Notan's suggestions

[Guest guest]

Hi, Notan and Fellow Achalasians,

        I do like the idea of an annual update.  We have all had various

experiences

with this disease/disorder and the information has been extraordinarily

valuable.

        I'd love to say this:  I was trying to find out what on earth was the

matter

with my swallowing problems, which my family would have either ignored or

chalked-up to eating too fast or not chewing enough, rushing when eating,

or just plain silly complaining.  Stiff upper lip and don't bother the rest of

us,

sort of thing.

        When I found this group, I had written down my symptoms, looked on-line

at the Cleveland Clinic, NORD (very helpful people), and the Mayo Clinic.  Then,

Ta-Da!  The Achalasia group!  Between this group and my snooping, I

learned about Achalasia.  I found a great diagnostician at Cedars, Dr.

Feldman, and when I went back for my second visit, he and I spoke the

answer simultaneously " Achalasia! " .  He said, " I thought I was supposed to

tell YOU that! " and we laughed.

        Thank you, Achalasia group!  My Heller's has worked great.  I

have ups and downs but nothing like pre-surgery.

        I am absolutely impressed by Notan and the rest of you, who are going

through various stages, issues and difficulties and still moving forward.  I

thank

you for your honesty in reporting what's going on, I salute you for keeping on

keepin' on!

       All Best, Deborah