esophageal spasms

[kleinhunter]

38yr female with history of esophageal spams (nutcracker)had open heller w/ partial wrap 11/00 to releive les pressure/ acalaysia. developed problems with swallowing. Numerous dialations later, and a large diverticulum located at the ge junction a take down was done in 11/03. Am currently on 80mg prilosec, 40mg liquid carafate, demerol, xanax, nitro spray to try to control painful spasms have developed spots in lungs (non cancerous) it is believed to have come from asperation of junk into the lungs, sleep in hospital bed at nght still have severe relux with spasms strong enough to hit sinuses while sleeping often awakend at night choking despite all preventive measure taken. Am now looking at the total removal of esophagus.  Would like to find web links with information on the procedure, approx recovery time.  Can I still eat like everyone else???  I am sure my surgeon will answer most of my questions but would still like to have the ability to read at my leisure.

[stack1927]

A related discussion, Achalasia was started.

[astros18]

Sometimes stones still form even when there is no gallbladder and cause a stuk in the throat sensation with reflux and a multitude of other symptoms. I encourage you to research some alternative therapies such as liver flushes, etc, to see if this helps. You also absolutely should be taking a hi lipase enzyme to help digest fats.Good luck to you.

[spasmaticmom]

This is more of a question than a comment. In February 2005 I had my gallbladder removed via lapscopy. Every thing seemed fine

[spasmaticmom]

sorry i hit the wrong button. Everything seemed fine then 3 weeks post-op i started having the stuck in the throat feeling tight chest back ache all the symtoms of either a heartattack or a blood clot in the lungs. a ct of my chest was done which indicated no blood clot, so the dr prescribed nexium. It helped a little but didn't go away. Next he stuck me on reglan 4 times a day and this pain would not completely subside. Finally i had the surgeon who took my gallbladder out do and EGD which showed that i had no hpylori or an ulcer, no hital hernia but esophogeal spasms. now i take levisin 0.125 mg every 12 hours which really doesn't help and am also taking lexapro .5 mg for the panic stricken, depressed mom that i am now please tell me if being intobated or the surgery itself has caused me to feel so terriable? thank you for your help.     jill

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Here are some websites describing the surgery:

http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/surgery/esophageal/surgery.html

http://patienteducation.upmc.com/Pdf/Esophagectomy.pdf

http://daccx.bsd.uchicago.edu/manuals/vtmanual/esophagectomy.html

Hope these articles help.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b