I had POEM surgery 1/18/19 so I’m five days post op. Mine was performed at RWJ New Brunswick NJ by Dr Kahaleh. As posted by a another contributor I too had not heard of achalasia. I thought I had reflux until the swallowing difficulty began. To confirm the diagnosis, I had a barrium swallow test, endoscopy and esophageal mynometry. With a confirmed diagnosis I had the POEM. Yes the disease is rare but Dr. Kahaleh and his team were very matter of fact about it. He showed me a video as to how the procedure was informed. I am grateful that unlike some other patients I had zero pain post op with the exception of a sore throat which lasted three days. Hardly worth mentioning. I am weak and tired from the post op dietary restrictions. I have completed my three day clear liquid and have begun full liquids today which introduces dairy. A struggle for me. I tolerate low dairy intake so I’m working around it. In three days I’ll begin a soft diet which greatly increases food choices and I’m looking forward to it. I took a week off from work. It’s necessary. Energy lacking from the limited diet. I am taking a proton inhibitor as prescribed for reflux and supplementing with an antacid. I follow up in one month with the doctor. So far so good. Even though I’m only consuming thickened liquids at this point I am swallowing normally. Wonderful!