I am new to having esophageal motility problems.

Posted by jmmjml @jmmjml, Sep 22 9:36am

I am new to this as recently having esophageal motility problems. I’ve just started going through the testing with a normal upper endoscopy scheduled for an esophageal motility test in two weeks. Any help in what I should make sure to do what not to miss how to eat without pain how to exercise without pain any tips would be so appreciated. Any doc recs in the Los Angeles area? Thank you!

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jacqincalifornia | @jacqincalifornia | Sep 22 3:30pm

I have an esophageal motility condition (EGJOO) found on esophageal manometry test. It causes some issues for me including some difficulty swallowing and occasional chest pain. I find that softer foods work best for me, for passing food more easily out of the lower esophagus. When it comes to medications and supplements, I find capsules easier to swallow than tablets, especially large tablets. Hope this helps a bit.

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Sep 23 4:50pm

@jmmjml, if I’m understanding correctly, your upper endoscopy, looking for structural or visible causes of your swallowing symptoms, was normal, and next your doctor will look at function with esophageal manometry. This will show how the muscles of your esophagus contract and coordinate to move food down, and how the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes when you swallow.

In other words, the endoscopy looked at what your esophagus looks like, while the manometry looks at how it works.

You mentioned having pain with both eating and exercise. It may be helpful to notice and describe more specifically what happens and when—for example, whether pain occurs while swallowing or after eating, whether food feels stuck, and what happens when you exercise. Those details may be useful to your doctor as you work through the testing and may also help members here recognize experiences similar to yours and share what has helped them.

You also asked for doctor recommendations in the Los Angeles area. Since you’re already going through testing, are you looking for an esophageal motility specialist for ongoing care, a second opinion, or someone to help you after the testing is complete?

jmmjml | @jmmjml | Sep 23 6:02pm

In reply to @jlharsh "@jmmjml, if I’m understanding correctly, your upper endoscopy, looking for structural or visible causes of your..." + (show)

@jlharsh thank you for the tips. Yes looking for an esophageal motility specialist.

Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | Sep 23 7:26pm

In reply to @jmmjml "@jlharsh thank you for the tips. Yes looking for an esophageal motility specialist." + (show)

You bet, @jmmjml!

As you wait for others to comment, meet @tandmwilliams and @gussie have commented about esophageal issues and may have experience with a motility specialist. Also, @llynch17056 (HomeAgainLA) just by the nature of her user name may know where to steer you in Los Angeles.

I hope you comment with results of your upcoming esophageal motility test. When is scheduled for?

HomeAgainLA | @llynch17056 | Sep 23 8:47pm

In reply to @jlharsh "You bet, @jmmjml! As you wait for others to comment, meet @tandmwilliams and @gussie have commented..." + (show)

@jlharsh how sweet, but LA stands for Louisiana and not Los Angeles. LOL. We have a few good docs here, I think I may see most of them. Some pretty bad ones, too. Doubt she wants to see a doc in Louisiana.