotomy first or the Pneumatic dilation, the choice was mine. In retrospect, I wish I'd gone with the balloon treatment.
After the balloon dilation, my ability to swallow food was about 90% normal. Now, over time, I would say I'm at about 75-80% normal and have started to carry a bottle of water with me again, just in case.
Footnote: Heller myotomy in the UK.
Balloon dilation in a private hospital in Thailand.
Same with me.. I've been diagnosed with achalasia type 1.. after surgery, got complication with mucosal injury + hospital acquired pneumonia.. 19 dys in ward, after poem even the sip of water would not go down.. got multiple dilatation and after the second dilation nearly 90 percent succesfl...and by now, I think maybe 70 percent..still need sky juice for helping me eating... Because of the food will go down by gravity only,achalasia don't have peristalsis for esfgs...
I dropped from 76kg to 48kg in the space of a year. When I was finally diagnosed, doctor couldn’t operate on me as my body was so weak I’d would have died on the operating table
I kept being diagnosed wrong too. Finally I went to a new doctor who was able to diagnose me immediately after a couple tests. I am about to have the POEM surgery.
Julie Smith Artist same here!! How do you feel after it? How long did it take you to get better if you even got better? We are similar! I’m having the poem surgery this Tuesday.
How do you kno if proper test is being done ..
Bigdaddyjigga you will have a barium swallow study done first. Followed by a manometry/ motility study to confirm what kind of achalasia you have. There are 4 types. You’ll then be referred to a surgeon. I HIGHLY advise getting the POEM procedure. I got mine yesterday and it’s been a miracle. I’m already at home eating soup and drinking water. Good luck.
@@bizzyguju That's great! My little brother has just been diagnosed. Not sure which type he has, but how are you doing today? Are you able to eat normally again? Please respond.
I was diagnosed with achalasia 6 years ago. I didn't do the Heller Myotomy thinking it too invasive. I had the botox injections and they provide temporary relief. I am going to Houston Methodist hospital in May for a consultation with a surgeon who performs the POEM procedure. I will proceed with it if the surgeon feels it is in my best interest.
I've been doing this for months now
Thank you so much for this video. I think I have this and its not good. I am 47 years old and having issues with swallowing food and liquids.... I am going to schedule an appointment with a GI...
I used to work in a rest home where some of the patients couldn't swallow water so they had to have this weird thickener put in it, it was like a water smoothie. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen
God bless I can feel the pain.... Same things happening to me... But due to mysthenia gravis... Really sucks....
How r u doing now?
Achalasia is a brutal disease. Esophageal Spasms are sometimes mistaken for heart attacks, and the pain last for hours.
Totally agree, but getting medico to believe you is a problem.
I was only 15 when I got diagnosed with this, the symptoms are really not pleasant, I had balloon dilation, it used to be frustrating when I was absolutely starving and couldn't eat! Thankfully I was diagnosed quickly
I feel you pain Robert, I too had this when I was 16-17. I had it for about a year because doctors weren’t taking me seriously.
My first symptoms were manifested while I was eating a chicken dinner at a restaurant. My throat spasmed and I lost everything I had chewed onto my plate. Since that time, I have been taking meds for Gerd and intermittently having trouble swallowing, even my saliva. I may need to talk to my doctor about this POEM procedure. I have not been diagnosed with Achalasia yet.
I had this eating disorder for about a year because the doctors kept prescribing me gavascon. It was only after I dropped below 8 stone they started taking me seriously. My lowest weight was 7 and half stone, my original weight was 12 stone.
When I finally got diagnosed, my body so weak that the doctors said I wouldn’t wake back up if they operated on me. Had to spend a month with a feeding tube and drinking nourishment shakes. I managed to put on half a stone and went for the op (key hole surgery). My first meal after the operation was weeterbix, I cried while eating it as it was the first meal in a year that I was able to keep down.
Still affects me to this day. I’m always the slowest eater -_-
I’ve had this for 30 years. I use water to assist to push my food down. But When it gets stuck in my throat/chest area then I run out to try and throw out what’s stuck. It’s a feeling of waterboarded or chocking. It usually drops down after a 5-10 mins however the worst was when it got stuck for 14 hours until it went down. I think another name for this is Schatzki ring, which I read about online, quote: a circular band of mucosal tissue that can form at the end of the food pipe closest to the stomach. The ring of tissue causes the food pipe, or esophagus, to narrow. When a ring forms, a person may have no symptoms. Or, they may have difficulty swallowing, which the medical community calls dysphagia.
My wife told me to tell other Achalasia suffers what we discovered that helps and is a non-invasive medical procedure. I started out suffering from Acid reflux for the past 10 years in the last 6 months my food wouldn't go into my stomach. I spent hours on hours spewing up my food and just by chance I found a cure woo hoo. I want to share with other Achalasia suffers. For the past month, this is what helped me open the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).
Ok, I use this every day, every time I eat, everywhere I go, I carry this just like I do my cell phone, it's called a Terminal Zapper or the basic zapper they both work, man I'm free from spewing up all the fricken time so exhausting. Click on the link and buy one, It really works. Once you have the Zapper make sure you have a brand new 9-volt battery. Usually, with a new 9-volt battery in the Zapper, you turn it on then you hold the copper plates to the skin of your stomach where you feel the food is stuck, and with in a few seconds you'll feel the food slip into your stomach, it's awesome. Eventually when the food takes 5- 10 minutes to slid into your stomach change the battery. I always carry a spare. I know it works, good Luck and pass it on to other achalasia sufferers...... by the way I don't get a commission. I just want to help. Peace rawsynergy.square.site/
@@GWT139 thank you!!!
I really can't live with this disorder anymore. I'm currently 13 years old and I'm sick of this tbh. I feel really bad for anyone that has achalasia because I know how bad it truly feels. It's like people don't get me at all. I'm done. I can't anymore,
So glad you got it diagnosed Sir, I went through it myself...I couldnt swallow for 4-5 years and the last 6-7 months before I was diagnosed, I was unable to swallw liquids and I lived on sucking Ice Cubes......stay healthy my friend.
I'm going through something similar...When I swollow hard foods and hot food I feel like I'm going to faint everytime I tried to swollow it's a weird feeling have you heard anything like this 🙏🏽
@@georged7627 Hello my friend...the symptoms you are experiencing do sound quite similar to the symptoms I experienced....so please go to your gastroenterologist and tell them whats happening, don't make the mistake I did and ignore it, thinking it will go away !
It's extremely probable that it will be something that can be treated easily, so please go and get it checked out.
All the best Mate and let me know how it goes.
Take care
@@TheIainCollier I went to the doctors yesterday about it and he said don't worry about it I must of hit a nerve the wrong way when eating but if it keeps happening regularly then go back and see him 🙏🏽
@@georged7627 Thats good to hear, stay healthy Mate
You know sometimes people have tell respectful tell these doctors a thing or too
I understand your emotions while telling your story coz I'm also an achalasia patient last year I under go with the laparoscopic Heller myotomy and I'm really totally fine right now
Do you mean the poem surgery?
hey please tell where you got done this surgery.
That's a blessing. I pray that things is still going well for you in Jesus name.
@@pauldio_gist7807 No they meant the Heller myotomy.
I SUFFER FROM ACHALASIA ,IT TOOK 3YEARS TO HAVE A DIAGNOSESI HAVNT EATEN IN PUBLIC IN YEARS ..I START EATING AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT MY FOOD STICKS AND I HAVE TO REGURGITATE. ITS CHANGED MY LIFE COMPLETELY. I LIVE IN THE UK .
I'm facing this just now and came here looking for it..Dam it feels like choking
One thing that has helped me is using a squeezezable water bottle and shoot it into my mouth while sucking on the water bottle and trying to feel myself swallow even if your muscle is weak getting that rhythm can help tremendously in my experience but only get bottles you can squeeze. Because in my experience you need some kind of force to help the body push it down. Water bottle I use regularly are the Gatorade squeeze ones you can find at target pretty cheap in price. Also never drink sugary drinks with your meal water is the only way... Because the sugars in a drink combine with the food and make it almost impossible to drink at least with my severity of acchalasia. Let me know if this helps. Good luck!
Same bro
im relieved when this man said the part that he now can swallow food well again. but in my part thinking that im not yet cured or out of this situation i fell depressed. coz i don't know if there is a doctor in Philippines that could treat me like the way that man was treated by his doctor. and i dont know how much money would it cost to perform that surgery.
:( :(
Hey, hope you get better! How's your condition now?
I feel your pain I'm dealing with this I get food stuck in my esophagus every everyday and I because of that I can' eat out with my family at restaurants or with my friends at school I don't eat at school I just want this to go away I want it to stop
How old are you im 16 and i randomly like a week ago started having hard time swallowing food
@@Parahdise I'm 16 to
@@porterallen6766 have you went to the doctors?
@@Parahdise no I just take a small pill that helps me swallow food
@@porterallen6766 damn bro I can hardly swallow pills
Just got diagnosed with this couple of days ago, I’m 20 years of age, I am going to have surgery called heller myotomy I will reply to this comment after I had the surgery and give you guys my experience after it, remember you guys are not alone get the help you need. 🙂
Keep us updated my guy.
How did it go? Are you fine now?
Anyone with the same issue having problem swallowing at the same time experiencing difficulty in breathing?
I feel him I think got the same thing and now I’m ready to do this get this done I’m scared but if helps me eat and drink water again I’m all for it. But idk what to eat or drink after surgery hopefully they tell me
Hows it going now? I'm going through it too
@@jeremyboyes5948 hope you are well. after surgery is slow for a while but its a miracle just to drink water. then mash etc . ou will know what you are comfy with
It's weird I developed achalasia after getting COVID. I went from 220 lbs down to 135 in about a year. Anyone else happen to develope this after COVID?
I got the heller myotomy 9 months ago. It's still not perfect I'll never be free completely from this but it's definitely manageable now. I avoid carbonate drinks because burping is extremely hard. They fold your stomach to make a valve to prevent acid from coming back up your esophagus but it also makes releasing pressure from your stomach much more difficult. I have to contort my body a little to be able to throw up if I get sick. Achalasia is hell, the heller myotomy lifts you from the 8th level to probably the 2nd or 3rd. You'll never be "cured" but you find ways to improve your quality of life. The past 7 months I've been eating healthier than I ever have... But I still feel so weak. After losing so much of my body it will take years for me to get the strength I once had... If I ever get it back fully.
I just started experiencing dificullty swallowing, all of a sudden and its only getting worse :(
My father has the same problem. It's been 3 months and he has lost 13 pounds. Meds don't work
Holy sh##¥t...my whole life struggling with food..no doctor or hospital has been able to diagnose what my problem is..l have been hospitalised a few times ..thay say stress or gastric issues.. but l am sure you have just described my condition ...geese!..what to do about it..? Really need to be free of it..
Meh, same issue. For year diagnosed for reflux. Atm I waiting for hospital date I hope they diagnose it right finally. - weight drop, food stuck in throat, initially there was a problem with eating now even drinking is problematic (especially cold). Disaster.
I'm waiting for surgery now, they gave me some Botox as a stop-gap. I went home and actually ate and drank normally. I could feel it go down! All the way. I teared up as well. ❤️
I've seen a few doctors with this problem over the years before I knew what it was, they just gave me a prescription for omeprazole and shuffled me out the door. I never took the meds because I knew I didn't have reflux.
Yeah. I was prescribed pantaprazole and then Prevacid. I kept telling my doctor's that the medications was not working, and that the symptoms got worse. Prayerfully this new test will reveal what is going on with me. And that I can get some relief in Jesus name. It would be nice to be able to eat again.
Swallowing problem is the most disturbing problem. I know how it feels cause I am struggling with it too
I also suffered achlasia like you and can't eat solid and can't drink liquid but cured now
Did uget surgery
I've been having this for 5 day I don't know what to do
I have been choking on water and coughing its like the muscles in my throat is getting bad
I think mine started 2012/2013, have been managing it since then, until it became worse that I had to voice out. No one understood my pain, I argued with doctors and cried out, until I was diagnosed this year, 2020. Omo it’s not easy, everyday chest pain and difficulty swallowing, in my case it’s still on the first stage, I can’t imagine how other stages would be like, because I don’t think I want to do that surgery, don’t blame me am a Nigerian surgery is a big word here 😫. Could surgery be the only option I have here? Or can I happily manage it with drugs forever? Because presently, with just drugs am still not happy because I feel the day everyday. Please I need responses
It only gets worse, at least it did for me... I'm sorry... but at that point the surgery sounds like a fucking godsend anyway and really is worth it
I have this same problem. The dr. said it was due to Zenkers Diverticulum. Now I have to have surgery to get right again. 0.01% of the world has zenkers.
I've been dealing with achalasia now for almost 4 years. How much is the POEM procedure on average?
I need help! I'm not sure if I have this. I have had random difficulty swallowing for 10 years, so it first started were it was very painful to swallow but I was able to swallow but than it progressed to me having to vomit now it's still random but huge amount of Vomiting.
I have had this problem for 51 yrs. I wonder if this could be the cause?
I am totally on liquids since 5 years since operation of salvage base of tongue.
i had this condition in 2017. i had a surgery where doctor widen the opening of the stomach. i have no idea how i got this but it started with a minor swallowing problem and then progress to worst.
hows he doing now 6 years later??
im pretty young and have this.
it sucks and ruins your life. i cry every night praying to God it will go away although I know it’s forever. if only it wasn’t a thing.
the only thing that helps with mine is water.
I've just had a problem where when Im trying to eat solids hot solids I feel like I'm going to faint everytime I try to swollow does anyone know what this is plz 🙏🏽
Christ would you pleas give us an update of how you are feeling today. I would really be grateful if you can just in a few words tell us how you feel today.
I feel like I can’t swallow big food because I feel like I’m going to choke. I then can only swallow with water and even doing that I can’t swallow all the food in my mouth. I’m embarrassed i can’t eat a meal without it being a challenge and I even have to spit some of it out at the end because I just can’t swallow it. I feel like there’s always a bit of food stuck at the back of my throat when I eat. It’s really bad it’s got in the way of my social life and my life in general. No one understands me because it’s just so uncommon. Had it my whole life . Just don’t know what to do.
My wife told me to tell other Achalasia suffers what we discovered that helps and is a non-invasive medical procedure. I started out suffering from Acid reflux for the past 10 years in the last 6 months my food wouldn't go into my stomach. I spent hours on hours spewing up my food and just by chance I found a cure woo hoo. I want to share with other Achalasia suffers. For the past month, this is what helped me open the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES).
Ok, I use this every day, every time I eat, everywhere I go, I carry this just like I do my cell phone, it's called a Terminal Zapper or the basic zapper they both work, man I'm free from spewing up all the fricken time so exhausting. Click on the link and buy one, It really works. Once you have the Zapper make sure you have a brand new 9-volt battery. Usually, with a new 9-volt battery in the Zapper, you turn it on then you hold the copper plates to the skin of your stomach where you feel the food is stuck, and with in a few seconds you'll feel the food slip into your stomach, it's awesome. Eventually when the food takes 5- 10 minutes to slid into your stomach change the battery. I always carry a spare. I know it works, good Luck and pass it on to other achalasia sufferers...... by the way I don't get a commission. I just want to help. Peace rawsynergy.square.site/
I find myself gulping hands full of cold water from the sink like some desert explorer that found an oasis. But my efforts to quench my thirst is a loosing battle.
I am suffering from same problem, didn't able to swallow solid food.
😭allah help me please. Thx to all doctors
May Allah help you and make it easy for you
to be honest there are more patients that the procedure didn't help than it does help. it's a progressive disease with no cure so this treatment (like the rest of them) is temporary. since it will get worse over the years and as you age and your body slowly starts to not work as well...you're going to notice. your lower esophageal sphincter still won't work properly so you will have to take acid reflux pills most likely forever because of the up-flow of acid from your stomach (more so after the procedure)
so in my case, I decided I did not want to replace one set of problems with another. not to mention that having an endoscopy or any kind of endoscopic procedure is extremely uncomfortable and can be painful especially for those who suffer from this condition.
if you're newly diagnosed with this then I suggest you join some groups and forums online, to speak to other people who suffer from achalasia and get some first-hand accounts and life experience of living with it. the only good my doctors have done for me is giving me an official diagnosis but I've had to learn to live with achalasia and make some lifestyle changes, with this you can minimize the chest pains, spasms, difficulty swallowing to a degree and live a relatively normal life.
Hi what are the sites of other people with achalasia? I want to be able to swallow again, but don't want acid reflux!
Have had this going on for 24 years with no help :)
Did you ever go to the doctor? You may have to go to another doctor in order to get the proper diagnosis.