Re: Motility disorder vs Achalasia

[Guest guest]

Anita! OMG!!! The same thing happened to me. The last time was

around christmas last year and I got this very sore spot ..felt like

on my vocal cords or something. Felt as if food was stuck and made

the spot EXTREMELY SORE!!! It has happened to me 3 times. The first

time of course I thought I was getting a sore throat. It went away

and I never got it checked out but, I thought that I had cancer

too...all the same things that you were thinking! I inquired about

it on the site and no one really seemed to have the problem.. I

thought maybe that I had diverticula in there or something, but when

I researched it, it didn't seem to be the case. I'm not sure what it

was, but I'd like to find out.

Good Luck!!!

Dawn in oHIo

>

> Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for

many

> years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've had

> multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the

one

> where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight). My

doc

> diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing

> difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal found.

I

> did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia got

> worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also

had

> the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside down

and

> every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that I

had

> an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically a

> motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never officially

> diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has taken

> biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not get a

> positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my

> dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting

> caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a

> constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to worry, but

> find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat cancer,

> even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because

all

> of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or

> Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy because

of

> the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now worried

> because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's

only

> been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have another

to

> rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month,

but

> he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk for

> esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

> Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can share

an

> experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly

> appreciated.

> Anita/

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

I will leave the answering of your medical questions to those who are better informed. I just wanted to reach out a welcoming hand to you.

Love from Ann in England xx>> Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for many > years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've had > multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the one > where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight). My doc > diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing > difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal found. I > did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia got > worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also had > the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside down and > every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that I had > an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically a > motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never officially > diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has taken > biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not get a > positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my > dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting > caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a > constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to worry, but > find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat cancer, > even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because all > of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or > Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy because of > the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now worried > because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's only > been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have another to > rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month, but > he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk for > esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.> Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can share an > experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly > appreciated.> Anita/>

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita, I think I've read your story about a million (ok, maybe a hundred!) times on this site, and every time it's posted by somebody different. I am certainly no expert, but since you asked for opinions - I think that maybe a new GI would be a good idea. Perhaps someone more familiar with Achalasia and other motility disorders. Also, a redo of the barium swallow, and a manometry may be a good idea. These 2 tests combined should be enough to confirm/eliminate a diagnosis of 'A'. But if you read any past posts, the main theme is 'Experience'. Find a GI with as much experience in these disorders as possible. Best of luck to you! mike in WI

Love cheap thrills? Enjoy PC-to-Phone calls to 30+ countries for just 2¢/min with Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

Welcome to this group. I hope that we can be of some help to you.

I have to assume that you posted here because you think that either

Achalasia is a possibility or that you might have some related

disorder. When it comes to the esophagus and stomach, there are meny

similar symptoms amongst the disorders which may make your specific

problem difficult to diagnose.

As this response is in progress I see that Mike from WI has posted

an excellent response to your post that has " stolen " a little of my

thunder, so I will try to not repeat what he just said.

My wife has suffered terribly from GERD for 10 years. Many of

the symptoms you have described are consistent with GERD, which you

stated upfront that you have. The acids coming up can wreak havoc

with your esophagus and throat, causing it to be sore, and sometimes

even affecting your speech. What are you taking to control it?

Mike is, of course, correct about the barium and the manometry,

but before you do that, could you conduct a little home experiment

and report back to us? Could you tell us what you experienced by

having dinner without drinking any liquids? Also, how well you slept

later on. It might give us no information, or it might be very

telling.

This is the Achalasia room, and if you have the disease its

important that you find out ASAP for a proper course of treatment. If

its something else, its equally important that you find out. If it

takes the possibly uncomfortable decision to change doctors then you

must do so. The most important thing to do now is get the correct

diagnosis, followed by the best treatment available.

Please stay in touch and get back to us. It would also be

helpful to know how old you are and where you live.

> >

> > Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for

> many

> > years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've had

> > multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the

> one

> > where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight). My

> doc

> > diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing

> > difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal found.

> I

> > did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia got

> > worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also

> had

> > the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside down

> and

> > every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that I

> had

> > an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically a

> > motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never

officially

> > diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has

taken

> > biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not get

a

> > positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my

> > dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting

> > caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a

> > constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to worry,

but

> > find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat

cancer,

> > even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because

> all

> > of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or

> > Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy because

> of

> > the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now worried

> > because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's

> only

> > been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have another

> to

> > rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month,

> but

> > he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk for

> > esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

> > Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can share

> an

> > experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly

> > appreciated.

> > Anita/

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

The next time you have an ENDO ask you physician to test for Celiac Disease(biopsy). It never hurts to check.

in Pittsburgh Motility disorder vs Achalasia

Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for many years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've had multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the one where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight). My doc diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal found. I did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia got worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also had the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside down and every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that I had an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically a motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never officially diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has taken biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not get a positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to worry, but find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat cancer, even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because all of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy because of the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now worried because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's only been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have another to rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month, but he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk for esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can share an experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly appreciated.

Anita/

[Guest guest]

A very similiar thing has happened to me too! I woke up one morning unable to eat and the GI dr thought it was Achalasia. I had a baruim swallow and it showed the food got stuck in my esoph. but not that bad. I then had my esoph. stretched and the tube test - but not the 24 hr one. This showed no Achalasia. I still can't eat and I too have a soreness in my throat. I have no idea what advice to give you, just to say I know how you feel and you aren't alone. Keep in touch:) Anita Kittell <akittell@...> wrote: Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for many years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've had multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the one where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight).

My doc diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal found. I did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia got worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also had the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside down and every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that I had an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically a motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never officially diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has taken biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not get a positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to

worry, but find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat cancer, even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because all of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy because of the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now worried because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's only been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have another to rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month, but he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk for esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can share an experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly appreciated.Anita/

[Guest guest]

Anita:

My suggestion is that you go to a teaching hospital that specializes in

esophageal

disorders and get someone really expert in diagnosis -- not sure where you are

located

but the group can help.

Peggy from California

>

> Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for many

> years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've had

> multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the one

> where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight). My doc

> diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing

> difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal found. I

> did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia got

> worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also had

> the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside down and

> every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that I had

> an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically a

> motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never officially

> diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has taken

> biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not get a

> positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my

> dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting

> caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a

> constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to worry, but

> find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat cancer,

> even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because all

> of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or

> Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy because of

> the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now worried

> because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's only

> been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have another to

> rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month, but

> he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk for

> esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

> Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can share an

> experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly

> appreciated.

> Anita/

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks. My doctor has me on 40 mg of nexium once day, been on it for

4+ years, and aciphex before that). Regarding eating without

liquids, that would be almost impossible for me, as the food would

not go all the way down by itself. The dysphagis has only gotten bad

within the past couple of years. I had the manomatry, which really

didn't help much. The first one I had indicated reflux, the next one,

which was only a year later, indicated no significant reflux. As I

said, I did have the barium swallow where they turn you all around

and give you the effervescen burping material to swallow plus cookies

and thick liquids, etc. This test indicated that I had an abnormal

stripping wave in my E most prominent in the distal E, which caused

the food to go down very slowly or get stuck. There were no masses or

ulcers found on that or any of my scopes thus far, but now I am very

conerned about the chronic sore throat, as I have read some articles

stating that long-term reflux that goes up into the throat is much

more damaging than even to the esophagus, because the tissue in this

area is much more sensitive. And I also read of some cases where

laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer or precancerous tissue developed and

apparently the researchers believed it was related to the

longstanding reflux going up into the throat. Again, I appreciate

all the responses from everyone on this group.

P.S. Should I post to the group BB or just reply to individual

messages. What is the proper etiquette? My first post didn't go

directly to the board, because I guess it had to be screened and

approved first.

Again, thanks.

Anita-Michigan

(My doc is a gastro who specializes in esophagus disorders at

University of Michigan Hospital)

> > >

> > > Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD for

> > many

> > > years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've

had

> > > multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's the

> > one

> > > where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight). My

> > doc

> > > diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real swallowing

> > > difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal

found.

> > I

> > > did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia

got

> > > worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I also

> > had

> > > the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside

down

> > and

> > > every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed that

I

> > had

> > > an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or basically

a

> > > motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never

> officially

> > > diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has

> taken

> > > biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not

get

> a

> > > positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my

> > > dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is getting

> > > caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a

> > > constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to worry,

> but

> > > find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat

> cancer,

> > > even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that because

> > all

> > > of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or

> > > Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy

because

> > of

> > > the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now

worried

> > > because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse. It's

> > only

> > > been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have

another

> > to

> > > rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the month,

> > but

> > > he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk

for

> > > esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

> > > Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can

share

> > an

> > > experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly

> > > appreciated.

> > > Anita/

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

Thanks for getting back to the group with more information about

yourself. Easy question first: regarding board etiquette. We all

learn something from each other. Please post directly to the message

board. You never know when something you write might be read by

another person who has valuable information that could help you.

Unless someone reading your messages is a doctor, the diseases

involving the esophagus are too varied and also similar in nature to

be able to provide definitive answers.

I have read your posts and can try to put 2 and 2 together. Of

course the degree of knowledge of your GI doctor is of prime

importance. You mentioned having had two manometry tests, whose

purpose was to test the degree of GERD (reflux) you were

experiencing. Did you know that this lovely test is the so

called " gold standard " for diagnosing achalasia? Did your doctor

observe any peristaltic waves while doing the exam, or was he just

measuring reflux?

I still think that severe GERD is your main problem, but don't ask me

for my medical credentials. I would suggest that you look into the

Endocinch method, http://www.endocinch.com/ It is a method using an

endoscope to suture the LES and prevent the acid reflux. Hardly

invasive and often gives better results than a lap fundo would.

You have legitimate concerns about the acid coming up and damaging

your throat. Have you been taking carafate to try to relieve the

acid damage? Is the specialist you are seeing now the same doctor

you were seeing since you were first diagnosed with GERD? This

suffering has been going on far too long (Anita: " yeah, tell me

about it " ).

You'll probably have to go thru all the tests to eliminate one thing

after another. As I said in my previous message. You came to this

message board presumably exploring whether or not achalasia was a

possible disease that you might have. After reviewing your previous

manometries, you might need another one to eliminate achalasia as a

possibility. Some statistics say that that only one in a hundred

thousand people get achalasia in the U.S. (how did I ever get so

lucky), while there could be as many as 60 million GERD sufferers to

one degree or another. (one out of five).

So, with tongue-in-cheek, based upon the above odds, if you think you

have achalasia, you don't!

Please keep us posted.

> > > >

> > > > Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD

for

> > > many

> > > > years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've

> had

> > > > multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's

the

> > > one

> > > > where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight).

My

> > > doc

> > > > diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real

swallowing

> > > > difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal

> found.

> > > I

> > > > did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia

> got

> > > > worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I

also

> > > had

> > > > the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside

> down

> > > and

> > > > every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed

that

> I

> > > had

> > > > an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or

basically

> a

> > > > motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never

> > officially

> > > > diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has

> > taken

> > > > biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not

> get

> > a

> > > > positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my

> > > > dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is

getting

> > > > caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a

> > > > constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to

worry,

> > but

> > > > find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat

> > cancer,

> > > > even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that

because

> > > all

> > > > of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or

> > > > Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy

> because

> > > of

> > > > the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now

> worried

> > > > because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse.

It's

> > > only

> > > > been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have

> another

> > > to

> > > > rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the

month,

> > > but

> > > > he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk

> for

> > > > esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

> > > > Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can

> share

> > > an

> > > > experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly

> > > > appreciated.

> > > > Anita/

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

One thing I forgot to mention regarding surgery for reflux, I am told

I'm not a good candidate for it, because I also have the added problem

of bloating, which would apparently be made worse by the surgery.

Lucky me. So, basically, I can't really completely stop my reflux,

just keep the acid down. I'll post again if any new info comes up. I

really feel for all of you who have true A. I've read so much abuot it

in the past few years, because I wondered if that was what I had.

Either way, any of the motility disorders/GERD are not fun and can

really adversely affect quality of life, as I'm sure you all already know.

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi, I'm new to this group. I suffered from symptoms of GERD

> for

> > > > many

> > > > > years before seeking treatment. Over the past five years I've

> > had

> > > > > multiple scopes, two pH/monitoring probe tests (Yes, that's

> the

> > > > one

> > > > > where the tube goes down your nose and stays in overnight).

> My

> > > > doc

> > > > > diagnosed GERD in 2000. IN 2002 I began having real

> swallowing

> > > > > difficulties. Another scope was done, but nothing abnormal

> > found.

> > > > I

> > > > > did have a dilation done at that time. In 2003, the dysphagia

> > got

> > > > > worse and I had another probe test and scope. This time I

> also

> > > > had

> > > > > the barium swallow test where they turn you basically upside

> > down

> > > > and

> > > > > every which way while you're swalloing. The results showed

> that

> > I

> > > > had

> > > > > an abnormal stripping wave (whatever that means), or

> basically

> > a

> > > > > motility disorder of my esophagus. My doctor has never

> > > officially

> > > > > diagnosed me with achalasia or any specific disorder. He has

> > > taken

> > > > > biopsies and checked for eosinophilc esophagitis but did not

> > get

> > > a

> > > > > positive result on that test. I'm very frustrated because my

> > > > > dysphagia continues to worsen, now I feel as if food is

> getting

> > > > > caught in a pocket in the right side of my throat and have a

> > > > > constant, chronic right-sided sore throat. I try not to

> worry,

> > > but

> > > > > find myself constantly thinking about esophageal or throat

> > > cancer,

> > > > > even though my doc has said he isn't worried about that

> because

> > > > all

> > > > > of my scopes have come up negative for ulcers, dysplasia or

> > > > > Barrett's. Also in 2002 I did have a direct laryngoscopy

> > because

> > > > of

> > > > > the throat complaints. This also was negative. I'm now

> > worried

> > > > > because the dysphagia and sore throat are getting worse.

> It's

> > > > only

> > > > > been a year since my last scope, but I'm wanting to have

> > another

> > > > to

> > > > > rule out anything. I'm going to see my gastro within the

> month,

> > > > but

> > > > > he has told me in the past that even with people at high risk

> > for

> > > > > esophageal cancer only have scopes every two years.

> > > > > Anyone else out there with these symptoms/problems that can

> > share

> > > > an

> > > > > experience or shed some light on this for me would be greatly

> > > > > appreciated.

> > > > > Anita/

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>