#Achalasia

[lupineheart]

[p0is0ngirlx]

[the-yearning-astronaut]

I just learned that Carl Sagan suffered from chronic pain his entire adult life, starting in college. He had achalasia.

How did I not know this? I'm gonna cry.

As someone who developed chronic pain while in college, who wants to be a science communicator but regularly doubts their ability to do so.... This is such a validating thing for me to learn. Maybe I can do this despite my pain and disabilities. Maybe I'm not foolhardy for pursuing an advanced degree so that I can interpret science for the public. I have no desire to be the public face of Planetary Science the way he was but... Maybe I can be someone.

[fakeymcnamerson-blog]

WTF I JUST FOUND OUT CARL SAGAN HAD THE SAME RARE DISEASE I HAVE

[loucifersbitch]

TW: vomiting. Seriously if you're even slightly emetophobic, please keep scrolling

Just putting this here as a...idk, yell into the void? maybe needing support? type of thing.

In January 2017, I had surgery to repair my esophagus - a heller myotomy and dor fundoplication. And I was fine. For a while anyway. I had the occasional spasm or food being impacted, but not nearly as bad as it used to be. Until yesterday when I had to stop eating in the middle of my meal and run to the restroom to vomit up everything I'd just eaten. It lasted about half an hour, and at one point, I had to induce the vomiting myself. I was shaky, clammy, and pale by the end of it. And now my throat hurts, and I don't know if I accidentally injured myself or if it's just from everything that came back up. But it's annoying and kind of scary that it's happening at all. It's been getting steadily worse since my father-in-law gave my family covid last summer

I'm just tired. Physically and emotionally and mentally. I hate chronic illness. Today I'm not brave. I have no spoons

[wishesmsg]

Achalasia

Overview

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, to relax and allow food and liquids to pass into the stomach. Symptoms of achalasia typically include difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, heartburn, and weight loss. These symptoms may worsen over time if left untreated. The exact cause of achalasia is not known, but it is believed to be a result of damage to the nerves in the esophagus that control the muscles involved in swallowing. There may also be a genetic component to the disorder. Achalasia is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including an esophageal manometry to measure the pressure in the esophagus and an endoscopy to examine the inside of the esophagus and stomach. Treatment options include medication, minimally invasive procedures such as balloon dilation or botulinum toxin injection, or surgery to cut the LES muscle. With proper treatment, most people with achalasia can manage their symptoms and lead a normal life. However, some people may experience complications such as aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation, or a slightly increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Symptoms

- Difficulty swallowing: This is the most common symptom of achalasia. Patients may feel that food or liquids get stuck in the chest or throat. - Regurgitation of undigested food: This occurs when food and liquids are brought back up into the mouth from the esophagus. - Chest pain: Patients may experience a sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest, especially after eating. - Heartburn: This is a burning sensation in the chest or throat, caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. - Weight loss: This can occur if patients are unable to eat enough food due to difficulty swallowing. - Coughing or choking: This may occur if food or liquids get stuck in the throat or esophagus. - Fatigue: Patients may experience fatigue due to the effort required to swallow food and liquids. It is important to note that these symptoms can be indicative of other disorders as well, so it is important to seek medical attention if experiencing any of these symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of achalasia is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be caused by damage to the nerves in the esophagus that control the muscles involved in swallowing, as well as by degeneration of the muscles themselves. There may also be a genetic component to the disorder. Other potential contributing factors to the development of achalasia include: - Autoimmune disorders: Some research suggests that autoimmune disorders may play a role in the development of achalasia, as the disorder is more common in people with other autoimmune diseases. - Viral infections: Some viruses, such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, have been linked to the development of achalasia. - Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may also increase the risk of developing achalasia. It is important to note that while these factors may contribute to the development of achalasia, they are not the sole cause of the disorder. More research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of achalasia.

When to see a doctor

If you experience difficulty swallowing or any other symptoms of achalasia, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following: - Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of food getting stuck in your chest or throat - Regurgitation of undigested food - Chest pain, heartburn or acid reflux - Unintentional weight loss - Coughing or choking while eating or drinking - Persistent or severe fatigue - Recurring pneumonia or respiratory infections If you have been diagnosed with achalasia, it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage the condition and prevent complications. You may need to undergo regular monitoring and screening for complications such as aspiration pneumonia, esophageal perforation, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

Risk factors

While the exact cause of achalasia is unknown, there are several factors that may increase the risk of developing the disorder. These include: - Age: Achalasia is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 25 and 60. - Genetics: There may be a genetic component to achalasia, as the disorder can sometimes run in families. - Autoimmune disorders: People with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or scleroderma, have a higher risk of developing achalasia. - Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may increase the risk of developing achalasia. - Infections: Some viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, have been linked to the development of achalasia. - Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing achalasia. - Gender: Achalasia is slightly more common in women than in men. It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop achalasia. Conversely, some people with achalasia may not have any of these risk factors.

Complications

If left untreated, achalasia can lead to several complications, including: - Malnutrition: Difficulty swallowing can make it hard for people with achalasia to consume enough nutrients, leading to malnutrition. - Aspiration pneumonia: When food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs, it can lead to a type of pneumonia called aspiration pneumonia. - Esophageal perforation: In rare cases, the esophagus may tear or perforate as a result of pressure from trapped food and liquids. - Barrett's esophagus: Over time, people with achalasia may be at a slightly increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the cells in the lining of the esophagus change and become precancerous. - Esophageal cancer: While the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only slightly higher in people with achalasia, it is still important for people with the disorder to undergo regular monitoring and screening for the condition. It is important for people with achalasia to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of the disorder. Early treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. Read the full article

[drugcarts]

A rare disorder making it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.

[maroonbreeze]

Will it be a good dream or a nightmare?

I have health issue. A case that only happens to 1 in 100,000 people. I hava Achalasia, a rare disorder that affects the esophagus. I have trouble swallowing, usually feels like the food is stuck when i'm eating or drinking water. Sometimes I will have terrible cases of food got stuck, choking, unable to get the food down down my damn esophagus and vomit it out. Sometimes, with deep, deep multiple breathing, it goes down.

So you can say that I have fear eating outside. In case, the food stucks and chokes me. It happened once when i was alone eating lunch. I got choked by chicken porridge. By porridge, soft food. It lasted for a quite long time. I was crying internally, suffering, and breathing deep enough multiple times. It took long time. Multiple times. It went down. After a long long time. I feared eating alone since that day. I do but that day traumatised me.

I had this for 2 years now. It started with acid reflux, regurgitation and reflux at late night when i'm sleeping. Then this achalasia came. I realised that i am a food lover, that i love to eat afterwards. Too late already is it? I took it for granted. My weight dropped. I went from M to S sometimes even XS. The comments that i got from outsiders, body shaming me for being skinny. Especially those who are being insecure about their large size. I got it a lot from them. They know i am sick and still they let their mouth run. My dream when i'm sleeping consists of me eating non-stop without trouble. Yes, without trouble. Without pain. But dream is just a dream right? They haunts you and show you colorful images but it is not possible. They don't know this. No. They don't have the capacity to understand this. Believe me, i tried making them to understand. That i did not want this. I hate this. I want to change this, but I can't. I can't.

The comments that I got

1. Please take my fat and all my extra skin. You need that. If you reduce it, i will give it to you again.

2. Wind would knock you off.

3. Your shirts looks big on you. (I KNOW)

4. You would look better if you put on some weight.

5. What is your hip size?

6. You should eat a lot.

7. You do not need hot air balloon. Even cold air balloon will lift you up. (this was totally degrading)

8. I will look like your mom if people sees us together outside.

9. What is your kg/weight?

10. I just want to fill up this officce space and let you eat a lot.

11. You only eat that?

12. You done eating?

13. What are you eating?

They don't know the pain i am going through. I have no problem eating, putting food in my mouth. The swallowing part is the problem. My esophagus is the problem.

And you might be wondering, whether did i get consultation from doctors yet. I did. I went to them after getting terrible acute gastritis, twice. Just because my food got stuck and i vomited that time. Man, i tell you acute gastritis is not a joke. I would not wish it for anyone. Pills did not work. Only injections did. That too for 3 days. I couldn't eat. Felt like putting rocks inside stomach. Felt thirsty but kept on vomiting it out. I'm on the verge of dehydration. I prayed after a long time to let the pain go away. For me to eat. For me to live.

Did lots of procedure afterwards. Endoscopy, barium swallow, x-rays, ct scan and manometry. Dousing nasty liquids, getting exposed to rays, getting my throat to bleed. I did it all. And doctor suggested to do a surgery called poem. They gave lots of hope. Telling me that it would cure me. I was happy. I was excited. To let my weight increase. To be healthy. To eat good food. I didn't feel scared to go under sedation. Kind of happy and relieved actually. People even asked me whether am i feeling nervous. I said no. Because i would be healthy right?

Hmm. The procedure. The surgery failed. The doctors attempted twice and my skin couldn't be lifted up. I went through a failed surgery. The 1st surgery in my life, and i wasn't lucky. It failed. I had to kept fasting for another day, a total of 48 hours so that they could do me another procedure. To check whether they had caused any holes in my esophagus while attempting the surgery. I did not eat for almost 3 days. I drank water. I was scared that my gastric would flared up. I cried while calling my mom. I rarely cry in public, but to hear that my hope got snuffed out, broked me. Tears kept falling. It flows now as well.

I was okay after that. Thinking whatever happens, happens. I could handle it. I have been eating blended food for 3 days now. Tomorow is the last days for such diet. Then i could go back to normal food. Damn, the gas trapped in my stomach was real discomfort and pain. And i'm writing this because i have a lot in my mind right now. It will go after this. A little. I read that this problem with esophagus could cause cancer. It is high risk for cancer to develop. Hahaha. What a life. I don't want to die painfully. I want to live, healthily if possible. And sometimes other thoughts, that it's okay if i die. We are humans afterall. Not everyone gets lucky. Not everyone have a healthy life. Not everyone had failed surgery. I did. I am not lucky. I am not healthy. I had a failed surgery. I want to be healthy. I want to eat without pain.

Will it be a good dream or a nightmare?

(Not edited)

[boostventilator]

For My Health

*Freeze frame* *Record scratch* The view from my hospital bed. Yup, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. This is a failure of sorts. Not hereditary, so I can’t blame my family. No known cause or trigger, so no big regrets. I sleep with a wedge and have an eating schedule that rivals a Mogwai—no late-night snacks. No prevention, no cure—just a wonky lower…

[drhitendrakgarg]

Struggling with swallowing, chest pain, or unexpected weight loss? It could be Achalasia—a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, making it difficult for food to reach your stomach. 🌱 Swipe through to learn more about the symptoms and why early diagnosis is key to relief. Don’t ignore the signs—your health matters!

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Schedule a consultation: Dr. Hitendra K Garg

📲 8920361841, 8920632657 

📲 Follow us: @drhitendragarg

Visit: www.drhitendrakgarg.com

.

[lupineheart]

[p0is0ngirlx]

𝔖𝔨𝔢𝔩𝔢𝔱𝔬𝔫𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔦𝔱𝔢

𝔗𝔥𝔢𝔶 𝔤𝔩𝔬𝔴 𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱

𝔊𝔬𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔰 𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢

𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔦𝔯 𝔴𝔦𝔠𝔨𝔢𝔡 𝔡𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢

𝔄𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔶'𝔯𝔢 𝔪𝔬𝔳𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔞𝔰 𝔣𝔞𝔯 𝔞𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔶 𝔠𝔞𝔫☽⛤☾

[txhospitals123]

Esophageal Manometry Procedure for GERD, Achalasia & More | Best Hospital in Hyderabad

Get a safe and minimally invasive Esophageal Manometry Procedure to diagnose GERD, achalasia, esophageal spasms, and hiatal hernias. Contact TX Hospital, the Best gastroenterology hospital in Hyderabad, for expert diagnosis and treatment of esophageal conditions.https://txhospitals.in/specialities/gastro-sciences/procedures/esophageal-manometry/

[maroonbreeze]

I'm recovering form acute gastritis. I'm healing and so mucg in thirst. Waking up in the middle of night for nightly time quest for juices. So far i have finished in the span of 5 days a orange mango yoghurt, red syrup mixed with water, sarsi mixed with water, soya, watermelon, iced lemon tea, apple juice, and lots and lots of medium chilled water.

[boostventilator]

*Record scratch*

*Freeze frame*

This is a failure of sorts. Not hereditary, so I can’t blame my family. No known cause or trigger, so no big regrets. I sleep with a wedge and have an eating schedule that rivals a Mogwai—no late-night snacks. No prevention, no cure—just a wonky lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Treatments? Scopes, balloons, Botox—you name it, I’ve tried it.

It’s called Esophageal Achalasia. No hashtags or TikTok challenges for this one. It’s rare, but not that rare—about 1 in 100,000. We're talking dying in a commercial plane crash or being born polydactyly…being struck by lightning twice or finding a five-leaf clover. Ok, maybe that is rare but not a one in a million type thing, so stay vigilant!

About 12 years ago, I noticed I was struggling with certain foods. I assumed it was diet-related. I also had this persistent cough, which I blamed on post-nasal drip. I tried an elimination diet—nothing changed. Visits to doctors didn’t reveal much at first. Eventually, an ENT ruled out ears and nose, and the gastro team stepped in. A barium swallow X-ray finally showed what was going on…and the bird’s beak looked like the picture on the Wikipedia page.



Fast forward to now. After years of managing this condition with copious amounts of water and will to eat, I decided it was time for long-term treatment. I just had a Heller Myotomy with Dor Fundoplication…a modernized 110-year-old procedure which puts the “fun” in acid reflux. There’s another option called a per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM for short) but it’s not available locally.

[drhitendrakgarg]

Are you or someone you know suffering from Achalasia? Discover the transformative benefits of POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)! 🌟

✨ Why Choose POEM?

Enjoy a faster recovery and get back to your life sooner.

Experience less blood loss during the procedure.

Benefit from a minimally invasive technique.

Spend less time in the hospital with a shorter stay.

POEM is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.

Feel less pain compared to other treatments.

Take control of your health and explore POEM for a smoother, quicker, and more comfortable journey to wellness. 💪

.

Schedule a consultation at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals 

Visit: www.drhitendrakgarg.com

For Consultation : Dr. Hitendra K Garg

📲 8920361841, 8920632657