@pamelakyro First of all, I'm sorry to hear that you're having this issue. Treatments of one sort or another can be fairly straightforward and effective for some, or complicated and hard to treat for others. I hope you are in that first category!

For context, I was diagnosed with esophageal spasms, specifically jackhammer esophagus, as well as severe GERD in early June. Did they say anything else regarding the specific types of spasms you are having? They're not all quite the same. Mine are contractions that are nearly 3 times harder than normal and usually last for hours. It feels like a big cramp in my chest, which is exactly what's happening.

I have had bad reactions to calcium channel blockers, which are the first line of defense for jackhammer, and am developing other digestive symptoms. Got a message from my doc this morning. I'm fortunate to have a university hospital motility specially center close to where I live, so he's referring me there.

1. Do you have a GI doc you're comfortable with? Responsive, knowledgeable patient and, hopefully, caring That's half the battle. 2. What testing have you had? Esophageal Manometry and ph testing are the ones considered to be definitive in determining whether they are esophageal spasms, what type, and whether GERD is involved. 3. Do you thoroughly read all of the lab results and doctor's notes yourself, and look up any terminology you don't understand? Are they posted for you on a patient portal or something like my chart? 4. Have they given you instructions regarding when to exercise and what's likely to trigger symptoms? That's important. 5. Did they give you a list of foods to avoid or just tell you to track what you eat?

For sure remove all things citrus from your diet. They are highly acidic and are known triggers. The nectarine is a well known trigger. I loved them, but can't eat them anymore. I ate rice at a restaurant and it turned out there was lime juice in it. I thought I was going to die! I loved limes, too, but they're a thing of the past, Yogurt bothers some people but not others, and even at that it depends on sweetened, no fat, low fat, etc. My list is very complicated because many foods that are typically safe and even helpful for GERD are a big no-no for jackhammer. If reflux/GERD isn't an issue for you, the list of what you can't eat is likely to be long but may be relatively easy to determine.

I wish you the best in navigating this. Reach out to family and friends. Take care.