This is basically an update. I am officially an end stage achalasia patient. The diagnosis was made by two of Oregon Health Science's Gasterentologists. The diagnoses was fairly clear after the endoscopy, but they did more to make sure. The symptoms have clearly come back and are as bad as ever after both a poem and a Heller surgery over the past two years. The endoscopy showed evidence not only symptom recurrence but also damage to the esophagus that can't be reversed. A lot of dilation, something describe as legions all over and more.

At this point even liquids can be difficult to swallow at times and my options aren't good. I probably to this point because the original diagnosis was late and it happen three months before the stay at home orders from Covid. There may have been some other factors as well, but that's all in the past. Right now I've been referred to one of the surgeons for an esophagectomy.

OHSU is more experienced at this than I understood. I've been told they do more than anyone on the West Coast. And I am an Oregon resident. So far I've only committed to an office visit. But if they are as experienced and as good as I've been told they seem like a good choice.

I've believed this was coming but now that it's a reality, I'll admit it's overwhelming. I know that achalasia is rare and few patients get to this point but if anyone has had to go through this and can share a little of their experience I'd love to hear it. Or anything else.