Guest guest Posted August 30, 2004 Report Share Posted August 30, 2004 Just to add to what has said....Botox is suppose to work better on older people. I was 71 when I had two Botox. Neither worked at all for me. I then had a dilatation which has lasted about 3 years and I am still not completely closed yet. My dilatation was with a size 4 balloon. Hope this helps. Maggie Alabama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2004 Report Share Posted August 30, 2004 Hi From what most of us have experienced, or heard, dilations usually (not always) don’t have the best outcome. They don’t usually last for too long, without having to be repeated, as you are experiencing. Botox is about the same. Most of us have been told that botox is not the best option, as it can cause scar tissue. The scar tissue is not good, because in the future, if you need to have a myotomy done, the scar tissue can cause problems. Can you give some more info on yourself, including why you are choosing dilations/ botox vs the surgery? Not everyone is a candidate for the surgery, which is why some people choose botox. Good luck, ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2004 Report Share Posted August 30, 2004 > Ive had Achalasia for about two years now and Im going in to > hospital for my third dilation in two weeks. If this does'nt work > they will use botox next time. Does this work better? > > Hi - I've had A for over 20 years. Originally, I had a dilation that helped and one more in the five years until I had surgery, they weren't permanent but lasted longer than a few weeks. Since surgery, no real problems with swallowing. I'd ask about 3 dilations in two weeks,that seems a bit much. Does your doc have a specific reason for this? Has your doc treated people with A before? As you'll see from the posts here, there are even quite a few GI's out there who have very limited experience with A. NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK A SECOND OPINION!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2004 Report Share Posted August 30, 2004 Hi , Please go back and read some of the posts just recently about dilatations and botox. Generally speaking, the recommendation is now that surgery is the first option, unless your age or other condition precludes this. If dilatation and botox are done first surgery may not be so effective. It is also recommended that not more than 3 dilatations are done because with each time there is an increased risk of perforation. Botox is no longer recommended for younger persons, and does not have a lasting effect for most people. Please do a search on the Internet and you will be able to read up all this on achalasia. You can start with a Google search and just 'achalasia' .It is very important to educate yourself on the condition before you go any further. Do tell us about yourself, and feel free to ask questions. Someone who has been where you are now will be sure to answer. Good wishes, Joan Baloon Dialation Ive had Achalasia for about two years now and Im going in to hospital for my third dilation in two weeks. If this does'nt work they will use botox next time. Does this work better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2004 Report Share Posted August 30, 2004 Hi , I am glad to hear of a success story with a dilation. That is great. I am happy to hear that you have not had to deal with any surgeons, etc. I hope that continues for your sake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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