about the four stages of Achalasia

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Cindi W., for the four stages of "A". I am most definitely at stage 1. And although it is liveable, it is becoming not too good. Last week I was able to swallow reasonably well. I had a bit of irking-up of liquids and some nasty nanobits of solid food swallowing difficulties but now, this weekend, I am having chest pains and, by gosh, it hurts. It was not hurting so much before, dear Gang. My Doctor, Dr. J. Conklin, never called last week or the Friday before. I am feeling rather left out, if you know what I mean = upset, saddened, worried and annoyed as well as more depressed. I went to the market tonight and the entire time I was there, meandering through the aisles, I was in constant not-too-terribly-bad pain, but pain nonetheless. It just wouldn't the heck go away. And swallowing my old blippin' saliva has become a bit of a problem, too. Nasty.

All those suggestions from various fellow Achalasians about soft foods are foremost in my thoughts, lately. I've gotten on to applesauce, yum, and more cottage cheese, yum, and overcooked this and that.

So, I'd guess I'm still at stage 1. But my gastro. doc., the one who usually does, or rather, did, my colon scopes, suggested I have antibiotics and steroids.

You know something? I want and need some word from my specialist, Dr. C. Somehow I doubt that steroids are going to help. This is frustrating. And, I know you guys understand.

thanks for listening! Deborah, at the beach