Has a date been fixed yet for another meeting? Does dilation procedure work or is it best to go for an operation?

Digestive health
1

I've lost 2 stone in the last 7 months due to Achalasia, now down to 10 stone and my Consultant has advised me to have the dilation procedure in April. He says the longer I continue losing weight, the weaker I will get. My consultant says he does about 12 of these procedures a year, but I am still worried about having it done. I just want to get back to normal eating. Has anyone had the dilation procedure and can offer more advice?

I've been reading comments on this forum and wished I'd had a chance to discuss my condition with Majid Hasemi the Upper GI surgeon who gave a talk. You said you planned on having another meeting around Easter, do you have a date yet?

Thanks

2

If your achalasia problem is caused by your lower oesophageal sphincter being too tightly closed, then a dilatation can often be a good remedy, but the important thing is for the situation to be properly investigated so that the best procedure is ideally done first time round. Dilatation often has good short term results, but if the problem returns it can be quite important not to have repeated dilatations that affect the tissue and tend to affect the viability of future options like a fundoplication.

We are hoping for another meeting in April and are hoping that arrangements can be confirmed shortly.

There are some passing references to this in the notes from the first meeting that you can download from the Achalasia page on the Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) website under 'Oesophagus'

3

My first dilation lasted just 6 months - I also had one that lasted 2 years before the symptoms started to

reoccur- I don't think there are any time limits , it depends on the individual. I was at the stage that I couldn't

Keep liquids down so any relief was welcome to me. As with any operation there are risks and I suppose there is the worry of oesophageal perforation if this procedure is performed too many times in a short time span.

My last dilation was just done 2 weeks ago. So hopefully I can beat it for another couple of years!

4

My wife has had achalasia for several years she has been dials red several time which does get some temp rrelief. She has had more success with the Botox injection. That seems to last around six eight months. It all helps some but she is still symptomatic. What stage are you in with your condition?

5

I had a Dilatation around 5/6 Years ago now and I am still getting relief from it. I can only speak from my experience but I think at least one dilatation is worthwhile before having a more invasive procedure.

As previous comments investigation of your exact problem will help with the correct remedy.

if and when I have to have more treatment I will look at all the options in more detail.

I wish you all the best

6

Hi Peg, how are you?

My name is Yole, I've got acalasia since 8 years, with 3 dilatation and 1 Heller's Myotomy.

I understand your discomfort and Your wish to go back like before,

but unfortunately with acalasia doesn't work like that, acalasia is forever.

So the best thing you can do for your self is to accept it and live well anyway.

It is possible believe me, just it needs to get patient, stay calm, not rush or get nervous,

because otherwise you will get frustrated day by day, more and more,

and your ability to feed yourself will go to reduce time by time instead do opposite,

with 2 unpleasant results : loose more weigh and make it painful.

Dilatation is just the first step and it is possible until the wall along oesophagus will hold healthy and elastic, but when it will start to get harder and stiff you'll not have other chance then a Myotomy.

That is because the risk of a tear along dilatation is too high and no one doctor with good sense will never do it. Of course there are some tests to do before Dilatation to check your actual conditions: Bario meal, Endoscopy, Manometry. After test your Upper GI discuss with you which is the right thing to do. So if they are decided that dilatation is enough for now, good for you, few hours in half sedation and is done.

Don't be worry to much, unfortunately the Acalasia cases are multiplying in last few years and this kind of surgery is getting common.

The few tips I can give you more are:

to not force too much oesophagus when you can not swallow because you risk to deform oesophagus and sphincter, instead you need to chew the food for very long time, swallow slowly and if necessary blend it and make it watery, maybe adding a spoon of olive oil, it will help you to avoid inflammation and scratches along oesophagus wall, which are very painful.

For the rest, be quiet and good luck! smile