How I cured my achalasia: One woman’s journey to remission
When I was diagnosed with Achalasia, I thought my life was over. It was a disease that I had never heard of and had no idea how to treat. But I refused to give up hope and set out on a journey to discover How I cured my achalasia. After months of research and trial and error, I finally achieved remission. In this blog post, I will share my story and the strategies that I used to get there.
What is Achalasia?
Achalasia is a rare and serious disorder of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is caused by a malfunctioning of the nerves and muscles that control swallowing. People with achalasia have difficulty swallowing and often experience chest pain and regurgitation. As a result, food can get stuck in the esophagus and cause inflammation, narrowing, and even ulceration. The symptoms of achalasia can range from mild to severe, but it is usually progressive and can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. If you suspect you or someone you love may be suffering from achalasia, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
My Story
My journey with achalasia began when I was about 18 years old. I started experiencing chest pains and difficulty swallowing, but it wasn’t until I had an endoscopy that I discovered I had achalasia. For those who don’t know, achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus that affects the lower esophageal sphincter and prevents food from passing through to the stomach. After being diagnosed, I was put on medication to help manage the symptoms but it never really seemed to do much.
I continued living my life as best as I could, but the pain and discomfort just kept getting worse. I began to lose weight, my chest pains increased, and I eventually stopped eating altogether because it was just too painful. Eventually, I decided to take matters into my own hands and research treatments for achalasia.
I read about different methods like Botox injections, pneumatic dilatation, and Heller myotomy, but none of them sounded like they would work for me. Then, I came across an article about the Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure and how it had worked for many patients with achalasia. I knew this was the treatment for me and after some research, I found a surgeon who specialized in POEM and booked an appointment.
The surgery was successful and I was so relieved to be out of pain and able to eat again. Even though I still have to take a few medications here and there to help me manage the symptoms of achalasia, I am glad to be living without the constant discomfort that comes with it.
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The Treatment that worked for me
After a long journey and many failed attempts, I finally found the solution that worked for me. I discovered an innovative treatment for achalasia called Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). POEM is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small incision is made in the lower esophagus and the inner lining is cut to widen the tube. This procedure can be done in an outpatient setting with minimal downtime and fewer complications than open surgery.
When I underwent POEM, I was awake the whole time, but felt no pain because of the local anesthesia given. During the procedure, the doctor monitored my vital signs and checked in with me periodically to make sure I was comfortable. Once the procedure was complete, I felt immediate relief.
Since having the procedure, I have been able to eat without difficulty and enjoy my life without any pain. The results have been phenomenal, and I am so thankful to have found a treatment that worked for me. For anyone suffering from achalasia, I highly recommend speaking with your doctor about POEM as a potential solution.
Living with Achalasia
It’s important to follow the advice of your doctor when it comes to managing your achalasia. They may recommend lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications, increasing your activity level, and reducing stress. Dietary modifications may include avoiding acidic foods or drinks that can aggravate your esophagus, and eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than larger meals at once.
In addition to lifestyle modifications, medications such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be prescribed to help reduce acid production in the stomach, as well as relaxants such as nitrates to help reduce spasms of the esophageal muscles.
Surgery is sometimes needed to correct achalasia, particularly if medications don’t provide relief from symptoms. Depending on your individual case, your doctor will determine which type of surgery is best for you.
It’s also important to stay in close contact with your doctor if you are living with achalasia. Regular checkups will help ensure that your condition is being managed properly and that any necessary treatments are being applied. Additionally, make sure to follow up with any changes or new symptoms you experience.
Overall, living with achalasia doesn’t have to be debilitating or life-altering. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle modifications, you can still lead an active and fulfilling life.