Esophageal self dilation for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis

Is esophageal self dilation effective for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis?

Hi @jackieall2015, welcome.
According to the article from Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eosinophilic-esophagitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372203 self-dialation may be recommended for some patients living with eosinophilic esophagitis.
"If you experience severe narrowing, known as a stricture, of your esophagus, your provider may recommend dilation. Dilation, also called stretching, can help make swallowing easier. Dilation may be used if steroids are not helpful. Or dilation may be a choice to avoid ongoing use of medication."

I'm tagging a few other members who live with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), like @tamaracaitlin @chines118 @larryh123 @fourof5zs @charleybmurphy @trcollins1948 @blackoutthesun, and who may be able to share their experiences. You may also be interested in these related discussions and expert blogs.

– Eosinophilic esophagitis: What treatment helps you? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/eosinophilic-eosophagitis/

- Stretching The Esophagus During EGD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/eosinophilic-esophagitis/newsfeed-post/stretching-the-esophagus-during-egd/

– Esophageal Self Dilation Therapy: An Effective Alternative https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/esophageal-self-dilation-therapy-an-effective-alternative/

Has anyone had esophageal dilation?
Please let me know of your experience, causes of and Dr's comments or prognosis.

My esphogus was almost completely closed so they dilated it to a 20 and I felt great afterwards, could eat again...couple months after I had trouble at just the bottom of esphogus so they dilated it to a 30...and so far so good...that's been 2mos now...if I have any more problems, then they will have to cut the muscles in lower esophagus but it's worth it..have more heartburn at times but no pain so definitely a improvement on quality of life

Dr. Google said that it's common to have 3-5 dilations over time to achieve stability. This is of course if you take measures to stop the reflux. I have had three. I think that may be enough for me, I am better at keeping to a low acid diet, whole food diet now. Still taking an h2 blocker, will not do PPIs again (effective but I got hit with the side effects, which doesn't happen to everyone).

Thank you for your response.
I just had 2 within 2 wks apart. They want me to have another one in 2 weeks to achieve desired circumference (? For lack of a better term.)
Dr is also wanting me to take PPI/Prilosec but I'm very concerned about the side effects.

I have had my esophagus opened about six times over about 20 years. I have found Mayo Clinic very good at doing that. I am cautious about what I eat to avoid having the thing close up again. I am not sure all the mechanics that causes mine to close, I have schlotzsky's ring, but I find avoiding fatty meals and delicious tasting hot Mexican, Thai, and Indian foods I do very well. I avoid taking any kind of medication to reduce indigestion pain. I have tried different homegrown remedies but find avoiding foods that cause indigestion keeps my esophagus open the longest. And, that is a journey in itself.