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Hi Teresa, I was diagnosed with achalasia about 4 years ago using manometry tests following rapid weight loss and frequent vomiting during and after meals. Given my age at the time (73), my surgeon advised against surgical procedures. Instead I have had botox injections into my LES sphincter muscle every 6 months to keep the muscle open enough for the food to go down into my stomach. I have not had any bad side effects like acid reflux after the procedures. Nonetheless, I have sporadically experienced the usual symptoms of achalasia, like chest pain and sphincter muscle pain. Fortunately, early on I discovered that drinking a few sips of cold water instantly stopped the pain. My gastro doc was not aware of this simple solution ... at least in my case.
Replies to "Hi Teresa, I was diagnosed with achalasia about 4 years ago using manometry tests following rapid..."
I was diagnosed with achalasia type 111 on 8/27/21 Now waiting to see surgeon that specializes in this. It's not a Mayo clinic, but one of the best hospitals in Seattle; Swedish hospital. I'm 68, so I don't know what, if any surgery he'll be wanting to do on me. Just hope I'm able to get an appointment soon. From what I have read through the Mayo clinic about achalasia type 111, there are at least three procedures that possibly can be done. The POEM procedure sounds like to me to be the best one for my issue.
How do they go about the botox injection into the LES sphincter muscle every 6 months. Would that be done with an endoscopy procedure while under anesthesia? If so that sounds better to me than slitting almost entirely my esophagus and attaching the sphincter muscle to it. I think that is how it was described.
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I do appreciate this information, @tamad. If we have any new members with this disorder would you mind if I invite you to their conversation? Many people could use encouragement and ideas for dealing with difficult symptoms!