Re: First balloon dilation

[Guest guest]

Welcom to the group. I have had several of them. Every one was not bad. The first one worked the best, it lasted for about 9 years. I was able to eat and drink without any trouble. I have had the surgery now. The more times you have the dialation done the more chance that scar tissue will develope nad when you do need the surgry that could hinder the outcome. Hope all goes well with her and best of wishes.

P.S. Welcome again to the group.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group.If your mother has had achalasia for 15 years now she

must have some previous barium x-rays to compare with recent ones. How much

more is her oesophagus dilated from the previous time? Once the oesophagus

is mega size the chances of success with either surgery or dilatation is

reduced. Therefore they recommend that one goes for either procedure, but

surgery is regarded as the better option. Both dilatation and Botox can

leave scars on the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) which will make surgery

difficult and reduce the chance of a good outcome.

One of the problems with a perforation after dilatation is that they may

have to do a partial oesophagectomy and remove the LES. It is a far bigger

procedure then a simple Heller's myotomy. I don't want to frighten her, but

I do think every one should be aware of the complications. To do the

dilatation effectively, they have to actually tear the LES muscle to break

it's spasm and not just attempt to stretch it.

I have had a dilatation and it was no big deal. Usually you are heavily

sedated and do not remember anything. There is some discomfort - a bit of an

ache at the LES for a few hours but nothing more than that. You can usually

eat most things soon afterwards - next day or longer depending on your

doctor. Usually you have a Barium swallow or swallow some other contrast to

show up any perforations just after dilatation.

Some people have had great success from dilatations and they can last for

years, but weeks or even less have also happened. A lot depends on the

skill of the gastroenterologist.

As far a spasms are concerned there is a list of possible things that may

help cope with them on the website. These vary from person to person and it

is a ,after of finding your own unique remedy. Some eat pretzels and others

suck ice popsicles, while others take prescription medication like

nefidipine. Other swear that calcium and especially magnesium supplements

really help.

Keep reading and asking questions - some one will answer you.

Go well,

Joan

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First Balloon Dilation

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> Hi! My name is .

> I'm new to this group and think it is great! There is so much

> information here on achalasia that I couldn't find anywhere else.

> My mother suffers from this rare disease and is scheduled for a

> balloon dilation with Doctor Carr Locke at Brigham & Women's

> hospital in Boston.

> Has anyone had balloon dilation done at this hospital? What was the

> outcome?

> She is very nervous about it (especially because of perforation

> risk) but decided to try dilation before signing up for surgery. I

> would be grateful if you could share your own balloon dilation

> experiences with us. Did it help with the symptoms? Have there been

> any side effects? Any perforation and how they dealt with it? Any

> information will be very helpful!!!

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> My mom is 53 yo and has been suffering from achalasia for

> approximately 15 years now. She has horrible spasms and chest pain

> sometimes and even ended up in ER few times. She also regurgitates

> food and saliva often.

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> Happy Holidays to everyone in this group!

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