A Wonderful Group

[Guest guest]

Hello to this wonderful group.Though new to this group,I have lived

with Achalasia for many years.I wish that both the Internet and

groups like this existed when I was first started having symptoms,and

going through all the tests that one goes through.Support is a

wonderful thing,and having a group like this, with both the

informational links and personal stories is a great thing.You will

find in here everyone from people that have just been diagnosed with

having Achalasia to those like myself and others that have lived with

this for years. I myself have lived with this and other problems

since the late 80's.

I think the first and most important thing you can do is research and

find a Dr that understands this disease.From personal experience,I

have found that over time you can develop other diseases that are

associated with the esophagus.

I would like to add some information for those of you that are just

learning about this disease. You should carefully watch and record

events as they develop. I found it useful to keep a diary of how you

are feeling and if and when your symptoms start to worsen.IE stronger

and more choking events, acid reflux attacks,

heartburn,regurgitation,etc. That way you can better explain all that

is transpiring with you to your Dr.

You have to read and become aware of the effects with having

dilatations or any other surgery.For some, a simple dilatation once

every other year seems to help with this problem.For others,surgery

becomes a necessity..For myself I have under gone the Heller myotomy

with wrap surgery.Also throughout the years I have had too many

dilatations to mention. I am now at the point where they have little

to no beneficial effect and are no longer performed.This is caused by

other diseases associated with my esophageal area.

There is great new medications now available to help you. Drugs like

Nexium, Pantoloc, Pariet,Pepisd,and Sucralfate just to name a few.

These drugs are shown to have great results for the treatment in the

reduction of gastric acid secretion. They are also for duodenal

ulcers, gastric ulcers,heartburn, reflux esophagitis.Symptomatic

gastroesophageal reflux disease.(GERD) Hopefully your Dr will have

some samples for you to try,as the costs vary and some like

Sucralfate are very expensive.

With all the information here, and on the Internet you can make well

informed choices. You have to become your own advocate.

Though there is no cure,as you know for this disease.Over time you

learn to both cope and live with this disease. With the medications

and proper Dr's care you can hopefully find relief from this and

other related diseases. Hopefully now that you found your way

here,just now know you are not alone anymore.