Help

[Guest guest]

Hi! Well the New Year is finally here and I can now set my

appointments for tests after a long time waiting. My insurance

calendar year deductible of $1,500 runs Jan-Dec., so I have been

waiting until January to have any procedures done. I went to a GI

doctor in November and he gave me a referral to have an Upper GI done

and another for a Barrium Swallow plus a tablet. Not sure what the

tablet is for. I left a message with his assistant today to call me

back because I want to find out if he has ever dealt with Achalasia

before. I have not been officially diagnosed but one GI told me he

thinks I have it, but I want to know upfront what kind of experience

this new GI has just in case. I do have DES and have been dealing

with pain from spasms for months along with dizziness and now some

swallowing problems. I do also think there is some nerve problems.

Anyway, I live in Orlando, Florida and I do not know any doctors that

are experienced with Achalasia, besides calling every GI office and

Thoracic Surgeon, I don't know how to find an experienced one. A

couple of members did refer me to le at the Mayo Clinic

in ville and Rosemurgy at the Tampa General. Both

are 2-3 hours away. Any suggestions on how I can find one in my area?

I know you have to drink some stuff for both the Upper GI and the

Barrium Swallow but does this stuff make you feel sick or upset your

stomach? Even though it is necessary, I hate the thought of something

making me feel any worse than I do now. Also, can you please tell me

if I should have the two tests done at one of the hospitals here or

should I go to an Imaging Center? I have read some posts where some

techs doing the tests are not always accurate and alot of times have

never even heard of Achalasia. Is there something I should be telling

the tech to make sure they do this right or look for the right thing?

Also, is it okay for me to go ahead and let this GI doctor send me

for the tests or should I find a doctor that has experience with

Achalasia and let him send me to have the Barrium and Upper GI tests?

I didn't know if it really mattered, because if this GI doctor does

diagnose me with Achalasia then can't I just take the test results to

an experienced doctor at that time? I am so sorry for all the

questions but I know most of you are very knowledgeable and I just

want to do things the right way so I can get the right help that I

need. I don't want to be anyones Guinea Pig.

Thank you,