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I am so happy this POEM procedure worked well for so many. I am sitting here next to my husband. He just had the procedure. He would be released fr his overnight stay in the hospital here soon. Just like everyone else, my husband was diagnosed with Gerd. He knew this wasn't the case, that he was dealing with a type of mobility issue. He is only 34, so doctor's stated that he was too young for Achalasia. It ended up progressing to Type ll. He lost 30 pounds in a few months. Prior to the surgery, he couldn't even keep water down. Even though he was on a liquid diet for days prior to the procedure, when they went in to do the POEM, they had to clear food from the esophagus. It had been sitting there for over 3 days.
We are hoping and praying that this procedure helps him be able to live again. However, upon going down and doing the Barium Swallow, they stated that some of the liquid was still sitting at the bottom of the esophagus. Has this happened to anyone else? We are terrified it didn't work. His esophagus is twisted and turned now, due to the ongoing condition. The doctor said it is "bag like", not a straight path. Has anyone else had the Barium not go down all the way, but had success with the POEM? If so, please let me know. We need some sort of hope!
Also, he felt pain upon drinking a sip of water. I am hoping this is because of the surgery, not the same pain he was getting. All feedback is appreciated!
Replies to "I am so happy this POEM procedure worked well for so many. I am sitting here..."
@jenniferb my heart aches for your husband. I am 63 and have suffered for years. When I was in my 30’s I stopped swallowing- lost 30 pounds in one month. The doctors all told me it was in my head because they could see nothing wrong with my throat - no tests were done! Thank goodness for medical advances. I was diagnosed with jackhammer esophagus this go round. I had the POEM procedure last week. 3 days post op I thought I was home free. Not the case now! The pain is pretty bad when I swallow! But I can feel a difference in my chest - I am hopeful no more esophageal spasms. I am going to add your husband to my prayer list. I know how difficult it can be.
There is a certain amount of pain and discomfort afterwards. That gets better after a while and also everyone is different. I am sure he will be fine so good luck. Mine unfortunately at 74 did not work but your husband being so young has that on his side.
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Hi Jennifer. You may have read my post from January. I did in fact have a successful POEM and passed the swallow test the next day after my overnight hospital stay. My doctor explained that in the event I failed the test he would go back in to attempt to fix the problem. That sometimes happens. Take a deep breath and you and your husband take it one step at a time. Has he had other procedures in an attempt to remedy the achalasia prior to the POEM? Wishing you both the very best.
Margaret