Is anyone dealing with narrowing of the esophagus?

@dsh33782, about this time last year I started landing in the ER about once every 2 weeks with nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing. After my 4th or 5th ER visit they finally figured out that I should be admitted for gastric studies (*#!&!) and did an upper GI scope and a colonoscopy and a gastric emptying study to confirm a diagnosis of gastroparesis. The GI doc said I had "slight" narrowing of the esophagus but I'll tell ya right now, it might be slight to him but it was pretty miserable to me. He said he inflated it somewhat, which did help. Now, almost a 9 months after my last hospitalization, I still have days where I can't get food down but I really think that's related more to slow gastric emptying than a narrowing esophagus. My understanding is that many people have to have the inflation repeated after a year and that it does help. Hope you find more answers and can share them.

Thanks for update. I am now scheduled to see my gastro doc today at 3 PM so I should learn more. Last evening I struggled to eat a small serving of salmon and mashed potatoes and then cheesecake. I have to eat very slowly or it makes me caugh.

@dsh33782 Acid reflux could cause swallowing issues due to scar tissue, but this can be remedied by a balloon procedure to open up the passage.

Thanks, I see Gastro Doc this afternoon at 3 and hope to learn more.

My brother and I both have it him more that me he has had same procedures you had open it up some , mine I just do not eat much meat always causes a problem and chew everything very well take my time I never rush . I have learned what foods tend to get hung up
It’s a bad feeling totally understand
Hope you feel better soon

Probably need the Poem procedure. Check it out

My brother hasn’t been eat solid foods in 10 months . Seen many Gastro and ENT’s . Has had his esophagus stretched 2 diff times at Hosp. Unfortunately neither time have worked . He only eats smooth soups , ice cream, smoothies , very soft ( can’t even do mashed potatoes). So they are still trying to figure out . I have 7 Gastro digestive disorders that are chronic and horrendous myself . I hope you get help . I’m 9 years in and 6 Gastro Dr’s , 20 tests . Still nothing and no one can help me 🥲.

Thanks for feedback althought it does not sound good. I am now scheduled for endoscopy at 7 AM Monday 9/20 where the doc will see what is going on and hopes to expand esophagus. This is only my 2nd endoscopy, four years ago I got piece of steak stuck half way down and they had to push it all the way to stomach, but I have not had any other problems until now. Now I'm on smooth food only - yogart for breakfast and soup for lunch. Anything solid even after chewing makes me cought and gag.

Please Let me know what you find out. I have a sister (mentally challenged) who has this problem. Her last episode she was given an IV of muscle relaxers. The procedure worked. I believe she has had numerous endoscopies over the years.
Respectfully
Don

I have same problems. Getting worse as I age. Additionally it causes my heart to go into aflutter and AfIb. Currently have appointments with EP and Gastroenterologist.