***tears***I know exactly what this man was feeling. I am experiencing this NOW and it's like no one really understands what is happening!! It is so frustrating on top of waiting to get the help needed!

Only being age 20 with this, I feel this mans pain 🙌🏻 Goodluck to anyone watching this and facing similar problems ❤️

I have it too! Found myself in a place where I was rushed in to have botox on my stomach sphincter .. since I couldn't eat or drink for a view days! Soon after I had the surgeries called "POEM" and " THE DOOR".. my life has changed dramatically! I don't wake in the middle of the night shooting stomach fluids out my nose and gasping for air...I dont stop on the side of the freeway to vomit so I can breath...I thank my God for this and using my very skilled Doctors to help this desperate situation! This is a rare disease but you can live a better life! Please do something! I did ..and haven't regretted it!

I have same problem since two years finally recently they found out it’s achalasia I’m waiting my referral to do surgery pray for me and other patients, I wish best of luck for everyone I understand this guy fully

God is good. I have been having difficulty swallowing since June. I went from about 215 to 132. I have been back and forth to the ER since June. I was in the hospital twice in July because of this. I almost died in July, because I couldn't swallow food or water. They kept telling me that it was GERD and prescribed medication for that, but the medication didn't work. I thank God I can get liquid down. But I miss being able to enjoy eating food. It's such a blessing, and you don't know what you got until it's gone. I have to get another test done. That I'm not looking forward to. I pray it reveal what need to be revealed in Jesus name. I pray that doctors learn to listen to their patients more.

Going for my POEM surgery next month! Would not wish this disease on any one. Im so excited to drink water again

That swallowing cold liquids sensation after getting the treatment hit the nail on the head. I had my Myotomy done earlier this year and the feeling of cold water going down on a scorching mid Atlantic summer day is hands down the best feeling on earth.

My son is going through something like this. It started two weeks ago and the drs can’t figure out what’s wrong. He hasn’t been diagnosed with anything other then dysphasia. I’m going crazy trying to do my own research. Please pray for him, thank you

I had condition for over20 years. Ido feel cold smoothies go down but I have to regurgitate my water or smoothie, any kind of drink or my food sometimes on daily basis would want come up. It was very hard to go out to eat and I would regurgitate my food. I didn't loose weight I actually gain weight. Go figure ! Who can even figure that out !! Going to U.CL.A to do surgery for this condition. I am hopeful that it will turnout well for me. Thats my prayer 🙏. Praise jesus!

I was 15 when I first noticed it and it caused me to miss school because I was so dehydrated

Ive lived with this for 20 years without diagnosis dr,s never found the problem in the uk i have good days good weeks but great video i will definitely look into this ❤

Thank you for posting..You're not alone. God bless you🙏 and everyone with Achalasia.

So so happy for this patient.

I have an intense fear with swallowing most foods. My throat closes up even thinking about eating most foods. Seeing my body waste away makes me sad and everyone is noticing. I eat alone or I don’t eat at all....

I'm 13 and i have this it's scary but it sometimes gets better

i totally get that emotion too. after my myotomy and fundoplication i was so emotional. i wanted to thank the surgeon but couldnt. not without crying. he didnt know how much he had helped. rice crispies? no way i couldnt believe it. coming round they offered me water and i said i cant swallow. they said you can now. wow

I can identify with Chris. In order to help you guys that are having the same issue - the worst thing you can do is be frightened and not get it corrected by a gastroenterologist. If you are terrified (as I was) of the endoscopic procedure thinking you will gag - forget it. The drugs they give you are terrific. You will not know a thing. My achalasia was a bit different than Chris's, but all-in-all, the swallowing issue was identical. To set you at ease, I am posting the results from my gastroenterologist. Trust me, you will have instant relief. I was able to eat normal again the SAME day, - although I was apprehensive to take my first swallow thinking I might have food get stuck again it did not get stuck! I tried over the next few days with foods I KNEW would be an issue; bread, granola, pork chops, pizza - you know what I mean. They all went down fine! So here's the Gastro report, in detail, for all of you to read with hopes it will set your mind at ease and give you the confidence to have the procedure. YOU WILL NOT GAG, YOU WILL KNOW NOTHING - YOU WILL AWAKE WITH THE ABILITY TO SWALLOW AGAIN! # # # PROCEDURE: EGD with esophageal balloon dilatation and antral biopsy to rule out Helicobacter pylori. INDICATIONS: A 66-year-old gentleman complaining of esophageal dysphagia. He has had dysphagia to solids for a very long time and had food bolus impaction when he was 10 years old. He had an upper GI series that suggested cricopharyngeal achalasia with tertiary esophageal contractions and a benign-appearing stricture suspected at gastroesophageal junction with a small sliding hiatal hernia. PREMEDICATION: Monitored anesthesia care. OPERATION: The risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure were reviewed with the patient. Risk factors mentioned included but were not limited to cardiopulmonary complications from anesthesia, aspiration, hemorrhage, perforation and a pathology misread of 5% to 10%. Informed consent obtained prior to starting the procedure. Olympus video gastroscope was introduced in the oropharynx under direct vision advanced over esophageal sphincter into proximal esophagus. The scope was maneuvered into distal esophagus. There was no increase in resistance to passage of scope through upper esophageal sphincter. I did not appreciate a Zenker's diverticulum or achalasia of upper esophageal sphincter or increase in cricopharyngeus muscle tone. Furthermore, there was no increase in esophageal rings or furrows. There was no stasis change and no evidence of traction diverticulum. The squamocolumnar junction was well-demarcated at 36 cm and there was a tight stricture at this level suggestive of a tight Schatzki's ring measuring no more than 9 mm in diameter. Efforts to transgress the Schatzki's ring were not successful initially and scope caused circumferential trauma and scant oozing. However, with sustained pressure, I was able to get through Schatzki's ring into a very small hiatal hernia measuring no more than 1 cm and then into gastric lumen. Gastric mucosa suggested patchy erythema in the peripyloric area with some scarring and there was functional pyloric stenosis, however, pylorus could be easily intubated with the adult gastroscope. Descending duodenal mucosa was unremarkable and the scope was advanced to second portion of duodenum. No evidence of duodenitis or arteriovenous malformations or inflammation of duodenum. The scope was then withdrawn in the antral portion and antral biopsies were obtained for H. pylori. Retroflexion suggested mild bleeding from the passage of scope through a tight Schatzki's ring. No additional findings were noted. The scope was then withdrawn in the distal esophagus and using controlled radial expansion through the scope balloon Schatzki's ring was engaged with a 12 mm balloon and dilated sequentially to 13.5 mm and then to 15 mm with deflation set at every stage inspect the effectiveness of dilatation. At 15 mma mucosal tear was seen at 7 o'clock position. There was heme effect. A smaller tear was also noted at 2 o'clock position. Thereafter, stomach was decompressed, scope withdrawn and procedure terminated. Patient tolerated the procedure well without difficulties or complications. IMPRESSIONS: 1. No evidence of increase in upper esophageal sphincter tone, Zenker's diverticulum, traction diverticulum, stasis change or increase in esophageal rings or furrows. 2. Tight stricture noted at 36 cm coinciding with squamocolumnar junction suggestive of a tight Schatzki's ring that was dilated first with the passage of the adult gastroscope and then with controlled radial expansion through the scope balloon to 12 mm, 13.5 mm and 15 mm with mucosal tears and heme effect. 3. Barely 1 cm hiatal hernia. 4. Mild antral gastritis in the vicinity of pylorus with scarring and erythema, status post antral biopsy for Helicobacter pylori. 5. Some narrowing of the pyloric opening noted. However, the adult gastroscope was advanced without difficulty. 6. Normal duodenal mucosa. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Await pathology. (UPDATE: Pathology report came back as normal) 2. Cut food fine and chew well to minimize chance of dysphagia. (UPDATE: No need to do this, as I am back to normal) 3.Anti-reflux measures. 4.Repeat endoscopy as necessary based on patient's symptoms

Lesley Watkins It was so helpful to read your story and be able to relate to you and your achalasia. I first had a problem nearly 7 years ago when I started having trouble swallowing food and then even water. I saw my gap who sent me for various tests. After about 6 months and 4 stone lighter, I was diagnosed with achalasia. I went for a pressure test, to find out how bad is was, and was booked in immediately. I had my endoscopy and a dilation and was able to eat small amounts for the first time in months. Last year the problem returned and I was sent straight to our major hospital and had another dilation. It is very hard to cope with sometimes and I know I will have to have more treatment and was very interested in the poem procedure. I feel for everyone suffering as I know exactly what you are all going through. Best wishes to you all.

They should show this video as testimonial to this procedure.

When it comes to yo health it's always good to get second opinions or even third opinions cause some doctors are smarter than others

I had a very simaliar experience. The difference was that even though I am in a small town, my doctor sent me to the gastro pretty quickly. As soon as he heard my symptoms he knew what it was. He tried several things (meds, inflation) that had moderate success. But I opted for surgery (20 years ago). And have experienced almost complete relief.

Thank you my brother I suffered same problem .8 years and your words remind me it's really nice and when after my surgery I drink cold juice it was awesome it's go down all the way and it'd brings my tears out because I feel that after 8 years ... thanks brother to share it you not alone

Hello all. I had the problems you are describing on this forum--could not swallow food, was living on liquids, lost 25 lbs, etc. I had three CP dilations, each of which helped for a number of weeks, but then problems returned. My ENT surgeon said I was *not* a candidate for a myotomy, though he never said why. Then, a GI suggested I take low-dose anti-depressants because of their secondary effects on the GI system. I now take 75mg of nortriptyline each night and the results have been DRAMATIC. I can now swallow most solid foods, and have done so for over one year since the medicine. Also, I had to dissolve the capsules in water for several months but can now swallow the capsules. I urge you to try this treatment if you are not finding relief elsewhere.

7 years before I finally figure out what the hell is going on with me lol.. thankful for all the people that share what they're going through.

This video saved my life... got surgery done because of this video ❤❤❤❤❤

I don't know if I have this but sometimes it just feels like I can't swallow. Not even drinking helps. I just had it a few minutes ago and co-workers thought I was choking. I try to relax my throat. It's a scary feeling. I just try to tell my self that it will pass.

I've had this problem for 3 years now, my weight started at 205 and currently at 130, I've lost all muscle mass and strength. Had extensive testing 6 months ago and 3 balloon stretches which only helped for 2-3 days. This video gives me hope, and something to explore treatment wise, .my other alternative is to continue on as I have been and if my weight loss calculations are correct I won't be here by next June. At age 59 this isn't what I want to be thinking about as otherwise I'm a pretty healthy, happy guy. Thanks for making this video.

Glad you are better ! I feel the tears! I’ve been dealing with Achalasia for 7 months I’ve lost 40 pounds everyday is a drag now my poem procedure will be done this Friday just waiting on it

Thank You for posting.

I'm sorry to hear that I will do thank you

11th year now and I finally found a specialist. I was trapped in the crazy medical system cycle and crashed so many times. I can‘t wait to finally eat normal again. Not pressing it down with gallons of water and force and occasionally pass out.

I was diagnosed with Achalasia. I also had the surgery 4 years ago. I am going back for the Pneumatic Dialation in a few weeks. In my case i know what caused my Achalasia. I became dagerously B12 deficient for many years (2001 to 2010) but did not know this. I had alot of symptoms such as difficulty swallowing. I got my B12 problem under control but beleive it caused the nerve damage to my esophagus because that is a side effect of B12. I find that Pasta, Rice, mashed potatoes,oatmeal and most cream soups are the easiest to eat. The worst thing i cannot get down no matter what is fresh Rasberries or strawberries.

God bless him🙏❤️❤️I was just diagnosed with Achalasia and I have surgery in 2 weeks , can't wait🥰🙏🙏

I understand. I got this in 2000, after going thru numerous doctors that said I had bronchitis, Allergies, etc. I went to a GI doctor in 2001, was told I had Acid Reflex although the radiologist discontinued the barium swallow due to trickling down slowly. GI Dr didn't address that, was given the purple pill. Didn't help. Didn't go to another GI doctor until last month. I could never find anyone that had what I had online and I wasn't given a correct diagnosis in 2001. Having the Poem procedure in 2 weeks.. I have gotten down to lowest weight since I was a teenager. Thanks for uploading and the interview and information.

It was nothing but God that brought me here this is what I'm going through now. It's over the top painful at times can't eat plus sometimes the food sit right above your stomach the you have to make yourself throw up or you can't breath. I'm trying to get it done now 6 plus year's with this.

It’s been a week now since my POEM procedure at St.James teaching Hospital Leeds. I have been having swallowing problem for over 5 years I have been diagnosed by acid reflux and went through endoscopic for 3 times but I’m glad I can eat/drink now Finally I can go out for dinners with my friends and family. G it was huge relief when I took my barium swallow next day it was great you feel it all the way through your stomach.

I have this as well. I can’t even eat mashed potatoes, apple sauce, etc., I’m terrified I won’t be able to eat anything.

Just diagnosed with jackhammer esophagus. 10/10 pain. 30+ pounds lost. No GERD, no regurgitation, just the sensation of swallowing a golf ball sized moravian star, somehow without bleeding. I understand the jackhammer analogy, but the jackhammer is from the inside out. Imagine that scene from Alien, where the monster bursts out of that guys chest. Yes. Yes really. There is a vid on here of a woman having an extended attack and I can't watch it without feeling sympathetic pain. The ONLY thing that gets you through is knowing that it will end. Am looking forward to treatment of any kind. Am in the hands of the Cleveland Clinic so I feel confident.

Thankyou for posting. been battling depression for a year or so, and my body has been failing on me rapidly recent months. odd skin rashes and aches are just the beginning it seems, as for the past three months i have been unable to sleep or swollow properly. so bad that i cans sleep at night without feeling someone is almost pressing on the bottom of my adams apple. i suspected it was because i quit smoking, and find myself spitting slippery sticky saliva, (gross, sorry) and sometimes wonder if that has something to do with it?

i think i might be going through this right now

I had the Hellers myotomy done in 2000 when I was 15 and Nissens Fundoplication.

Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed in 2016 and had the Robotic Heller Myatomy with DOR Fundoplication. I chose that because I did not want to deal with the silent acid reflux or high reflux rates and have to be on meds post POEM. Now there is an improved POEM that addresses the acid reflux so I hope this helps people.

Going through this now (2023) I think I have had it for years (now 41) always been very skinny. Achalasia type 2 is what they say. I have had the dilation treatment a couple of weeks ago which seemed to help a little, on PPIs to help. Had a test where they stick a probe into your sphincter via your nose and get you to swallow water to check the pressure. Having the keyhole surgery in late April 2023 to cut stomach and esophagus and tie them back together somehow. Have been told I will have trouble with reflux for the rest of my life after the surgery. Will let you know how it goes. IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND YOU HAVE SAME SYMPTOMS GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR. I PUT IT OFF FOR YEARS AND WISH I DIDN'T AS TREATMENT IS LIFE CHANGING.

Thanks for sharing your story I’m going to try that. Because I just went to a gastroenterologist and they took some biopsy. Have to wait on results but he pretty much said he couldn’t see anything. I also had a barium swallow test. And I passed with flying colors.

Lord, i'm in tears when he said " i was so happy to see my self swallow" i feel him so much. God bless him, and all othe People wirh this disease. I have not been diagnosed, but i'm having symptoms for 5 months already. The things i would do to swallowing and eat, drink normal again, oh god. God bless everyone, wish you all the best, i pray. I hope i get diagnosed and feel better soon!! Also it hurts when they don't understand your symptoms, it's flustrasing. The things i would do to feel better again, i can't even explain!!

I've been dealing with Achalasia since I was 36. After I went into an "SVT" I had noticed shortly after I was having problems swallowing. I've been to many Dr's here in Florida to no avail. I've trained myself to deal with it, I knew exactly how it was going to react when I ate and knew how to compensate, but I am now at 65 and it's worse and getting to be a real problem.

I kept being diagnosed wrong too. Finally I went to a new doctor who was able to diagnose me immediately after a couple tests. I am about to have the POEM surgery.

Thank you so much for this video. I think I have this and its not good. I am 47 years old and having issues with swallowing food and liquids.... I am going to schedule an appointment with a GI...

I’ve had this for 30 years. I use water to assist to push my food down. But When it gets stuck in my throat/chest area then I run out to try and throw out what’s stuck. It’s a feeling of waterboarded or chocking. It usually drops down after a 5-10 mins however the worst was when it got stuck for 14 hours until it went down. I think another name for this is Schatzki ring, which I read about online, quote: a circular band of mucosal tissue that can form at the end of the food pipe closest to the stomach. The ring of tissue causes the food pipe, or esophagus, to narrow. When a ring forms, a person may have no symptoms. Or, they may have difficulty swallowing, which the medical community calls dysphagia.

I used to work in a rest home where some of the patients couldn't swallow water so they had to have this weird thickener put in it, it was like a water smoothie. It was the weirdest thing I've ever seen

Going to see a doctor about this same issue today

God bless I can feel the pain.... Same things happening to me... But due to mysthenia gravis... Really sucks....

I'm going for a POEM procedure tomorrow after having Achalasia for nearly two years. This video was the first one I watched that spoke about it, and I had no idea what achalasia was beforehand. I wish I could shake this man's hand.

I had this eating disorder for about a year because the doctors kept prescribing me gavascon. It was only after I dropped below 8 stone they started taking me seriously. My lowest weight was 7 and half stone, my original weight was 12 stone. When I finally got diagnosed, my body so weak that the doctors said I wouldn’t wake back up if they operated on me. Had to spend a month with a feeding tube and drinking nourishment shakes. I managed to put on half a stone and went for the op (key hole surgery). My first meal after the operation was weeterbix, I cried while eating it as it was the first meal in a year that I was able to keep down. Still affects me to this day. I’m always the slowest eater -_-

I've been struggling since September 2021. Was finally diagnosed with Achalasia. Hopefully when my insurance kicks in in July I'll be able to eat again after the procedure.

I understand your emotions while telling your story coz I'm also an achalasia patient last year I under go with the laparoscopic Heller myotomy and I'm really totally fine right now

My first symptoms were manifested while I was eating a chicken dinner at a restaurant. My throat spasmed and I lost everything I had chewed onto my plate. Since that time, I have been taking meds for Gerd and intermittently having trouble swallowing, even my saliva. I may need to talk to my doctor about this POEM procedure. I have not been diagnosed with Achalasia yet.

I feel your pain I'm dealing with this I get food stuck in my esophagus every everyday and I because of that I can' eat out with my family at restaurants or with my friends at school I don't eat at school I just want this to go away I want it to stop

In 2007, I began to experience difficulty swallowing food. At first, the symptoms were not too bad but got gradually worse. I was finding myself having to carry a bottle of water with me whenever I was eating, to try and help push the food down into my stomach. These were not gentle sips of water, they were huge gulps that were needed to create pressure, but on occasions, the food would not budge, resulting in what I can only describe as a drowning sensation when the water came back up (really frightening at the time!). After being diagnosed with Achalasia of the Cardia (with dysphagia), I had a Heller myotomy early in 2008. My weight had gone from 90kg to 68kg by the time of the operation. Unfortunately, the procedure wasn't successful and as soon as I got home from the hospital I was experiencing difficulty again, even with the softest of foods. I later had Pneumatic dilation treatment. The first balloon dilation was 15mm, followed by a second dilation two days later of 20mm and finally, the third dilation of 30mm. They didn't have a 30mm balloon at the hospital so they had to order it. When I had the 30mm procedure they took me to the operating theatre (I suppose in case there was a perforation of the esophagus). When I came around, the surgeon smiled and said he thought the sphincter muscle had stretched sufficiently as there was a sign of bleeding. At the very onset, I was given the choice of having a Heller myotomy first or the Pneumatic dilation, the choice was mine. In retrospect, I wish I'd gone with the balloon treatment. After the balloon dilation, my ability to swallow food was about 90% normal. Now, over time, I would say I'm at about 75-80% normal and have started to carry a bottle of water with me again, just in case. Footnote: Heller myotomy in the UK. Balloon dilation in a private hospital in Thailand.

I've been doing this for months now

Achalasia is a brutal disease. Esophageal Spasms are sometimes mistaken for heart attacks, and the pain last for hours.

I was only 15 when I got diagnosed with this, the symptoms are really not pleasant, I had balloon dilation, it used to be frustrating when I was absolutely starving and couldn't eat! Thankfully I was diagnosed quickly

I can relate too.. had HM last 3yrs.. I can say Im better now than before

So glad you got it diagnosed Sir, I went through it myself...I couldnt swallow for 4-5 years and the last 6-7 months before I was diagnosed, I was unable to swallw liquids and I lived on sucking Ice Cubes......stay healthy my friend.

i use water to swallow my food

I'm facing this just now and came here looking for it..Dam it feels like choking

Just got diagnosed with this couple of days ago, I’m 20 years of age, I am going to have surgery called heller myotomy I will reply to this comment after I had the surgery and give you guys my experience after it, remember you guys are not alone get the help you need. 🙂

Swallowing problem is the most disturbing problem. I know how it feels cause I am struggling with it too

It's weird I developed achalasia after getting COVID. I went from 220 lbs down to 135 in about a year. Anyone else happen to develope this after COVID? I got the heller myotomy 9 months ago. It's still not perfect I'll never be free completely from this but it's definitely manageable now. I avoid carbonate drinks because burping is extremely hard. They fold your stomach to make a valve to prevent acid from coming back up your esophagus but it also makes releasing pressure from your stomach much more difficult. I have to contort my body a little to be able to throw up if I get sick. Achalasia is hell, the heller myotomy lifts you from the 8th level to probably the 2nd or 3rd. You'll never be "cured" but you find ways to improve your quality of life. The past 7 months I've been eating healthier than I ever have... But I still feel so weak. After losing so much of my body it will take years for me to get the strength I once had... If I ever get it back fully.

I really can't live with this disorder anymore. I'm currently 13 years old and I'm sick of this tbh. I feel really bad for anyone that has achalasia because I know how bad it truly feels. It's like people don't get me at all. I'm done. I can't anymore,

I SUFFER FROM ACHALASIA ,IT TOOK 3YEARS TO HAVE A DIAGNOSESI HAVNT EATEN IN PUBLIC IN YEARS ..I START EATING AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT MY FOOD STICKS AND I HAVE TO REGURGITATE. ITS CHANGED MY LIFE COMPLETELY. I LIVE IN THE UK .

im relieved when this man said the part that he now can swallow food well again. but in my part thinking that im not yet cured or out of this situation i fell depressed. coz i don't know if there is a doctor in Philippines that could treat me like the way that man was treated by his doctor. and i dont know how much money would it cost to perform that surgery. :( :(

Meh, same issue. For year diagnosed for reflux. Atm I waiting for hospital date I hope they diagnose it right finally. - weight drop, food stuck in throat, initially there was a problem with eating now even drinking is problematic (especially cold). Disaster.

Anyone with the same issue having problem swallowing at the same time experiencing difficulty in breathing?

Inspirational.

Cool. I dig this.

I feel him I think got the same thing and now I’m ready to do this get this done I’m scared but if helps me eat and drink water again I’m all for it. But idk what to eat or drink after surgery hopefully they tell me

Living with Achalasia since 1996. Surgery worked well but I am having more problems as I age. I need an endoscopic dilation with Botox injection every 6 months to a year.

I also suffered achlasia like you and can't eat solid and can't drink liquid but cured now

I have tmj disorder and I started to feel difficulty swallowing recently I know this man's case is differnet but difficulty swallowing can also be due to tight muscles in the neck

I've seen a few doctors with this problem over the years before I knew what it was, they just gave me a prescription for omeprazole and shuffled me out the door. I never took the meds because I knew I didn't have reflux.

This is a very rare disease and I was diagnosed 30 years ago when I was 16. I still have difficulty swallowing food even though I’ve had two procedures done to fix it. I find that I don’t eat as much as a normal person because of the effort involved and I am extremely thin. I have balloon dialations every year or so to ease it. The doctors discussed removing my oeophagus and pushing my stomach up into my chest but it would be too drastic so I’d prefer to live with it. I can at least keep food down now…

Holy sh##¥t...my whole life struggling with food..no doctor or hospital has been able to diagnose what my problem is..l have been hospitalised a few times ..thay say stress or gastric issues.. but l am sure you have just described my condition ...geese!..what to do about it..? Really need to be free of it..

I am having problems swallowing and have started to buy category D soft foods, but even them, at times I find difficulty getting down. They just seem to clog up in the back of my throat. Its a nightmare eating. I have found having a drink of alcohol helps to relax my gullet before eating.

im pretty young and have this. it sucks and ruins your life. i cry every night praying to God it will go away although I know it’s forever. if only it wasn’t a thing. the only thing that helps with mine is water.

I can relate to this too much. Everyone says I’m so gross because I drink room temperature bottles water. I can’t drink cold fluid from the fridge. It makes the spasms go haywire. The spasms are the worst. They aren’t painful. I have to cough to get them to stop. I’ve lost weight due to not eating. My throat feels right a lot. It isn’t fun.

I'm waiting for surgery now, they gave me some Botox as a stop-gap. I went home and actually ate and drank normally. I could feel it go down! All the way. I teared up as well. ❤️

I've struggled with this for the past 16 years, until February 2016 when I had an esophageal tear. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance while spitting up blood. I went into emergency therasic surgery and had a piece of my rib muscle removed to patch over the 4 inch tear. I did several tests to the exclusion of every possibility except Achalasia. I'm certain it's what I have. My surgeon told me that the surgery would make me dependant on acid reflux medication for the rest of my life. I didn't do the surgery because I don't want to create another permanent issue that creates a permanent dependence on meds and give me acid reflux problems. So I just keep living with it. But my symptoms are getting worse and I'm reconsidering the surgery. Does anyone else have acid reflux problems now because of their surgery?

I just turned 18 today and i’ve been having difficulties swallowing and sometimes difficulties swallowing water, the doctors that i’ve visited diagnosed me with Acid Reflux too, it sucks

I think mine started 2012/2013, have been managing it since then, until it became worse that I had to voice out. No one understood my pain, I argued with doctors and cried out, until I was diagnosed this year, 2020. Omo it’s not easy, everyday chest pain and difficulty swallowing, in my case it’s still on the first stage, I can’t imagine how other stages would be like, because I don’t think I want to do that surgery, don’t blame me am a Nigerian surgery is a big word here 😫. Could surgery be the only option I have here? Or can I happily manage it with drugs forever? Because presently, with just drugs am still not happy because I feel the day everyday. Please I need responses

Been 3 years and I can't get any help. Insurance won't even cover the doctor visit to get an endoscopy.

I was sick with bronchitis when i sick im cant eat i got better then i couldnt eat at all. Like i tried bits solids till one point i vomited because i felt like choking plus my anxiety made it worse. Then only drinking solids. Is been 3 months ive went to 134 to 144 i look sick its frustruating im weak i feel this deeply i used to eat in one day 2 times or 3 times a day not anymore. I'm just drinking ensure i get the barium swallow test on Monday i just want to get better.

I feel like I can’t swallow big food because I feel like I’m going to choke. I then can only swallow with water and even doing that I can’t swallow all the food in my mouth. I’m embarrassed i can’t eat a meal without it being a challenge and I even have to spit some of it out at the end because I just can’t swallow it. I feel like there’s always a bit of food stuck at the back of my throat when I eat. It’s really bad it’s got in the way of my social life and my life in general. No one understands me because it’s just so uncommon. Had it my whole life . Just don’t know what to do.

Have had this going on for 24 years with no help :)

to be honest there are more patients that the procedure didn't help than it does help. it's a progressive disease with no cure so this treatment (like the rest of them) is temporary. since it will get worse over the years and as you age and your body slowly starts to not work as well...you're going to notice. your lower esophageal sphincter still won't work properly so you will have to take acid reflux pills most likely forever because of the up-flow of acid from your stomach (more so after the procedure) so in my case, I decided I did not want to replace one set of problems with another. not to mention that having an endoscopy or any kind of endoscopic procedure is extremely uncomfortable and can be painful especially for those who suffer from this condition. if you're newly diagnosed with this then I suggest you join some groups and forums online, to speak to other people who suffer from achalasia and get some first-hand accounts and life experience of living with it. the only good my doctors have done for me is giving me an official diagnosis but I've had to learn to live with achalasia and make some lifestyle changes, with this you can minimize the chest pains, spasms, difficulty swallowing to a degree and live a relatively normal life.

I have had this problem for 51 yrs. I wonder if this could be the cause?

*Post POEM surgery Achalasia cardia patient here:* friends, i recently tried slow breathing whenever i am struggling to swallow food, it might help but i guess you might want to have a gulp of little water....which may help with swallowing, i don't know but breathing slowly helps for me to some extent.

I am totally on liquids since 5 years since operation of salvage base of tongue.

Christ would you pleas give us an update of how you are feeling today. I would really be grateful if you can just in a few words tell us how you feel today.

I too suffer from achlasia. Three years ago I had the poem surgery which helped more than the heller and the constant dilations. However now I burp continuously which drives me crazy