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Q: 

My son(21 yrs) has been diagnosed for Achalasia and a surgery (myotomy) was done 3 years ago. But he is not feeling ok. same symptoms persists. 2 times balloon dilatation also was done. But no improvement. The doctor suggests another myotomy surgery.

By Anonymous February 16, 2011 - 11:50am
 
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Can this surgery done as a keyhole or Is it advisable to do another open surgery?

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I hate to be negative but I have had achalasia with fundoplication and myotomy since I was 20 and am now 46 years old. Many of the systems persist and I have been to many doctors and had numerous balloon dilations. I have resigned to the fact that symptom management is all I can do and is not always going to take away the pain and discomfort. Diet and eating earlier in the day, drinking lots of water after meals helps a lot. I avoid most meat or eat very little and supplement with Boost. For me it is worth the trade off, but sometimes the pain or spasm or whatever it is is always there and I have to live with it. I would look at diet and what changes your son can live with to help.

February 22, 2011 - 2:48pm
(reply to Anonymous)

I didn't find your comment too negative. I'm sure your input may be helpful for someone else. It sounds like you have found a way to deal with your condition despite pain and spasm.
Thank you for feeling compelled to comment, and for being a part of this community.

February 23, 2011 - 9:22am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

has he tried botox injections.

February 21, 2011 - 7:33pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

No he has not tried Botox injections. Is it good to try before a second operation?

February 22, 2011 - 12:50am
(reply to Anonymous)

It is one of the treatments described in the link I provided. If you are interested, talk with your son's doctor, or suggest it to your son for him to follow up on.
Good luck!

February 22, 2011 - 8:21am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Christine Jeffries)

Thanks

February 22, 2011 - 9:01am

Hi Anonymous,
Thank you for your question and for finding EmpowHER. The surgery can be performed via laparoscopy. However, we are not doctors here, and cannot say what's best for your son, or give advice like you are requesting. We can only provide resources and information to help you advocate for your (or your son's) health with the doctor. This is a question to ask your son's doctor, or if your son isn't comfortable with the level of care he is receiving, he can search out a different opinion from another doctor specializing in this condition.
Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, heaviness in the chest, coughing when lying down, heartburn, and unintentional weight loss. So if his symptoms are different, it could be something else requiring medical attention.
Here is information about different treatment options that may be of interest: Achalasia Treatments
Good luck and let us know how else we may be able to help you.

February 16, 2011 - 12:09pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Christine Jeffries)

Thank you

February 22, 2011 - 12:52am
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