Karin's interview
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How did all start?
It started in 1982 (I think I stated 1983 earlier but can't change it). It started with pain behind my breastbone. At first it would go away when I would lie down, then I needed to drink water, and in the end I couldn't end the pain and the pain would go to my jaw and ears. I also started choking on my food and throwing up. I later learned that the pain behind my breastbone were spasms.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I was diagnosed with Achalasia in 1984. It took 2 years to get a diagnosis.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I had dialations and Heller Myotomy. HM surgery was a life saver.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Bread, magnesium, and chiropractor After HM surgery I continued to have spasms. It took a while but I figured out that eating bread would stop the spasms. Through Facebook page I learned about magnesium and this year I started going to a chiropractor specialized in reflexology and my spasms have basically disappeared.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
I used to go out to eat and turn blue in public. It effected my breathing. I don't have that problem anymore. Until recently is was the multiple spasms every day and during the night.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Family was very supportive. Mom was internal specialist prior to raising family and insisted on additional testing when doctor sent me home and told me to drink water to stop the spasms. Social relationships have not changed. Most people are not aware of my invisible condition.
What things have you stopped doing?
None.
What do you think about the future?
Already lived with Achalasia for over 35 years and the way I feel now I can go another 35.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My whole life has been great. Achalasia didn't stop me from anything. I played soccer, I still ski, I'm a lifeguard, I graduated from the sports academy (H.A.L.O.) in The Hague in the Netherlands, got my Masters degree from Mankato State University, worked in summer camps, worked as a tour guide and drove all over the U.S.A., climbed mountains, got married, have 3 kids, and currently work as a special education teacher.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Did everything I wanted to do and some.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Life is great. Grateful for every moment.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Skip the dialations. Don't wait too long to get surgery. I was dealing with my symptoms, but should have done the surgery sooner. My esophagus is all stretched out and I'm sure it will give me problems in the future.
