- Achalasia
- Interviews
Deporodh's interview
How did all start?
Abnormal kidney numbers caused MD to begin kidney testing. Apparent obstruction indistinct on ultrasound, sent for CT x-ray, showed no obstruction but cysts, also lung nodules. Chest CT scan showed dilated esophagus & hiatal hernia. Treatment for reflux and asthma. Referred to Gastroenterology where barium swallow x-ray showed classic megaesophagus and bird-beak profile.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
Not an official diagnosis of achalasia, currently classed as probable. Endoscopy 3 weeks from now, Gastro MD stated at initial consult that manometry study will occur if needed after the endoscopy.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Internal medicine. My primary care physicians, ever since menopause,
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Sleeping in easy chair/recliner.
Learning to eat no more than 2 ounces (~60 grams) solids at a time.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Life-altering respiratory allergies (I planned to study wildlife and biology with intent to go into forest management).
Cebrovascular accidental stroke suffered age 50, permanent disability.
With respect to Achalasia:
Respiratory interaction with the esophageal reflux, and sinus & asthma effects.
Note: concurrent illnesses do not allow multiples. I have significant lifelong respiratory & other allergy issues, Oral Allergy Syndrome, and allergic asthma.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
I used to eat dinner with my partner twice weekly as a routine. I can no longer do so reliably.
What things have you stopped doing?
I'm still figuring it out.
What do you think about the future?
I'm updating my will and my advanced care/end-of-life directive and durable power of attorney for health care.
Fully expect to lose another 10 years off life expectancy.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Be able to continue eating normal (for me) meals.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
?
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Breathe. Learn to enjoy sleep.
