Newbie

[Guest guest]

I would add my worry to Ann's about the possibility of a lung abscess and also

concern

that possibly your esophagus has become very stretched out, thus the heart

related

symptoms. I would get in to a teaching hospital, pronto, to get evaluated by a

doctor who

knows more than to say " it is all in your head. " It is not in your head, it is

in your

esophagus and some of your symptoms sound concerning to me.

Peg

> >

> > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about nine years

> now. I had a

> > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for a short itme

> but within

> > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The Doctor said I

> had scar

> > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right back where I

> started,

> > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to live with it. And

> I have,

> > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if anyone has had a

> similar

> > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get anything

> down. I cough

> > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news anchor, and every

> > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and then I cough

> up a bit of

> > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down especially soon

> after

> > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds. Also when I

> first

> > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a drink, and as

> I feel the food

> > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then all the blood

> drains

> > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush. It seems like

> my

> > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is hard to get a

> deep

> > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has anyone else

> experienced

> > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion? Over the years

> > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I have allergies.

> I have

> > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and nothing stops the

> congestion.

> > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?

> >

> > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate Doctors

> brushing me off

> > with the " oh you're just stressed out " line. I do a morning news show

> and I

> > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my Doctor say

> " stress " but I

> > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food down easily.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Being a newbie I am not sure how this works, but I read all the responses

this morning, and I gues this is how I respond back. It's a nice feeling just

to

know that what I've said is understood, at times I feel like I am speaking a

foreign language because people who do not have achalasia have a hard

time really understanding what it's like.

My HM was done at the Mayo clinic in sdale AZ. I had a HM with a

fundoplication the Doctor called a Toupet. When my trouble swallowing came

back after the surgery I went to a GI who said I was stressed out and should

consider drinking wine with meals to calm down, or I should start taking

valium. Which I did neither. He reluctantly put me thru all the swallow tests

at

my insistance. Then said WOW you really can't swallow! So, back to Mayo for

the Balloon procedure. The Mayo DR told me I was the first return patient in

his career. That the surgery worked for everyone else. As if it were my fault.

All information I have learned about the disease I have learned myself from

the internet. He told me I was " as good as I could be " and sent me on my way

with no follow up, or instruction.

As you have mentioned I should not eat and then lay down. I try to avoid

this. I have a bizarre schedule which leaves me sleep deprived. Hence at

times laying down for a nap. I try to stay propped up, I slept upright thru my

entire 2nd pregnancy. These days I get up at 2:30 am, I get to the station at

4

am. After doing the morning and noon news I go to the University to teach for

the afternoon. Plus I have a 10 year old son and a 9 year old daughter.

It's hard sometimes to accept and stay within the limits this diseased puts

on

us. I am going to see a DR. My insurance requires a GP refer me to a GI so I

have to go thru all that first. But hearing from you reinforces my thinking

that I

need to go back. It is easy at times to question yourself, or think maybe the

DR's right, maybe I am " crazy "

You are right, most Dr's have little or no experience with Achlalasia. The

first GI I went to ten years ago had no idea what was wrong with me. It took a

year and a half to figure it out. And when he finally did, he handed me some

photocopies from med books from the library, and said here, I have never

heard of this before or treated someone with it, this is what I looked up about

achalasia.

More recently with the congestion I have asked my DR if it could be related

to the Achalasia he said, no, cold or allergies. So I have tried every allergy

medication available with no relief. But hearing back from you, I feel my

instincts are right, it's the Achalasia.

Again thanks for your input.

As for who I am, I am Patti, I am firstly a very proud MOM. I live in

california,

on the Central Coast. I have been in the news business for about 10 years. I

recently started teaching, which I love immensely. I am guilty of trying to do

it

ALL. But it's hard to choose among things you adore, My kids, I love the

News, and I find that I love teaching too. So for now I'm sleep deprived!

Thank you!

Patti

> > >

> > > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about nine years

> > now. I had a

> > > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for a short itme

> > but within

> > > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The Doctor said I

> > had scar

> > > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right back where I

> > started,

> > > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to live with it. And

> > I have,

> > > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if anyone has had a

> > similar

> > > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get anything

> > down. I cough

> > > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news anchor, and every

> > > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and then I cough

> > up a bit of

> > > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down especially soon

> > after

> > > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds. Also when I

> > first

> > > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a drink, and as

> > I feel the food

> > > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then all the blood

> > drains

> > > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush. It seems like

> > my

> > > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is hard to get a

> > deep

> > > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has anyone else

> > experienced

> > > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion? Over the years

> > > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I have allergies.

> > I have

> > > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and nothing stops the

> > congestion.

> > > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?

> > >

> > > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate Doctors

> > brushing me off

> > > with the " oh you're just stressed out " line. I do a morning news show

> > and I

> > > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my Doctor say

> > " stress " but I

> > > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food down easily.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Patti,

I am 3 months pregnant and looking for any advice to get through

this pregnancy!!!!! I have lost so much weight and have just been so

sick with morning sickness (all day), tiredness and not wanting to

eat anything---nothing sounds good or looks good (because it's all

come up one time or another i'm assuming i'm just relating

everything to that) and I just want to feel better and get something

in my stomach that will stay. When you were pregnant you had

achalasia? Any advice???

Thanks,

Kier

> > > >

> > > > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about nine

years

> > > now. I had a

> > > > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for a

short itme

> > > but within

> > > > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The Doctor

said I

> > > had scar

> > > > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right back

where I

> > > started,

> > > > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to live

with it. And

> > > I have,

> > > > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if anyone

has had a

> > > similar

> > > > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get

anything

> > > down. I cough

> > > > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news anchor,

and every

> > > > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and then

I cough

> > > up a bit of

> > > > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down

especially soon

> > > after

> > > > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds.

Also when I

> > > first

> > > > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a

drink, and as

> > > I feel the food

> > > > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then all

the blood

> > > drains

> > > > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush. It

seems like

> > > my

> > > > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is hard

to get a

> > > deep

> > > > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has anyone

else

> > > experienced

> > > > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion? Over

the years

> > > > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I have

allergies.

> > > I have

> > > > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and nothing

stops the

> > > congestion.

> > > > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?

> > > >

> > > > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate

Doctors

> > > brushing me off

> > > > with the " oh you're just stressed out " line. I do a morning

news show

> > > and I

> > > > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my

Doctor say

> > > " stress " but I

> > > > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food down

easily.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Kier,

I did not have achalsia with my first pregnancy, my son. I delivered my

daughter one year later. During my pregnancy with her, I had terrible morning

sickness all day, and I had very very bad heartburn and stabbing chest pain. I

absolutely could not lay down during my pregancy with her. I had to sit

upright to sleep. My doctor said it was all a symptom of pregnancy. The baby

was crowding my stomach, hormones, etc... But actually it was the beginning

of achalasia I just did not know it.

I got very sick while nursing my son and 3 months pregnant with my daughter.

I had some sort of virus, or flu, they really did not know but told me that I

should stop nursing and get rest, that I was over taxing my body.

I, like you was frustrated with the morning sickness, and difficulty eating. I

tired to eat bland food, soup and smoothies, the morning sickness eventually

faded, and it was easier to eat without the nausea. But it continued to be hard

to swallow.

I never got over the extreme heartburn until after I delivered. I ate Tums like

candy. I also started getting stabbing chest pains that continued and got

worse after delivery. I found out later that I was experiencing spasms. I

accidentally discovered that when having spasms if I drank room temperature

undiluted soda from a can, the faster the better, I could get a burp up, and

then that seemed to alleviated the spasms. One doctor told me the burp

action may have helped stop the spasms. Not sure why but it did help.

I hope your morning sickness fades as mine did, that did seem to help deal

with the achalasia. Once i could keep something in my stomach then I was

able to choose food that would go down more easily. Soup, ice cream,

smoothies, things like that. I made several big pots of soup based on lentils

and beans that are recommended during pregnancy. Sort of my own health

food concoction. Then I froze the soup in serving sized labeled containers.

That way regardless of what was going on with the rest of my family, I knew I

had a healthy easy to eat meal standing by in the freezer. Then when my

husband wanted steak, and pizza, and things that I knew would give me

problems I just pulled out my soup and stuck it in the microwave.

i hope this helps in some way... good luck... and stay in touch.

Patti

> > > > >

> > > > > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about nine

> years

> > > > now. I had a

> > > > > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for a

> short itme

> > > > but within

> > > > > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The Doctor

> said I

> > > > had scar

> > > > > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right back

> where I

> > > > started,

> > > > > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to live

> with it. And

> > > > I have,

> > > > > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if anyone

> has had a

> > > > similar

> > > > > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get

> anything

> > > > down. I cough

> > > > > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news anchor,

> and every

> > > > > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and then

> I cough

> > > > up a bit of

> > > > > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down

> especially soon

> > > > after

> > > > > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds.

> Also when I

> > > > first

> > > > > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a

> drink, and as

> > > > I feel the food

> > > > > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then all

> the blood

> > > > drains

> > > > > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush. It

> seems like

> > > > my

> > > > > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is hard

> to get a

> > > > deep

> > > > > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has anyone

> else

> > > > experienced

> > > > > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion? Over

> the years

> > > > > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I have

> allergies.

> > > > I have

> > > > > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and nothing

> stops the

> > > > congestion.

> > > > > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?

> > > > >

> > > > > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate

> Doctors

> > > > brushing me off

> > > > > with the " oh you're just stressed out " line. I do a morning

> news show

> > > > and I

> > > > > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my

> Doctor say

> > > > " stress " but I

> > > > > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food down

> easily.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Patti,

"Wow, you really can't swallow !" - that would make a good title for a book on Achalasia wouldn't it? Kind of puts it all in a nutshell.

It was lovely to see you following up your introductory post with one that reached out to help someone else. Looks to me like you are going to fit in really well here. I think this site turns us all back into normal human beings who happen to have the same condition, instead of the oddities we feel as if we are, when we think we are alone with it.

You can rest assured that you never need to feel alone again, and to know that in the main we are quite a sane and normal bunch of people (we have rare exceptions to that rule, of course (lol) ).

You obviously have a very busy life, but please do take time for your own needs. Your busy life depends on you being well.

Love from Ann in England xxx> > > >> > > > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about nine years> > > now. I had a> > > > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for a short itme> > > but within> > > > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The Doctor said I> > > had scar> > > > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right back where I> > > started,> > > > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to live with it. And> > > I have,> > > > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if anyone has had a> > > similar> > > > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get anything> > > down. I cough> > > > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news anchor, and every> > > > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and then I cough> > > up a bit of> > > > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down especially soon> > > after> > > > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds. Also when I> > > first> > > > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a drink, and as> > > I feel the food> > > > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then all the blood> > > drains> > > > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush. It seems like> > > my> > > > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is hard to get a> > > deep> > > > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has anyone else> > > experienced> > > > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion? Over the years> > > > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I have allergies.> > > I have> > > > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and nothing stops the> > > congestion.> > > > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?> > > >> > > > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate Doctors> > > brushing me off> > > > with the "oh you're just stressed out" line. I do a morning news show> > > and I> > > > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my Doctor say> > > "stress" but I> > > > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food down easily.> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

I’ve noticed that same for me!!!

in Indiana

From:

achalasia [mailto:achalasia ] On Behalf Of david hamilton

Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 10:04

AM

achalasia group

Subject: Newbie

a shot of Rum or tequila

really works for me in

relaxing the 'ol LES to let that food get down.

Dave

===================================================

From: " thenewzmom " <thenewzmom@...>

Subject: Re: Newbie

When my

trouble swallowing came

back after the surgery I went to a GI who said I was

stressed out and should

consider drinking wine with meals to calm down, or I

should start taking

valium. Which I did neither.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Ann,

Thanks to you and all the members who so warmly welcomed me. It really

makes a difference to know others understand. I wouldn't wish Achalasia on

anyone, but I am glad to have a new circle of friends who share my

experience.

As I have been reading past postings it is so surprising to hear other people

describe what I have gone through! I am so accustomed to trying to explain

what Achalasia is like to people who, while they care, simply can't understand

what it's like.

So again, Thank you

Patti

> > > > >

> > > > > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about nine

> years

> > > > now. I had a

> > > > > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for a short

> itme

> > > > but within

> > > > > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The Doctor

> said I

> > > > had scar

> > > > > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right back

> where I

> > > > started,

> > > > > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to live with

> it. And

> > > > I have,

> > > > > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if anyone has

> had a

> > > > similar

> > > > > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get

> anything

> > > > down. I cough

> > > > > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news anchor, and

> every

> > > > > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and then I

> cough

> > > > up a bit of

> > > > > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down especially

> soon

> > > > after

> > > > > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds. Also

> when I

> > > > first

> > > > > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a drink,

> and as

> > > > I feel the food

> > > > > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then all the

> blood

> > > > drains

> > > > > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush. It

> seems like

> > > > my

> > > > > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is hard to

> get a

> > > > deep

> > > > > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has anyone else

> > > > experienced

> > > > > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion? Over the

> years

> > > > > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I have

> allergies.

> > > > I have

> > > > > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and nothing

> stops the

> > > > congestion.

> > > > > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?

> > > > >

> > > > > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate Doctors

> > > > brushing me off

> > > > > with the " oh you're just stressed out " line. I do a morning news

> show

> > > > and I

> > > > > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my Doctor

> say

> > > > " stress " but I

> > > > > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food down

> easily.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

I wish a shot, or a glass of wine made a difference for me. I'd gladly take up

drinking. In fact I do enjoy a glass of wine, unfortunately it doesn't make it

any

easier to swallow. I read another posting of someone who avoids beer and

other carbonated drinks. I too stay away from carbonation. No more beer for

me. I can't burp!

Patti

>

> a shot of Rum or tequila really works for me in

> relaxing the 'ol LES to let that food get down.

> Dave

>

> ===================================================

>

> From: " thenewzmom " <thenewzmom@...>

> Subject: Re: Newbie

>

> When my

> trouble swallowing came

> back after the surgery I went to a GI who said I was

> stressed out and should

> consider drinking wine with meals to calm down, or I

> should start taking

> valium. Which I did neither.

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/14/2006 4:24:17 AM Pacific Standard Time, demonbuttercup@... writes:

I am new to this board, but not to the frustrations of weight loss.

Hello, welcome to our family...

I am noticing that I am just angry with myself, and don't have the positive energy I need to get back on the right track. I am frustrated with the slides instead of optimistic.

It's rough, but don't be so hard on yourself. Pick yourself up, dust off and press on.

I am moving back home at the beginning of august, and I really want to get back to where I was, at least fitness-wise and lifestyle-wise, but I really need some support. I have time and energy to devote to my health this summer (that is time to cook/eat well and workout). I know exactly how to get where I want, I just need a mental boost.

Is your family supportive: give you time to workout, eat healthy, not sabotaging you?

My long term goal is 155 lbs, but really just to be fit and healthy! I really hope this board will be just what I need.

Oh, I think you will get lots of support and encouragement here. Welcome, again!

[Guest guest]

Newbie

Hi all,I am new to this board, but not to the frustrations of weight loss.Welcome to the group. In the fall of '03 I hit my max weight of 255 and decided that something had to give.I was 260 when I decided to do something so we was about at the same place:) I was a size 20-22. I changed my lifestyle, started eating right and working out and within about 8 months I made it down to 180.I don't think there is the slightest chance I can do this in 8 months but thats ok as long as I keep seeing some progress. I was really motivated, and focused on the long termThats what helps you to get to your goal.I am moving back home at the beginning of august, and I really want to get back to where I was, at least fitness-wise and lifestyle-wise, but I really need some support. I hope you are able to get the help and support you need. This group has been great for me. I have time and energy to devote to my health this summer (that is time to cook/eat well and workout). I know exactly how to get where I want, I just need a mental boost.We all seem to have pretty much the same problem. We just have to try and stay focused the best we can. My long term goal is 155 lbs, but really just to be fit and healthy! I really hope this board will be just what I need.Good Luck!!! I hope you make it there. I would like to get to 150 myself. We just cant give up!!

[Guest guest]

Nice to meet you!

I'm Bonnie, hit my max last fall at 338 and am now down to about

271...my goal is 200-ish, I think. Things just aren't the same after

pregnancy. Anyway, hope you find the support you're looking for!

-Bonnie

>

> Hi all,

>

> I am new to this board, but not to the frustrations of weight loss.

>

> In the fall of '03 I hit my max weight of 255 and decided that

> something had to give. I was a size 20-22. I changed my lifestyle,

> started eating right and working out and within about 8 months I

> made it down to 180. I was really motivated, and focused on the

> long term

>

> In early '05 I stepped it up again, got a trainer and lost 8 more

> lbs. I built a lot of muscle and fitness, and was all the way down

> to a size 12. I felt fantastic.

>

> Then a year ago, I went through a nasty breakup, which started a

> reversal. In the fall I started a 1 year graduate program in a new

> town, and found myself glued to the books more than necessary.

> Before I knew it I was back up to 200 lbs.

>

> I am noticing that I am just angry with myself, and don't have the

> positive energy I need to get back on the right track. I am

> frustrated with the slides instead of optimistic. I started jogging

> and got shin splints! More frustration.

>

> I am moving back home at the beginning of august, and I really want

> to get back to where I was, at least fitness-wise and lifestyle-

> wise, but I really need some support. I have time and energy to

> devote to my health this summer (that is time to cook/eat well and

> workout). I know exactly how to get where I want, I just need a

> mental boost.

>

> My long term goal is 155 lbs, but really just to be fit and

> healthy! I really hope this board will be just what I need.

>

> Thanks for reading. It's nice to meet you all.

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome. Remember Water, Portions, and Exercise are key to any program.

NH... Mom to Abby Liz 10/94 Anne 7/99

[Guest guest]

I have exactly the same feeling reading through this site - when I

first found it and now. I try so hard to explain what everything

feels like to people, but usually they just nod along like they know

what I'm talking about. Mostly I have a pat speech that I give to

explain the condition to people.

It's really a relief to know I'm not 'making things up' and that

other people are going through them (as much as I wish NO ONE was).

And to get advice on the tests ect.

I was diagnosed fairly quickly (from Jan to April this year) to

which I credit both being in San Francisco (a big city with lots of

healthcare) and having a cautious doctor. She took my symptoms more

seriously than I did!

I just had the edoscopy and manometry a couple weeks ago. They did

one after the other, so that the tube for the manometry could be

inserted while I was still under. It was fairly horrible - couldn't

breathe because the water was piling up in my esophagus - but my mom

was there in the room and that definitely helped! Yea mom! Am

still waiting for my follow up/explantion appointment with the nurse

and then I'm supposed to make a decision about which proceedure I

want.

I have to say - it's really helpful to see what everyone has gone

through. Also, I would say that it's good you're in California now

because you will have a lot more options on doctors to go see. I've

been putting together a list of all the ones people have mentioned

on this site and am planning on posting it with notes (good, bad,

indifferent) soon. Hope that helps.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I just joined this site. I have had achalasia for about

nine

> > years

> > > > > now. I had a

> > > > > > heller myotomy six years ago. I felt an improvement for

a short

> > itme

> > > > > but within

> > > > > > a year I had to go back for a Balloon dilitation. The

Doctor

> > said I

> > > > > had scar

> > > > > > tissue. Shortly after the Balloon procedure I was right

back

> > where I

> > > > > started,

> > > > > > nothing went down. So i just figured I would have to

live with

> > it. And

> > > > > I have,

> > > > > > but it seems to be getting worse. I was wondering if

anyone has

> > had a

> > > > > similar

> > > > > > experience. I always have to drink alot of liquid to get

> > anything

> > > > > down. I cough

> > > > > > alot, especially in the morning. I am a morning news

anchor, and

> > every

> > > > > > morning at some point I sound like Kermit the frog, and

then I

> > cough

> > > > > up a bit of

> > > > > > yellowish phleghm. Then it passes. When I lay down

especially

> > soon

> > > > > after

> > > > > > eating I feel pressure on my chest, and my heart pounds.

Also

> > when I

> > > > > first

> > > > > > begin to eat a meal, after the first few bites, I take a

drink,

> > and as

> > > > > I feel the food

> > > > > > go down it seems like my heart stops for a moment, then

all the

> > blood

> > > > > drains

> > > > > > from my head, I feel faint and it feels like a headrush.

It

> > seems like

> > > > > my

> > > > > > esophagus is pressing on my heart. And at times it is

hard to

> > get a

> > > > > deep

> > > > > > breath, especially if laying down after eating. Has

anyone else

> > > > > experienced

> > > > > > this? Does anyone else have problems with congestion?

Over the

> > years

> > > > > > Doctors have suggested I am simply stressed out. Or I

have

> > allergies.

> > > > > I have

> > > > > > taken allegra, claritin, zyrtec, and singulair, and

nothing

> > stops the

> > > > > congestion.

> > > > > > I wonder if it is related to the achalasia?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I would love to hear from others with achalasia, I hate

Doctors

> > > > > brushing me off

> > > > > > with the " oh you're just stressed out " line. I do a

morning news

> > show

> > > > > and I

> > > > > > teach news writing at a university. So it's easy for my

Doctor

> > say

> > > > > " stress " but I

> > > > > > am not having panic attacks. I simply can't gety food

down

> > easily.

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Bab welcome. I am yo yo trying to get back to losing. Remember water, exercise, and portions are key to any diet OR lifestyle is a better word. Do to we gals with weight to lose will battle always to keep it off.

NH... Mom to Abby Liz 10/94 Anne 7/99

[Guest guest]

> Hi Girls!

>

> I just joined and from what I read so far I think I am going to love

> this group.

>

Hi Babs, You will love it here. If you need support you have come to the

right place.

> I am 32 and I've been yoyoing all my adult life. My newest weight

> loss attempt started almost 3 weeks ago. I need to lose at least 100

> pounds, probably around 120, I'll decide when I get close to it. My

> weigh in days are Thursdays, so I'll let you know how much I weigh

> in a couple of days when I have my newest weight.

>

I've been at it since the end of January. It's a slow process so be ready to

stay in this for the long haul. Thats where this group and it's support

comes in handy:)

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group Bab. Im sure you will like it here. There are great people here to help support you.

Tina

Newbie

Hi Girls!I just joined and from what I read so far I think I am going to love this group.I am 32 and I've been yoyoing all my adult life. My newest weight loss attempt started almost 3 weeks ago. I need to lose at least 100 pounds, probably around 120, I'll decide when I get close to it. My weigh in days are Thursdays, so I'll let you know how much I weigh in a couple of days when I have my newest weight.I don't follow a specific weigh loss plan. I eat as healthy as I can. I eat lots of vegetables, lots of fruit, lean meat, fish, drink 1% milk... For exercise I walk. I might start a more serious exercise program later when I lose some weight and feel more comfortable exercising.Thanks for letting me join.BabMy weight loss journal:http://bodydream.blogspot.com

[Guest guest]

Hey Babellaha! Welcome When I began I had 124 to lose, I've lost 27 thus far. Right now my only exercise is walking about 2 1/2 miles a day (using a pedometer and counting steps). I'm using Food Mover as a guide to portions and trying to cut down on junk food, I've just about weeded em all out of my life! My latest success is to completely conquer night time binging, it was KILLING me. Now I just dont do it any more. Cut your portions, watch the junk, dont eat past 7 p.m. unless you've not had dinner yet, and up your water intake to around 90 oz a day, or at least 8 8oz glasses a day. You can do

it just be determined! My weightloss journal and website are at the bottom under my signature I'll check yours out! babellaha <babellaha@...> wrote: My weight loss journal:http://bodydream.blogspot.com -Sapphyre Feel Free to Visit: www.geocities.com/asmallersapphyre www.livejournal.com/users/changescomin www.geocities.com/mothernatureschyld

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/27/2006 3:15:21 AM Pacific Standard Time, babellaha@... writes:

I just joined and from what I read so far I think I am going to love this group.

Hi Bab and welcome! I'd be surprised if you didn't. You will definately get support, and whether you ask for it or not, advice! Hey, that's what we are here for.

I am 32 and I've been yoyoing all my adult life.

I am 38, single mom of 3 boys, work full time, school part time. My real weight issues truly began 14 years ago practically with the birth of my oldest son. Didn't take the weight off after pregnancy, kept going up since....

My newest weight loss attempt started almost 3 weeks ago. I need to lose at least 100 pounds, probably around 120, I'll decide when I get close to it. My weigh in days are Thursdays, so I'll let you know how much I weigh in a couple of days when I have my newest weight.

Technically I started a "diet" in October 2005. Lost 30 lbs or so in 6 months, then quit exercising and eating right, so gained it all back (story of most lives). Came back on program last June and have lost almost 30 lbs again. I joined Curves in Oct to add to my walking. I think I have roughly another 90 lbs to go, we'll see...

I don't follow a specific weigh loss plan. I eat as healthy as I can. I eat lots of vegetables, lots of fruit, lean meat, fish, drink 1% milk...

Yeah me too. Just trying to keep it sane and doable. Too many rules and limitations and I lose interest. I "Cheat" a lot compared to convential "dieters", but at least I stick with it knowing I will give myself a treat here and there LOL...

For exercise I walk. I might start a more serious exercise program later when I lose some weight and feel more comfortable exercising.

Me too, walk tons. Almost 2.6 million steps since the beginning of last June (yes, I wear a pedometer every day!!) and like I said above, go to Curves - kinda sporadically, but for the most part 3x a week.

Welcome here, good luck and can't wait to hear your progress reports.

[Guest guest]

May your pressure be low!

C.E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

Bye.

May your pressure be low!

C.E. Grim, B.S., M.S., M.D.

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure

and the Physiology and History of Survival During

Hard Times and Heart Disease today.

[Guest guest]

Jency Welcome. We are about the same weight. I started this week walking. Not to sweaty. LOL Start a journal and remember water, exercise and portions are key.

NHMom to AbnEm...

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, you'll like it here. I'm sorry that you're hurting I think it's great that instead ofeating during your pain you're focusing on getting healthy Live, Love, Laugh

Newbie

Hi,After a painful breakup with the man I thought I wasgoing to marry I've decided to make some changes formyself. I've dinked with my weight on and off forwhat seems like years. Yesterday I braved the scalesand found out I've made my way up to 235that's 110pounds over my ideal and 120 over where I'd like tobe. Yikes! I'm not going to anything stupid this time. Sensibleand steady are my goals. I'm looking for a registereddietitian to get me started and even though I dreadthe thought I know I'll have to begin an exerciseprogram. Any suggestions for a lazy bones who doesnot like to break a sweat??? Jency, 37 and hurting

..

[Guest guest]

,

I wanted to turn to food—chocolate in particular—but I

figured I'd only be playing into Bree's hand if I

allowed myself to wallow in his betrayal. Putting

myself first is a new concept for me. I've always

catered to others.

Thanks for the welcome :-)

Jency

--- <bryefield@...> wrote:

> Welcome to the group, you'll like it here. I'm sorry

> that you're hurting I think it's great that instead

> ofeating during your pain you're focusing on getting

> healthy

>

>

> Live, Love, Laugh

>

>

>

> Newbie

>

> Hi,

>

> After a painful breakup with the man I thought I was

> going to marry I've decided to make some changes for

> myself. I've dinked with my weight on and off for

> what seems like years. Yesterday I braved the scales

> and found out I've made my way up to 235that's 110

> pounds over my ideal and 120 over where I'd like to

> be. Yikes!

>

> I'm not going to anything stupid this time. Sensible

> and steady are my goals. I'm looking for a

> registered

> dietitian to get me started and even though I dread

> the thought I know I'll have to begin an exercise

> program. Any suggestions for a lazy bones who does

> not like to break a sweat???

>

> Jency, 37 and hurting.

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Sorry about your break-up. The scale can be brutal, my weight is right there with yours though. I am having problems getting back on plan but really trying. I too hate to excercise so I've been going to the pool daily. I like doing videos too. Blessed be,

[Guest guest]

Welcome Jency

(Sorry...know I'm responding out of order)

> After a painful breakup with the man I thought I was

> going to marry I've decided to make some changes for

> myself.

Have you thought about or looked into counseling to help you through

this time as well? Even talking with a pastor or something along

those lines might help you to work through this. Just a thought.

> I'm not going to anything stupid this time. Sensible

> and steady are my goals. I'm looking for a registered

> dietitian to get me started and even though I dread

> the thought I know I'll have to begin an exercise

> program. Any suggestions for a lazy bones who does

> not like to break a sweat???

Good for you--too many of us look for a 'quick fix' when we get into

weight loss mode. For exercise, if no one else has suggested it, I

got started with Walk away the pounds (with Sansone)...the one

I bought has 3 complete workouts on it--one mile (16 minutes), two

miles (30 mins), and three miles (46 minutes). All are easily done in

your living room, don't require any special equipment, are

clutz-proof, and don't require a whole lot of room to move around.

Here's the one I have:

http://tinyurl.com/ql8me

There are tons of reviews you can sift through under the product

description. You might want to get some 2 or 3 pound weights to use

with it eventually, but some people just use soup cans or bottles of

water.

Best of luck to you on your journey, Jency

-Bonnie