Post esophagus procedure

Just had balloon dilation procedure done last week. Found slight benefits from it for a couple of days but I'm finding it harder once again to swallow properly. Is this common?

[Alan_M Partner]

I am sorry to say that it is not uncommon for the benefits of dilatation to be temporary. This is not to say that it is a waste of time. Some people get on very well with it, and there are probably variations on the extent to which the lower oesophageal sphincter is stretched. Surgeons are cautious about this for understandable reasons as they do not wish to risk a perforation.

I think the answer is to return to the surgeon and report what has happened, and they can then discuss further options.

[Hidden in reply to Alan_M]

Thanks for your reply Alan. I have an appointment with my surgeon in September. I hope there is something he can do to help but I am now more pessimistic. He did say before the op that it might not work but I was positively convincing myself that it would. Dry swallowing is hard and the most annoying symptom I have at the moment. I have to keep my mouth moist at all times by drinking fluids and/or sooking sweets.

[Gnasher81 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Iain, it seems fairly common for people to need a couple of dilatations to get longer-term benefit. I had two within around 4 months of each other and, like you, felt the effect of the first lessen fairly quickly. The good news is that I’ve been pretty stable for around 15 years now since the second one. Best of luck!

[Hidden in reply to Gnasher81]

Sorry for the long delay to reply Gnasher. I thank you for your reassurance. The fact that you have had two dilations within around 4 months makes me feel more optimistic. I'm due to see surgeon some time in November. Thanks again

[neil-acac Administrator]

Hi Iain,

Not much to add to Alan’s response. I just wanted to wish you the best of luck. It is fairly common for an A patient to have a few steps to success. I guess, just keep in mind that it is ok to seek second/other opinions. Also, Sometimes simple things can really help, such as raising arms whilst swallowing, and searching for a relaxed rhythm. Also, I find high strength Vitamin B and Magnesium can kick start change...

Good luck! Warmest. Neil.

[Hidden in reply to neil-acac]

Thanks Neil. I get vit B12 injections regularly. Not sure about Magnesium though. What is this?

[neil-acac Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Obviously its just a natural compound, but in excess it acts as a muscle relaxant. Combined with Vit B, the two are known to help with physical and mental stress. My Achalasia feels often mentally driven; in times I need a nudge out of a hole, I take these for a few weeks...No way a cure, but sometimes minor shifts can help keep symptoms from cementing ... (for me) ...Only down side is illuminated pee! (from the VB)

N.

[Hidden in reply to neil-acac]

Must try.👍

[Mimigirl19]

I’ve got achalasia. Over the past 15 years I’ve had several balloon dilations. They work for a few months and it’s wonderful being able to eat just anything without suffering food and fluid build up resulting in severe chest pains (cardiospasm). I’ve recently learned there is a new surgical treatment available for some sufferers called POEM. It is apparently considered less invasive than normal surgery. It’s been a long road but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnels if I’m suitable for this treatment..