Guest guest Posted March 18, 2006 Report Share Posted March 18, 2006 , I already e-mailed you but this will probably come up first. I also felt the feeling in my throat. I had the surgery and all is good now!!! Vinnie --- <contessakay@...> wrote: > Hi everyone! > > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with > achalasia. The doctor > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is > sticking in my chest. > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is > sticking in my > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even > though they say the > food should go down if I eat standing and take very > small bites with > water. > > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? > I was eating > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next > morning and > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids > such as Ensure, > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just > woke up one > morning and can't eat any solid food! > > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like > anxiety, more > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is > associated with this, > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND > achalasia came on me at > the same time). > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet > I have read > online that there are different medicines, > treatments and even > surgery to help people with this condition. > > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in > this disorder? > Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like > mine? > > Thanks! > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2006 Report Share Posted March 19, 2006 Dear , I also was convinced that there was something wrong with my upper sphincter. Because I was on guard that doctors didn't know everything about achalasia, I didn't believe them when they said there wasn't anything wrong w/ the upper one after all my tests. It felt just like that sphincter wouldn't open also, I often couldn't get food past my throat when I tried to swallow. I don't know the reason, maybe it was psychological before surgery, but immediately after surgery I didn't have any trouble. They were right. It is likely possible something could be wrong with the upper sphincter, but I haven't seen anyone ever post here about that problem. That condition is probably some other rare disease. I would have sworn something was wrong at the top of my esophagus at the same time, so you aren't alone. Dear Jude, I mean this with all the compassion I can muster, in my opinion, it is time to deal with your problem, waiting any longer causes more trouble down the line. I'd rather be as healthy as I can for treatment, than older and have other health issues that complicate any treatment. If I may put on my women's lib (is that word still around any more?) if you have children and your spouse went through childbirth, you owe it to your family to take care of your health. If she mustered through childbirth you can deal with this. Continuing along with the women's lib theme.... I forget who.... is it , whose son-in-law gets upset about his wife. Okay... going to psychiatric hospitals was probably traumatic, but ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? He would discourage her from support on a web site because HE doesn't want to deal with it. What trauma she must be under because her HUSBAND is upset about her disease. It is bad enough to be sick, but if your spouse is concerned about how it effects THEM, well then EXCUSE ME. I've probably misinterpreted your intention behind what you said and he is strongly supportive, if so, I apologize. But I gasped when you made your post. She is the one with the disease. As I think about it, I must have totally misunderstood your posting, because that just can't be true. Sandy in So Cal.... bright, beautiful day, about 65 for a high. This is the time to visit So Cal. >> Hi everyone!> > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with achalasia. The doctor > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is sticking in my chest. > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is sticking in my > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even though they say the > food should go down if I eat standing and take very small bites with > water.> > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? I was eating > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next morning and > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids such as Ensure, > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just woke up one > morning and can't eat any solid food!> > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like anxiety, more > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is associated with this, > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND achalasia came on me at > the same time). > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet I have read > online that there are different medicines, treatments and even > surgery to help people with this condition.> > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in this disorder?> Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like mine?> > Thanks!> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2006 Report Share Posted March 19, 2006 Hi , I have recently joined this support group and cannot tell you how much it helps me on a daily basis. Memebers are so supportive! Diagnosed with A (achalasia) at age 20, I am now 26 and preparing for surgery this summer. I, too, woke up one day and suddenly had trouble swallowing normal foods. I think that's why this condition is so hard to deal with. One day you're fine, and the next day you're entire life changes. I won't go through everything about A and the possible treatments. Rather, I encourage you to explore this group's site. Even though I've had A for six years now, it was ever so helpful to explore past postings, files, and the database. I thinkm you'll find that after a few hours on this site, you'll know more than it seems your doctor knows, which is typical considering the rarity of this condition. If you have any specific quesitons, ask away! Aileen from Boston > > Hi everyone! > > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with achalasia. The doctor > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is sticking in my chest. > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is sticking in my > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even though they say the > food should go down if I eat standing and take very small bites with > water. > > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? I was eating > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next morning and > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids such as Ensure, > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just woke up one > morning and can't eat any solid food! > > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like anxiety, more > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is associated with this, > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND achalasia came on me at > the same time). > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet I have read > online that there are different medicines, treatments and even > surgery to help people with this condition. > > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in this disorder? > Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like mine? > > Thanks! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2006 Report Share Posted March 19, 2006 Thanks everyone for responding to my email!! This is such a horrible experience, but at least others are out here who know what I'm feeling! I have to admit I don't trust my GI dr. 100%. He doesn't seem to know much at all about achalasia and doesn't seem overly willing to help me seek treatment. He mentioned a drug that starts with a R that causes serious side effects, and said that even if I took that, it probably wouldn't help. He acts as though there is no hope and I should basically give up. Well, I'm not that type of person! And from what I hear, the surgery really does help in most cases. Especially at my age, I am willing to try it. I see now there are other people who have the swallowing problem. I guess it may remain a mystery as to the cause...however, if the surgery helps that too, I'll be happy:) Thanks again! toomuchclutter <sandycarroll@...> wrote: Dear , I also was convinced that there was something wrong with my upper sphincter. Because I was on guard that doctors didn't know everything about achalasia, I didn't believe them when they said there wasn't anything wrong w/ the upper one after all my tests. It felt just like that sphincter wouldn't open also, I often couldn't get food past my throat when I tried to swallow. I don't know the reason, maybe it was psychological before surgery, but immediately after surgery I didn't have any trouble. They were right. It is likely possible something could be wrong with the upper sphincter, but I haven't seen anyone ever post here about that problem. That condition is probably some other rare disease. I would have sworn something was wrong at the top of my esophagus at the same time, so you aren't alone. Dear Jude, I mean this with all the compassion I can muster, in my opinion, it is time to deal with your problem, waiting any longer causes more trouble down the line. I'd rather be as healthy as I can for treatment, than older and have other health issues that complicate any treatment. If I may put on my women's lib (is that word still around any more?) if you have children and your spouse went through childbirth, you owe it to your family to take care of your health. If she mustered through childbirth you can deal with this. Continuing along with the women's lib theme.... I forget who.... is it , whose son-in-law gets upset about his wife. Okay... going to psychiatric hospitals was probably traumatic, but ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? He would discourage her from support on a web site because HE doesn't want to deal with it. What trauma she must be under because her HUSBAND is upset about her disease. It is bad enough to be sick, but if your spouse is concerned about how it effects THEM, well then EXCUSE ME. I've probably misinterpreted your intention behind what you said and he is strongly supportive, if so, I apologize. But I gasped when you made your post. She is the one with the disease. As I think about it, I must have totally misunderstood your posting, because that just can't be true. Sandy in So Cal.... bright, beautiful day, about 65 for a high. This is the time to visit So Cal. >> Hi everyone!> > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with achalasia. The doctor > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is sticking in my chest. > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is sticking in my > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even though they say the > food should go down if I eat standing and take very small bites with > water.> > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? I was eating > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next morning and > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids such as Ensure, > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just woke up one > morning and can't eat any solid food!> > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like anxiety, more > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is associated with this, > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND achalasia came on me at > the same time). > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet I have read > online that there are different medicines, treatments and even > surgery to help people with this condition.> > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in this disorder?> Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like mine?> > Thanks!> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2006 Report Share Posted March 20, 2006 -- Hi kristen. Thats how I first started and the not being able to breathe as food was stuck sent me into a panic attack. My specialist told me there was no hope after the surgery and it was terminal but as ive found out its not the case. I used to be able to drink milkshakes and eat soup but the day my son was born i got to the point where water wont even stay down. Ill pass on some advice I have got from this group. Find another doctor. I dont know where you are from but there will be someone here who can recommend you someone they have been to near you. I wish you all the best and hope you get this sorted soon. - In achalasia , Malone <contessakay@...> wrote: > > Thanks everyone for responding to my email!! This is such a horrible experience, but at least others are out here who know what I'm feeling! > I have to admit I don't trust my GI dr. 100%. He doesn't seem to know much at all about achalasia and doesn't seem overly willing to help me seek treatment. He mentioned a drug that starts with a R that causes serious side effects, and said that even if I took that, it probably wouldn't help. He acts as though there is no hope and I should basically give up. > Well, I'm not that type of person! And from what I hear, the surgery really does help in most cases. Especially at my age, I am willing to try it. > I see now there are other people who have the swallowing problem. I guess it may remain a mystery as to the cause...however, if the surgery helps that too, I'll be happy:) > > Thanks again! > > > toomuchclutter <sandycarroll@...> wrote: > Dear , > I also was convinced that there was something wrong with my upper sphincter. Because I was on guard that doctors didn't know everything about achalasia, I didn't believe them when they said there wasn't anything wrong w/ the upper one after all my tests. It felt just like that sphincter wouldn't open also, I often couldn't get food past my throat when I tried to swallow. > I don't know the reason, maybe it was psychological before surgery, but immediately after surgery I didn't have any trouble. They were right. It is likely possible something could be wrong with the upper sphincter, but I haven't seen anyone ever post here about that problem. That condition is probably some other rare disease. > I would have sworn something was wrong at the top of my esophagus at the same time, so you aren't alone. > Dear Jude, > I mean this with all the compassion I can muster, in my opinion, it is time to deal with your problem, waiting any longer causes more trouble down the line. I'd rather be as healthy as I can for treatment, than older and have other health issues that complicate any treatment. > If I may put on my women's lib (is that word still around any more?) if you have children and your spouse went through childbirth, you owe it to your family to take care of your health. If she mustered through childbirth you can deal with this. > Continuing along with the women's lib theme.... I forget who.... is it , whose son-in-law gets upset about his wife. Okay... going to psychiatric hospitals was probably traumatic, but ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? He would discourage her from support on a web site because HE doesn't want to deal with it. What trauma she must be under because her HUSBAND is upset about her disease. It is bad enough to be sick, but if your spouse is concerned about how it effects THEM, well then EXCUSE ME. > I've probably misinterpreted your intention behind what you said and he is strongly supportive, if so, I apologize. But I gasped when you made your post. She is the one with the disease. As I think about it, I must have totally misunderstood your posting, because that just can't be true. > Sandy in So Cal.... bright, beautiful day, about 65 for a high. This is the time to visit So Cal. > > > > > > Hi everyone! > > > > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with achalasia. The doctor > > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is sticking in my chest. > > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is sticking in my > > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even though they say the > > food should go down if I eat standing and take very small bites with > > water. > > > > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? I was eating > > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next morning and > > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids such as Ensure, > > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just woke up one > > morning and can't eat any solid food! > > > > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like anxiety, more > > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is associated with this, > > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND achalasia came on me at > > the same time). > > > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet I have read > > online that there are different medicines, treatments and even > > surgery to help people with this condition. > > > > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in this disorder? > > Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like mine? > > > > Thanks! > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 -I am with you Sandi, By talking about it and bringing the problem out and discussing it and dealing with it as a family will release a lot of stress for that poor woman. Her family needs to help be supportive.I had a person tell me that I was not going to get better or be positive by getting on this website. They have no idea. When we even try to discuss it with someone else they can not even imagine, but at least they can be supportive. I was really upset when I was told this group was negative, and vowed never to mention my friends here around that person again. The ideas and support we get here is all helpful towards our management and healing. I think once you have dealt with the symptoms the next biggest ordeal is understanding how you are going to accept A so you can then get on with the better things in life. -- In achalasia , " toomuchclutter " <sandycarroll@...> wrote: > > > Dear , > > I also was convinced that there was something wrong with my upper > sphincter. Because I was on guard that doctors didn't know everything > about achalasia, I didn't believe them when they said there wasn't > anything wrong w/ the upper one after all my tests. It felt just like > that sphincter wouldn't open also, I often couldn't get food past my > throat when I tried to swallow. > > I don't know the reason, maybe it was psychological before surgery, but > immediately after surgery I didn't have any trouble. They were right. > It is likely possible something could be wrong with the upper sphincter, > but I haven't seen anyone ever post here about that problem. That > condition is probably some other rare disease. > > I would have sworn something was wrong at the top of my esophagus at the > same time, so you aren't alone. > > Dear Jude, > > I mean this with all the compassion I can muster, in my opinion, it is > time to deal with your problem, waiting any longer causes more trouble > down the line. I'd rather be as healthy as I can for treatment, than > older and have other health issues that complicate any treatment. > > If I may put on my women's lib (is that word still around any more?) if > you have children and your spouse went through childbirth, you owe it to > your family to take care of your health. If she mustered through > childbirth you can deal with this. > > Continuing along with the women's lib theme.... I forget who.... is it > , whose son-in-law gets upset about his wife. Okay... going to > psychiatric hospitals was probably traumatic, but ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? > He would discourage her from support on a web site because HE doesn't > want to deal with it. What trauma she must be under because her HUSBAND > is upset about her disease. It is bad enough to be sick, but if your > spouse is concerned about how it effects THEM, well then EXCUSE ME. > > I've probably misinterpreted your intention behind what you said and he > is strongly supportive, if so, I apologize. But I gasped when you made > your post. She is the one with the disease. As I think about it, I > must have totally misunderstood your posting, because that just can't be > true. > > Sandy in So Cal.... bright, beautiful day, about 65 for a high. This is > the time to visit So Cal. > > > > > > > Hi everyone! > > > > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with achalasia. The doctor > > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is sticking in my chest. > > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is sticking in my > > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even though they say the > > food should go down if I eat standing and take very small bites with > > water. > > > > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? I was eating > > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next morning and > > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids such as Ensure, > > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just woke up one > > morning and can't eat any solid food! > > > > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like anxiety, more > > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is associated with this, > > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND achalasia came on me at > > the same time). > > > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet I have read > > online that there are different medicines, treatments and even > > surgery to help people with this condition. > > > > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in this disorder? > > Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like mine? > > > > Thanks! > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2006 Report Share Posted March 21, 2006 I've been haunted slightly by the comment that someone said this group was negative. We may have brief moments of "get real" talk and then some defensive "I'll learn to live with it," banter, but isn't that support? I do happen to know some people who don't have surgery and in their cases surgery isn't the best choice and even I, who nags everyone and does some tough love, don't nag those people. In many instances in life the best support comes from people who tell the truth, as they see it. Compared to families and work groups and neighborhoods, I think this is the warmest group I know. , you add warmth to the group and whoever told you that may have had other issues. Maybe we over encouraged them to seek treatment. I hope if your friend left the group that they come back. Someone can send me a private email to not get too harsh and I'll save the tough love. Absolutely everyone should feel welcome here. Even crabby people. Sandy in So Cal...hmmm nothing now... > > >> > > Hi everyone!> > >> > > I'm a 23 yr old female and just diagnosed with achalasia. The > doctor> > > says my esophagus is sluggish and the food is sticking in my > chest.> > > The thing that puzzles me is that I feel the food is sticking in > my> > > throat, too, and that I'm going to choke, even though they say the> > > food should go down if I eat standing and take very small bites > with> > > water.> > >> > > Did any of you have this come on suddenly, like me? I was eating> > > hamburgers and tacos one day and I woke up the next morning and> > > couldn't eat applesauce! I can only drink liquids such as Ensure,> > > milk shakes, and smoothies. I can't believe I just woke up one> > > morning and can't eat any solid food!> > >> > > My throat and tongue also feel very tight (not like anxiety, more> > > like muscular problems that I'm wondering is associated with this,> > > since the symptoms of throat tightening AND achalasia came on me > at> > > the same time).> > >> > > My doctor says there is no help for this at all, yet I have read> > > online that there are different medicines, treatments and even> > > surgery to help people with this condition.> > >> > > Do you know of any medical groups specializing in this disorder?> > > Can any of you tell me if your symptoms sound like mine?> > >> > > Thanks!> > >> > > > > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 Sandy, <I've been haunted slightly by the comment that someone said this group was negative.> I don't think the group is negative at all! This group has become another member of my family. I'm so thankful that my hubby found this website while searching A on the web. I've " met " and talked to so many nice and understanding friends here who have held my hand, offered a warm shoulder to lean on, and a voice to vent frustrations and fears. This group has always been here for me and continues to offer solace, support and understanding during good and bad eating days. I look forward to getting my daily digest not just because of any useful suggestions or info but also to see who has a new joke or t-shirt slogan. Thanks to everyone who has read my posts, answered my questions, offered suggestions, or simply made me laugh when I read the digest. Lisbeth in Philly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 22, 2006 Report Share Posted March 22, 2006 I meant to add that sometimes we need the " get real talk " or the " tough love " because sometimes we need that reality check to get us moving. And on that note, off I go to cooking. For a spanish girl I can't ever seem to master the rice. Lisbeth in Philly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 23, 2006 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 I am shocked that anyone would call this group "negative". It has helped me so much in the short time I have been here. People who don't have A simply don't understand what it is like and that we need all the support and information we can get. Sure there will be days when we post about our problems, but the group seems to be so much more than that. A load has been lifted from me just knowing there are other people out there who know and understand what I am going through. Just my 2 cents:) lclopez477 <Lisbeth477@...> wrote: Sandy,<I've been haunted slightly by the comment that someone said this group was negative.>I don't think the group is negative at all! This group has become another member of my family. I'm so thankful that my hubby found this website while searching A on the web. I've "met" and talked to so many nice and understanding friends here who have held my hand, offered a warm shoulder to lean on, and a voice to vent frustrations and fears. This group has always been here for me and continues to offer solace, support and understanding during good and bad eating days. I look forward to getting my daily digest not just because of any useful suggestions or info but also to see who has a new joke or t-shirt slogan.Thanks to everyone who has read my posts, answered my questions, offered suggestions, or simply made me laugh when I read the digest. Lisbeth in Philly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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