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.

@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 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.

Have you ever heard of Jack Hammer Esophagus? That’s what I have and I had the same symptoms. It’s a rare disorder of the lower esophageal sphincter that malfunctions and the only cure for that is surgery unfortunately. They referred me to a motility specialist and did a test called Esophageal Manometry and found what was causing all my problems and symptoms. It’s a very uncomfortable test but it’s the only way to confirm diagnosis of the Jack Hammer Esophagus. Look it up and see if this sounds like your issue.

Thanks, I did lookup Jack Hammer Esophagus and it sounds bad. I don't think I have that, as I'm not having strong contractions.

I go in for Endoscopy at 7 AM tomorrow and can hardly wait as I am tired of only being able to swallow soft foods. Today breakfast was Activia, vanella pudding, and Ensure. Lunch was chicken broth soup and a milk shake.

Thanks, I did lookup Jack Hammer Esophagus and it sounds bad. I don't think I have that, as I'm not having strong contractions.

I go in for Endoscopy at 7 AM tomorrow and can hardly wait as I am tired of only being able to swallow soft foods. Today breakfast was Activia, vanella pudding, and Ensure. Lunch was chicken broth soup and a milk shake.

Don, how did the endoscopy go? What did you learn?

Colleen, all
The endoscopy last Monday to simply expand it did not go well. About 2/3 of the way down, the doc found a rather obstruction. He took a biopsy and exited. He did a great job expediting my admittance to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL. On Friday I got to meet with a great surgeon who does the complicated surgery of cutting out at section of the esophagus and reattaching the other parts. However, she views that surgery as a last resort and is planning to have me start with chemo and radiation to shrink the tumor. She reviewed results of PET scan and said that in addition to the tumor, it has spread to one lymph node. I am now scheduled to get feeding tube and port installed Tuesday (if hurricane Ian doesn't delay it). Hopefully the chemo can start a few days later.
This is of course quite a shock to my wife Charlotte and me. But we will try a stay positive and expect great results.

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 🥲.