Myotomy ???

[Guest guest]

I have been a member of the group for a few years, but have not participated

much.

I am writing to solicit opinions. I have had achalasia for 17 year now.

I was seeing Dr. Katzka at UPenn Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Katzka left last

year, and Dr. Falk has taken his former post.

I have end-stage achalasia for 10 years now, and my esophagus is very large and

distended. Over the years I have had 3 balloon dilatations and 2 Botox

treatments. I have not had anything in the last 8 years and have felt fine. I

eat normally, easily maintain a healthy weight and suffer almost no adverse

symptoms. I am 54 and lead a very active, athletic life. In short I have not

felt this good since before I was first diagnosed.

The problem is every time I go for my annual endoscopy my esophagus has a lot

of food in it, even though I am go on a 4 day liquid diet beforehand..

Dr. Falk insists that I should have a myotomy. My guess is that he thinks it

will cause my esophagus to empty more quickly.

I do NOT want to mess with a good thing. I feel great and am worried that the

possible complications from a myotomy will cause unforeseen issues and I do not

think it will improve the way I feel.

I would appreciate the opinions of those of you who have had myotomys and

how you felt before and after. A doctor only knows the science, he can not know

how those of us who live with this condition feel each and every day.

Thank you, my friends, and live well,

Tom