PollyannaK and Jim

[Guest guest]

Hey Pollyanna - I can totally relate to what you are saying. I've had

A since about the age of 12, diagnosed at 15, open Heller at 20. I'm

now rapidly approaching 38. It's been well over half of my life. I

think we have all shared your frustrations, especially when I was a

teenager or in my early 20's? UGH - being a teenager is hard enough

without being 'wierd' too!!

What I have done now, especially after finding this group - is accept

my 'new normal'. I don't swallow like most people, I have foods I

can't eat (I haven't had OJ in YEARS!!) I do need to drink water with

every meal **BUT** I CAN eat, I CAN swallow and, the older I get and

my peers get, the more I realize that everyone has some foods or

another that they can't eat for a variety of reasons. And, how many

of your friends now have reflux or heartburn or whatever. It's like

they all finally caught up to us. It's never going to be easy - A

will always be a part of your life but as Ann said, we can see, hear,

walk, talk and 95% of the time for me, I can eat.

Plus, because I watch what I eat, I've been able to maintain a good

healthy weight AND I'm really well hydrated!!

Jim and Peeta (sp?),

Good luck with the surgery. I had surgery 17 years ago this month and

I'd do it again without thinking twice. It's not a cure but life will

be -almost- back to normal for you.

Happy Swallowing!

- in Va.