New to group

[Guest guest]

Hi - welcome to our group, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you. I know the "on fire" symptoms only too well. Aside from many other sympoms the "on fire" ones have played extreme havoc in my life. And your current "hot episode" must be terrible. Many years ago, I devised a recipe that fixed (not cured) the "on fire" symptoms, for me. You can try it too if you wish. It may give you some or even a lot of relief. Test. Test. Test. This is the name of the game for all of us. Finding what works!

If it's too much preparation for you because of your current flare then just make a more simple mixture. Weight Watchers cottage cheese is really nice. So, just follow the recipe, and maybe just make up a mixture of flaxseed, cottage cheese, cinnamon, prune juice, flaxseed oil, a little honey, and a little live yoghurt. If you can get (Ribes Nigrum blackcurrants from the blackcurrant bush) real blackcurrants you can add these too. Experiment with quantities etc. I hope I've covered it all but you can read the recipe at the sites below. You'll get heaps of good tips, and guidance from everyone, here. Hope you're feeling better, soon. Hugs Carlene

You'll find the Blackcurrant Recipe info. in the following newsletters:

www.fms-help.com/102008.htm

DOM'S FMS/CFIDS Newsletter – October 20, 2008

10. BLACKCURRANT Recipe

http://www.fms-help.com/110108.htm

DOM'S FMS/CFIDS Newsletter – November 1, 2008

13. UPDATE on Blackcurrant Recipe

>> Hi,,> > My name is and I have posted once or twice since becoming a> member last week.> > I suffer from so many things these days I don't know which end is up.

[Guest guest]

Mexico can be great for surgery as long as you go to the right doctor. Personally, I wouldn't go to anyone other than Dr. Aceves and I've been there twice. ;o)Can I ask why RNY over the sleeve?

On Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 2:53 PM, calkins_mary <calkins_mary@...> wrote:

I am considering a RNY. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? How

was it to go to Mexico for surgery. Has anyone had complications? I

am skeptical, but open minded.

[Guest guest]

I spent a lot of time deciding which would be best for me; sleeve or band. Unfortunately, I did not consider RNY so can't answer about that. I would suggest you contact Dr. Aceves office and discuss the options and they can help you make an informed choice. As to surgery in Mexico, it was an unbelievable experience. The quality of care and the cleanliness of the hospital were fantastic. Of course, I can only speak about Dr. Aceves since I have not been treated by any other doctors in Mexico.

On Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 2:53 PM, calkins_mary <calkins_mary@...> wrote:

I am considering a RNY. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? How was it to go to Mexico for surgery. Has anyone had complications? I am skeptical, but open minded.

[Guest guest]

Welcome,  I can totally relate to how stress can impact swallowing and increase

chest pains!  -- Jeff

________________________________

From: nebula22 <nebula22@...>

achalasia

Sent: Monday, January 5, 2009 7:07:49 PM

Subject: New To Group

Hello All,

I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I don't

know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I have

traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can help

any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't know

anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated telling

almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my meals.

Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

Here's my story:

I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the early

1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical Center,

I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year I

was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to take

digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to swallow

much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be able

to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and concurrently

hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have the

Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny hairs

in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top lower

portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none of

my doctors would tell me so.

To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from the

beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But the

best results came over in the years since.

Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking. Sometimes

I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed. Some

days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of water

with every bite.

After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take multi-

vitamins and other single suppliments.

I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago, and

one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost constant

heartburn.

I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to lying

down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have success

with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you to

know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

[Guest guest]

Dear nebula22,

 

Thank you for your positive and up-lifting post. Those of us who are thriving

post-myotomy hope that our good new normal will continue for a long time, so to

hear a report like yours is wonderful.

 

I am dismayed that you have gone for 31 years alone. I understand so much

because I was alone like that for 16 years, up to 3-4 years ago when I joined

this Group (and they haven't been able to get rid of me since! LOL).

 

I think that the aloneness is the worst part of all. I felt like a freak. I had

something that nobody understood and I wondered why I had to be different.

Joining this group and consequently meeting other achalasians made me realise

how pretty normal we all are. We are just regular people who have this crappy

thing called achalasia.

 

If you wish, you need never be alone again. You can keep up with the support and

friendship that you will always find here. There are some remarkable people.

 

May I ask how old you are?

 

Thank you again, from Ann in England.

From: nebula22 <nebula22@...>

Subject: New To Group

achalasia

Date: Tuesday, 6 January, 2009, 1:07 AM

Hello All,

I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I don't

know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I have

traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can help

any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't know

anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated telling

almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my meals.

Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

Here's my story:

I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the early

1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical Center,

I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year I

was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to take

digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to swallow

much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be able

to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and concurrently

hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have the

Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny hairs

in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top lower

portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none of

my doctors would tell me so.

To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from the

beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But the

best results came over in the years since.

Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking. Sometimes

I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed. Some

days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of water

with every bite.

After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take multi-

vitamins and other single suppliments.

I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago, and

one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost constant

heartburn.

I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to lying

down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have success

with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you to

know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Its really helpful to get a

feedback from a person who had a sucessfull myotomy and doing good for

30 years.

>

> Hello All,

>

> I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I don't

> know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I have

> traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can help

> any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't know

> anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated telling

> almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my meals.

> Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> Here's my story:

> I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the early

> 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical Center,

> I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year I

> was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to take

> digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to swallow

> much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be able

> to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and concurrently

> hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

> like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

> Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have the

> Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny hairs

> in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top lower

> portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none of

> my doctors would tell me so.

> To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But the

> best results came over in the years since.

> Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking. Sometimes

> I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed. Some

> days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of water

> with every bite.

> After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

> store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take multi-

> vitamins and other single suppliments.

> I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago, and

> one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost constant

> heartburn.

> I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to lying

> down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have success

> with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you to

> know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

> future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome and Thanks for your story of encouragement for all those

that are suffering and those who have had surgery . Im glad your

continuing to do well and hope all continues to do so.

Tonia in Va

>

> Hello All,

>

> I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

don't

> know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

have

> traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

help

> any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't

know

> anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

telling

> almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my

meals.

> Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> Here's my story:

> I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

early

> 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

Center,

> I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year

I

> was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to

take

> digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

swallow

> much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be

able

> to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

concurrently

> hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what

sounded

> like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

> Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have

the

> Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny

hairs

> in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

lower

> portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none

of

> my doctors would tell me so.

> To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from

the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

the

> best results came over in the years since.

> Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

Sometimes

> I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed.

Some

> days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

water

> with every bite.

> After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

> store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

multi-

> vitamins and other single suppliments.

> I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago,

and

> one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

constant

> heartburn.

> I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to

lying

> down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

success

> with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you

to

> know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

> future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

>

[Guest guest]

nebula22 wrote:

> ... I have had achalasia for 31 years. ... so I decided to have the

> Heller Myotomy. ... the surgery worked fairly well from the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But the

> best results came over in the years since. ...

>

I sure hope you stay in this group. Your story will give many a lot of

comfort. One of the things many ask is what will happen years from now,

especially after the surgery. I figure there are many others like you

out there that have had no reason to look us up. I am glad you did.

notan

[Guest guest]

" After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

multi-

vitamins and other single suppliments. "

Could you tell us what vitamins and amounts as I also believe in this

type of supplement. I am on VIT D3 2000 iu and Magnesium 250 or 500

mg , but this also causes loose bowel movements, good once in awhile

to really clean you out.

The D3 was recommended by Dr n Whitaker in a radio address.

http://www.drwhitaker.com/defaultBlank.aspx?contentID=4240

I am in the 1% group holding off on an operation.

rayme CA OC 78

>

> Hello All,

>

> I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

don't

> know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

have

> traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

help

> any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't

know

> anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

telling

> almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my

meals.

> Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> Here's my story:

> I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

early

> 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

Center,

> I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year

I

> was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to

take

> digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

swallow

> much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be

able

> to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

concurrently

> hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

> like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

> Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have

the

> Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny

hairs

> in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

lower

> portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none

of

> my doctors would tell me so.

> To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from

the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

the

> best results came over in the years since.

> Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

Sometimes

> I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed.

Some

> days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

water

> with every bite.

> After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

> store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

multi-

> vitamins and other single suppliments.

> I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago,

and

> one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

constant

> heartburn.

> I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to

lying

> down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

success

> with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you

to

> know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

> future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

>

[Guest guest]

hmmmmmmmm.   Tough one.  The 22 degree curve is within the normal range.  The 35

degree curve is just outside of normal range.  So.  What to do?  I'm sorry.  I

don't know.  Maybe wait.  He's right about the brace not working.  The scoli

will progress with or without it.

lj

From: ktravis476 <K476@...>

Subject: New to group

Scoliosis Treatment

Date: Friday, January 16, 2009, 7:23 PM

Hi,

My daughter (13) has AIS and has a 35% curve in her lower spine and a

22% is her upper spine. We are getting ready to be get a brace. The

Dr (At Hershey Med Center) is NOT confident that this will work and is

hinting toward surgery. I am new to this and have no idea what we are

in for. Any one interested in holding my hand LOL

Kim

[Guest guest]

Ann,

Thank you! Sorry I took so long to reply. Haven't been able to spend

much time on my computer this past week-dealing w/ insurance

adjusters and contractors to get my home repaired from last Springs'

hail storms. That experience caused me to have some chest pains, but

since I know they occur when I'm very stressed and overtired, I knew

to start taking these guys a little less seriously!!

The answer to your question is....I'm 53 and I'm having a b-day next

month.

I have tried to keep achalasia far down the list of descriptions that

I define myself by, so I hadn't looked for a group on the net until

just recently. When I was diagnosed and had surgery, it was long

before computers were in almost every household, so I had no idea

where to find others like myself. But now that I've found this group,

I'll be around for a long time. Stay in touch. I will.

Levette (U.S - Georgia)

>

> From: nebula22 <nebula22@...>

> Subject: New To Group

> achalasia

> Date: Tuesday, 6 January, 2009, 1:07 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello All,

>

> I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

don't

> know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

have

> traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

help

> any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't

know

> anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

telling

> almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my

meals.

> Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> Here's my story:

> I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

early

> 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

Center,

> I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year

I

> was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to

take

> digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

swallow

> much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be

able

> to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

concurrently

> hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

> like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

> Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have

the

> Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny

hairs

> in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

lower

> portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none

of

> my doctors would tell me so.

> To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from

the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

the

> best results came over in the years since.

> Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

Sometimes

> I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed.

Some

> days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

water

> with every bite.

> After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

> store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

multi-

> vitamins and other single suppliments.

> I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago,

and

> one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

constant

> heartburn.

> I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to

lying

> down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

success

> with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you

to

> know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

> future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

_lilac_blossom_lady@..._ (mailto:lilac_blossom_lady@...) ,

Wrrote:

(I am 58, but we have members from under 10 to ones in their 70s (maybe 80s

- would anyone like to call out their name for that category?)

Anne, I'm creeping close...but not ready to go there yet.

Levette, where in Georgia do you live? I live in Montgomery, AL so we're

neighbors.

Maggie

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://\

www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De

cemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

how are you doing on 105mg Armour? that dose seems pretty low to me--maybe your doc is dosing to TSH? (instead of Frees)

Gracia

Hi all!My name is and this group was recommended to me by another member. I am 48 and have been hypothyroid for about 8-11 years. The gap is how long it took from first symptoms to diagnosis. I have also been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, where the symptoms started about the same time. So I don't know what came first, the hypo or POF or if they occurred at the same time. I did have two amalgam filling replaced with new amalgam about six months before my sysmptoms started. I tested negative for having any auto-antibodies, but am told that the tests do not cover all the possible auto-antibodies. I am currently using 105mg Armour Thyroid and am on bio-identical HRT where dosages are adjusted daily to mimick a normal menstrual cycle. I am very interested in the biomedical uses of iodine, but not sure where to start. I am ordering Dr.Brownstein's book to read. I hope to learn from ya'll....

Internal Virus Database is out of date.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date: 1/16/2009 3:09 PM

[Guest guest]

Dear Levette,

 

It was good to hear from you. From your age now I see that you were only 22 when

you started with achalasia. It must have been difficult for you, at an age when

you expect your life to be full of social activity, ambition and hope for the

future. We have all age groups here it seems - I am 58, but we have members from

under 10 to ones in their 70s (maybe 80s - would anyone like to call out their

name for that category?)

 

I see that you live in Georgia. I mentioned that I have met several members by

now, but the first one was , who lives in Atlanta. He was living in

England for a few years at the time. He was the one who restored me to myself

and made me feel normal again.

 

I hope that you will continue to be part of this group. We all need each other.

 

Best Wishes from Ann in England. xx

From: nebula22 <nebula22@...>

Subject: Re: New To Group

achalasia

Date: Wednesday, 21 January, 2009, 5:52 AM

Ann,

Thank you! Sorry I took so long to reply. Haven't been able to spend

much time on my computer this past week-dealing w/ insurance

adjusters and contractors to get my home repaired from last Springs'

hail storms. That experience caused me to have some chest pains, but

since I know they occur when I'm very stressed and overtired, I knew

to start taking these guys a little less seriously!!

The answer to your question is....I'm 53 and I'm having a b-day next

month.

I have tried to keep achalasia far down the list of descriptions that

I define myself by, so I hadn't looked for a group on the net until

just recently. When I was diagnosed and had surgery, it was long

before computers were in almost every household, so I had no idea

where to find others like myself. But now that I've found this group,

I'll be around for a long time. Stay in touch. I will.

Levette (U.S - Georgia)

>

> From: nebula22 <nebula22@.. .>

> Subject: New To Group

> achalasia@grou ps.com

> Date: Tuesday, 6 January, 2009, 1:07 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello All,

>

> I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

don't

> know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

have

> traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

help

> any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't

know

> anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

telling

> almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my

meals.

> Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> Here's my story:

> I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

early

> 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

Center,

> I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year

I

> was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to

take

> digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

swallow

> much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be

able

> to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

concurrently

> hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

> like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

> Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have

the

> Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny

hairs

> in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

lower

> portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none

of

> my doctors would tell me so.

> To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from

the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

the

> best results came over in the years since.

> Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

Sometimes

> I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed.

Some

> days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

water

> with every bite.

> After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

> store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

multi-

> vitamins and other single suppliments.

> I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago,

and

> one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

constant

> heartburn.

> I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to

lying

> down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

success

> with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you

to

> know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

> future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, we have been dosing to TSH. I try to keep mine at about 1.0, as

that is where I feel best. Much lower and I get symptoms, same as if

it drifts too much higher. By your question, I would like more info

on dosing to Free - I assume Free T3 and T4?

Thanks

>

>

> how are you doing on 105mg Armour? that dose seems pretty low

to me--maybe your doc is dosing to TSH? (instead of Frees)

> Gracia

>

> Hi all!

>

> My name is and this group was recommended to me by another

> member. I am 48 and have been hypothyroid for about 8-11 years.

The gap

> is how long it took from first symptoms to diagnosis. I have also

been

> diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, where the symptoms

started

> about the same time. So I don't know what came first, the hypo or

POF

> or if they occurred at the same time. I did have two amalgam

filling

> replaced with new amalgam about six months before my sysmptoms

started.

> I tested negative for having any auto-antibodies, but am told

that the

> tests do not cover all the possible auto-antibodies. I am

currently

> using 105mg Armour Thyroid and am on bio-identical HRT where

dosages

> are adjusted daily to mimick a normal menstrual cycle.

>

> I am very interested in the biomedical uses of iodine, but not

sure

> where to start. I am ordering Dr.Brownstein's book to read. I

hope to

> learn from ya'll....

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

>

>

>

> Internal Virus Database is out of date.

> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com

> Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date:

1/16/2009 3:09 PM

>

[Guest guest]

Anne, I don't recall anyone over 80. Maybe I'll be the first.

Maggie

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://\

www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De

cemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

Yes lovely Maggie, I know that you are creeping there, along with Ray (and one

or two others that I had better not mention just in case I am wrong! LOL)

 

But I don't know of anyone over 80. Is there someone?

From: LunaIam2@... <LunaIam2@...>

Subject: Re: Re: New To Group

achalasia

Date: Wednesday, 21 January, 2009, 6:43 PM

_lilac_blossom_ lady (DOT) co.uk_ (mailto:lilac_blossom_ lady (DOT) co.uk) ,

Wrrote:

(I am 58, but we have members from under 10 to ones in their 70s (maybe 80s

- would anyone like to call out their name for that category?)

Anne, I'm creeping close...but not ready to go there yet.

Levette, where in Georgia do you live? I live in Montgomery, AL so we're

neighbors.

Maggie

************ **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola. com/promoclk/ 100000075x121585 5013x1201028747/ aol?redir=

http://www. freecreditreport .com/pm/default. aspx?sc=668072% 26hmpgID=

62%26bcd= De

cemailfooterNO62)

[Guest guest]

Frees should be in upper quadrant of range, and FT3 can be slightly above range. I like Brownstein's books and also Thierry Hertoghe MD Hormone Solutions. also look at http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and I think Iodoral/lugols would help a lot.

Gracia

Yes, we have been dosing to TSH. I try to keep mine at about 1.0, as that is where I feel best. Much lower and I get symptoms, same as if it drifts too much higher. By your question, I would like more info on dosing to Free - I assume Free T3 and T4?Thanks---

..

Internal Virus Database is out of date.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.8/1898 - Release Date: 1/16/2009 3:09 PM

[Guest guest]

I didn't take any specific amounts of any single vitamin or mineral

after my surgery. My GI specialist recommended some vitamin from the

drug store, but I thought I needed somthing more potent.

I took Solgar multi's for at least 15 years. They worked beautifully.

Since then I have experimented with various organic vitamins, but I

don't always keep taking the same brand.

Presently I take Niacin (100 mcg.), Folic acid(400 mg.), Fish oil

(1000mg.) and C(1000mg.) w/ rosehips along with an inexpensive

generic multi. I also take calcium(300 mg.) and magnesium(100 mg.),

if I have chest pain or I'm having trouble sleeping.

Hope this helps.

> >

> > Hello All,

> >

> > I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

> don't

> > know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

> have

> > traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

> help

> > any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I

didn't

> know

> > anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

> telling

> > almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my

> meals.

> > Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> > Here's my story:

> > I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

> early

> > 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

> Center,

> > I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> > Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a

year

> I

> > was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to

> take

> > digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

> swallow

> > much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to

be

> able

> > to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

> concurrently

> > hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what

sounded

> > like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for

me!!

> > Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have

> the

> > Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny

> hairs

> > in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

> lower

> > portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although

none

> of

> > my doctors would tell me so.

> > To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from

> the

> > beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

> the

> > best results came over in the years since.

> > Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

> Sometimes

> > I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very

stressed.

> Some

> > days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

> water

> > with every bite.

> > After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health

food

> > store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

> multi-

> > vitamins and other single suppliments.

> > I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> > massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years

ago,

> and

> > one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

> constant

> > heartburn.

> > I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to

> lying

> > down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> > I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

> success

> > with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want

you

> to

> > know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in

your

> > future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeff!

I hope you have fewer of the chest pains that I do.

They have gotten better over the years, but initially they would be

so bad that after I had them I couldn't do anything but go to sleep!

At least now, they are less frequent, less intense and don't

completely tire me out. I also somtimes drink a small glass of milk,

which helps to lessen them and puts out any lingering heartburn.

When you feel the chest pains coming on, what do you do?

>

> Welcome,� I can totally relate to how stress can impact swallowing

and increase chest pains!� -- Jeff

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: nebula22 <nebula22@...>

> achalasia

> Sent: Monday, January 5, 2009 7:07:49 PM

> Subject: New To Group

>

>

> Hello All,

>

> I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

don't

> know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

have

> traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

help

> any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I didn't

know

> anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

telling

> almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on my

meals.

> Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> Here's my story:

> I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

early

> 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

Center,

> I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a year

I

> was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed to

take

> digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

swallow

> much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to be

able

> to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

concurrently

> hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what sounded

> like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for me!!

> Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to have

the

> Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the tiny

hairs

> in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

lower

> portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although none

of

> my doctors would tell me so.

> To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well from

the

> beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

the

> best results came over in the years since.

> Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

Sometimes

> I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very stressed.

Some

> days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

water

> with every bite.

> After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health food

> store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

multi-

> vitamins and other single suppliments.

> I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years ago,

and

> one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

constant

> heartburn.

> I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close to

lying

> down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I started.

> I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

success

> with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want you

to

> know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in your

> future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If you go to the left side of the board under database or files you

will find lots of " remedies " alot of people here use to help ease or

make spasms go away.Thats the pains in your chest you are having.I

would suggest for you to read them-it may be something that will

help you.If that doesnt work there are meds that can help.

tONIA

> >

> > Welcome,� I can totally relate to how stress can impact

swallowing

> and increase chest pains!� -- Jeff

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: nebula22 <nebula22@>

> > achalasia

> > Sent: Monday, January 5, 2009 7:07:49 PM

> > Subject: New To Group

> >

> >

> > Hello All,

> >

> > I am new to the group, but I have had achalasia for 31 years. I

> don't

> > know what made me look up this group this past weekend because I

> have

> > traveled this road alone for so many years. If my experience can

> help

> > any one of you, I will be thrilled. When I was diagnosed, I

didn't

> know

> > anybody else with achalasia. I felt really alone and I hated

> telling

> > almost everyone I ate with why it looked like I was choking on

my

> meals.

> > Sometimes this disease can be very lonely and frighting.

> > Here's my story:

> > I was first diagnosed by a thorasic surgeon in S.C., during the

> early

> > 1970's. When the diagnosis was later confirmed at Duke Medical

> Center,

> > I also underwent a ballon dialation that same week.

> > Although I experienced some relief from my symptoms, within a

year

> I

> > was back at square one. Also during that time I was instructed

to

> take

> > digitalis 20 min. before each meal! Besides not being able to

> swallow

> > much more than water and thin soups, the digitalis caused me to

be

> able

> > to hear my blood rush through the vessels in my head and

> concurrently

> > hear my heart pound in my chest! Choking, pounding and what

sounded

> > like a river rushing through my head all at once! Too much for

me!!

> > Within a year I choked on a soft boiled egg, so I decided to

have

> the

> > Heller Myotomy. By the time I had the surgery I had lost the

tiny

> hairs

> > in my nose, some of my eyebrows and those tiny hairs on the top

> lower

> > portions of my fingers. I know I was slowly starving although

none

> of

> > my doctors would tell me so.

> > To make a long story shorter, the surgery worked fairly well

from

> the

> > beginning. Certainly my swallowing and chest pains improved. But

> the

> > best results came over in the years since.

> > Seldom do I get food stuck and feel as though I am chocking.

> Sometimes

> > I still get chest pains, but usually it's when I am very

stressed.

> Some

> > days I can almost eat like a normal person and not take a sip of

> water

> > with every bite.

> > After the surgery I took organic vitamins from a local health

food

> > store and tried to really monitor my stress levels. I still take

> multi-

> > vitamins and other single suppliments.

> > I haven't cured the hearburn entirely, but I had two deep tissue

> > massages geared toward addressing emotional issues some years

ago,

> and

> > one of the unexpected results was a lessening of the almost

> constant

> > heartburn.

> > I still have to sleep on several pillows and not eat too close

to

> lying

> > down, but that's a small price to pay compared to where I

started.

> > I hope all of you that have recently been diagnosed will have

> success

> > with whatever procedures you are currently trying. I just want

you

> to

> > know that there is definately hope for a level of normalcy in

your

> > future, and maybe even a steak dinner!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I am in the 1% group who has not had an operation!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe Nexium caused my Achalasia, was on it for 2 years, I

stopped it over a year or so , never have indigestion any more

since I had a dialation over a year ago.

If you dont have indigestion, just stop taking Nexium.

I am now gaining weight, now I eat spicey chili at lunch, it

heats up the LES. Slowly seem to be getting better as I have

Coke the CO2 part at Mcs each morning during my walk.

No spams with the chili but when I have pasta at lunch I get a

spam, then the Coke get rid of the spam.

I have already finished 4 chili cans, I divide it in three and

mix it with beef broth to make a soup.I take the kidney beans out

but the brown beans are fine.Use beef or turkey chili but I chew

a lot.

Several months ago someone on this site talked about Magnesium,

so I started 500 mg but found 250 mg better, the 500 caused loose

bowel movements. I believe the Magnesiom really helped.I am MUCH

better since I started taking the Magnesium.

I also take Vit D3 2000iu, several Cokes from a can and 2-3 Ensures

plus a day. Also thin soup in the evening.And of course Dove bars.

rayme CA OC 78

>

> I was diagnosed with Achalasia 9 years ago...and have had surgery and

a

> few procedures since to help the returning symptoms (mostly

difficulty

> swallowing and spasms).

>

> I've been on Nexium for 5 years and am going to run out soon as I was

> laid off and have no more health insurance. Anybody have suggestons

as

> to what a good over the counter replacement might be?

>

>

> Thanks

>

[Guest guest]

My son never took any meds, no nexium and he has A. I dont think

Nexium has anything to do with Achalasia.

Glad your better now though

Tonia

> >

> > I was diagnosed with Achalasia 9 years ago...and have had

surgery and

> a

> > few procedures since to help the returning symptoms (mostly

> difficulty

> > swallowing and spasms).

> >

> > I've been on Nexium for 5 years and am going to run out soon as

I was

> > laid off and have no more health insurance. Anybody have

suggestons

> as

> > to what a good over the counter replacement might be?

> >

> >

> > Thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

***I am just confused on looking for a second opinon.I am just thinking that boarderline is not that bad or is it, I don"tknow now. Can somebody put me right?

Hi Helen and welcome,

You are not naive ... your GP has let you down badly by not explaining things to you... but don't worry, you'll be soon 'up to speed' if you keep reading on this forum and keep asking questions.

You may have been 'borderline' hypothyroid 5 years ago, but that does not mean you stay this way forever.... To my mind there is no more 'a little bit hypothyroid' than there is 'a little bit pregnant'...

Since you are on 100 mcg Levothyroxine, I think it is safe to assume that you are hypothyroid. The question remaining now is if this particular dosage is the correct one for you. To find that out you should go back to your GP and ask for thyroid blood check. If your GP is willing, ask for a TSH, an FT4 and (if at all possible) for an FT3 as well. If you think you can push your luck, ask for your thyroid autoantibodies to be checked as well.

On the morning of the blood test do NOT take your thyroid medication... you can take it immediately after the blood has been drawn. - When your doctor tells you the blood results, please ask for a print out of the results, INCLUDING the norm ranges - and don't let him fob you off by telling you all is "normal"... you want to see the figures black on white for yourself ...... (and then tell us )

Without having your current blood results it's difficult to comment if you need a higher dosage. When you look at the figures, you want to TSH preferably around or below 1.0 , and the FT4 and FT3 should be near the upper end of their respective norm ranges. The autoantibody test will show you if you have TPO and/or Thyroglobulin autoantibodies (which would be diagnostic for Hashimoto's). - Even if your GP only orders a TSH and an FT4 (which is what usually happens) it will still show if you are likely to need more thyroxine or not.

By the sounds of it, your GP is not doing at least yearly blood tests, or is he? Anyway, if he hasn't done anything for a while, then all the more reason for you to press for all the above mentioned parameters. - If you feel he would be willing to do even more blood tests, a "Vit. B12 and Ferritin test" wouldn't go amiss either.... <G> - here's to hoping !

As for Armour.... it may be an option, but let's sort out your blood results first. It is better to go the path of the least resistance first - thyroxine at the correct dosage might work for you. It is free and easy to come by. If it does not work .... well, there is always Armour ....

Best wishes,

[Guest guest]

>

> ***I am just confused on looking for a second opinon.

> I am just thinking that boarderline is not that bad or is it, I

don " t

> know now. Can somebody put me right? Hi Helen and welcome,

You

> are not naive ... your GP has let you down badly by not explaining

> things to you... but don't worry, you'll be soon 'up to speed' if

you

> keep reading on this forum and keep asking questions. You may have

> been 'borderline' hypothyroid 5 years ago, but that does not mean

you

> stay this way forever.... To my mind there is no more 'a little bit

> hypothyroid' than there is 'a little bit pregnant'... Since you

are on

> 100 mcg Levothyroxine, I think it is safe to assume that you are

> hypothyroid. The question remaining now is if this particular

dosage is

> the correct one for you. To find that out you should go back to

your GP

> and ask for thyroid blood check. If your GP is willing, ask for a

TSH,

> an FT4 and (if at all possible) for an FT3 as well. If you think

you can

> push your luck, ask for your thyroid autoantibodies to be checked as

> well. On the morning of the blood test do NOT take your thyroid

> medication... you can take it immediately after the blood has been

> drawn. - When your doctor tells you the blood results, please ask

for a

> print out of the results, INCLUDING the norm ranges - and don't

let

> him fob you off by telling you all is " normal " ... you want to see

the

> figures black on white for yourself ...... (and then tell us

[] )

> Without having your current blood results it's difficult to comment

if

> you need a higher dosage. When you look at the figures, you want to

TSH

> preferably around or below 1.0 , and the FT4 and FT3 should be

near the

> upper end of their respective norm ranges. The autoantibody test

will

> show you if you have TPO and/or Thyroglobulin autoantibodies (which

> would be diagnostic for Hashimoto's). - Even if your GP only orders

a

> TSH and an FT4 (which is what usually happens) it will still show

if you

> are likely to need more thyroxine or not. By the sounds of it,

your GP

> is not doing at least yearly blood tests, or is he? Anyway, if he

> hasn't done anything for a while, then all the more reason for you

to

> press for all the above mentioned parameters. - If you feel he

would be

> willing to do even more blood tests, a " Vit. B12 and Ferritin test "

> wouldn't go amiss either.... <G> - here's to hoping ! As for

> Armour.... it may be an option, but let's sort out your blood

results

> first. It is better to go the path of the least resistance first -

> thyroxine at the correct dosage might work for you. It is free and

easy

> to come by. If it does not work .... well, there is always

Armour ....

> [;] Best wishes,

>Thank you for you quick reply.I am due for my next blood test in may

so should I wait then?.I don " t want to appear anxious to my docter as

I know she keeps things from me as I worry but I am not a little

child.I just don " t want to appear anxious.

I want to come off these prozac but scared to get the depression back.

I let you into my circumstances.I have now twin 3 year olds as I had

to have i.v.f after 4 years of trying naturally.I already had a son

who is now 10 years.It was then when the docter took a blood test and

phoned me to say about my thyroid and I knew nothing about thyroid

conditions but she kept saying it is nothing to worry about as it is

boarderline.I started on 25mcg and had blood tests every 3 months.If

I can remember I was having 3 monthly tests done for a year if not

over a year.I have been on 100mcg for 3 years at least.

I haven " t really looked into this properly but concerned now my

anxiety and depression has been this ALL along.I am determined now to

get to the bottom of this.I have had depression and anxiety all my

teenage years.I wonder if I had thyroid disorder then.I know my

daughters got checked when they were born.They hadn " t got it.

I still am confused with why I still keep getting told it is only

boarderline if I have increased to 100mcg??.

I never put on weight and don " t like the various sideeffects of

having prozac I just want people to be straight with me and tell my

if this thyroid can be serious in the long term.Or am I just worrying

for no reason.

Sorry but this is concerning me as if it is effecting my ability to

be employed.I AM SCARED AS i HAVE JUST STARTED A NEW JOB.

Sorry for going on but I don " t like to go to the docters all the

time, and feel I am not getting the full picture from the docter.

Thanks for your time,

Helen