Re: 20 years with

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with Achalasia in 1973.

I was 12 years old. Dilatations were the first

and only solution offered me at that time. I had

a "Longitudinal myotomy" in June of 1984. Had

Botox injection in 1998 with no identifyable results.

Here is it the end of 2002. I have continued to have

problems....so days worse than others. Ironically, I have learned some coping techniques right here and

have gained 8 lbs since I started drinking Seltzer Water

before a meal. HAH!. I also use massage almost daily

to two nerve points on my chest.

My condition is manageable. I have had it most of my life

so I don't know any different anymore. I had asked God to take this

affliction away from me, but He has not.

I'm 42 years old now... Have had this disease for more than 30 years!!

in Oregon

[Guest guest]

I am so glad you are drinking seltzer with success. It is the only think that has allowed me to manage my problem. I am 72 and have had A since I was 45. Good luck to you. Because of "bubbles" I am doing fine. Marilyn in L.A.

[Guest guest]

It is definitely a progressing situation, - so says my doctor and my progressive tests. As I said in another message, I have lived with Botox or surgery. Marilyn in L.A.

[Guest guest]

I found the bubbles only caused a problem when there was food in my esophagus. The bubbles, though "bubbly and gassy" seemed to loosen the clog, and allow me to spit up the blockage. Good luck.

[Guest guest]

Isn't it funny I can not drink "Bubbles " they seem to get in the way However I will try again After my house guest go home Yesterday was a very busy day TODAY I have spasms big time I went to bed very late had a full day of fun Today I feel like the morning after the night before

Re: 20 years with achalasia

It is definitely a progressing situation, - so says my doctor and my progressive tests. As I said in another message, I have lived with Botox or surgery. Marilyn in L.A.

[Guest guest]

At 10:39 AM 12/29/2002 -0800, Bartolino wrote:

>Isn't it funny I can not drink " Bubbles " they seem to get in the way ...

I have noticed that the type of carbonated drink makes a difference. Root

beer is to foamy, so are some other drinks. Carbonated water is easiest and

works best for me, (seltzer), no sugar or anything other than water and

carbon dioxide.

notan

[Guest guest]

Yes Notan.

I have found the same 'results'. I drank an Orange soda

but did not get the same relieve as with Club Soda or

Seltzer water. Champagne works REAL well. But, can't

drink too much. HAHAHA.

in Oregon

[Guest guest]

Yes, I had success with Champagne also, but anything bubbly seems to work for me. Marilyn in L.A.

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed with achalasia in 1985. The symptoms actually started

in 1980. I had severe spasms(5 to 10 times a day) from 1983 until

1990. I had cookies and cans of soda in my car, golf bag, brief case,

etc in case of an attack. I did not notice any difference between

any liquid. Eating something solid and washing it down with a liquid

worked best for me. Gin and Tonic actually work great. I think the

quinine in the tonic helps my stomach which resulted in less reflux.

I put off a myotomy against the advice of the DR and subsequently

asperated a piece of meat into my lungs. The resulting infection and

abscess almost killed me. The spasms for the most part quit by the

mid 90's. I still get one every couple months. I have been taking

prilosec for a long time. It was first called losec and it wasn't a

puple pill. I was part of an early trial. I recently had severe

asperation pneumonia. I was in the hospital for 4 days, temp 103.8.

I had my first botox and it has made it much worse.

Pittsburgh