nutcrack esophagus

[Keith507]

what is



This discussion is related to Nutcracker Esophagus.

[Missimouse]

I was diagnosed at U.C.Davis using esophageal manometery. I was told 3 yrs ago that I have both Nutcracker Esophagus and Achalasia. I was told the only help was botox, yes BOTOX shots in my esophagus. The water trick is great for those for whom it works. Unfortunately, if I attempt to put anything in my esophagus during a spasm, it comes right back out plus I get to choke on it. Not much fun and more painful than words can describe. I have a lot of chest pain and nitro is the only thing that even begins to help. I am only 38, so doctors really don't want to give me nitro. Any ideas on helping the chest pain? ( I used Wikipedia for reference :) )

[st55]

My husband has been to 4 different gastrologist, heart dr. ,disease specialist since December.  He has these same problems.  But his lasts for days.  They have given him everything from Acid Reflux, nitro pills and numerous other pills.  I really don't think the water will help him.   Does you pain go out through your left side sometings, right side sometimes, through your back sometimes.  He has even had his limbs to go numb.  His heart had been ruled out.  The Dr. says he thinks it is Nutcracker syndrome.  But none of the tests come back confirming that.  Did your Dr. run any specific tests.  We are at our witts end.

[delandeth]

Also to mention I had this same problem during finals last semester, couldn't eat, couldn't drink, could barely move for 5 straight days then finally passed a bolus that was stuck at the bottom of my throat. Wish I had known about this then. Seriously spent the last 10 minutes crying from relief.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

[delandeth]

I have spent the last 12 hours in an intense state of pain and discomfort. At least 6 of these were spent on the internet trying to find ANYTHING to help.

I just wasn't expecting this to work.

Thank you

[olfudd29]

I have had nutcracker esophogas for about 12 years now. My doctor has prescribed me nitro-glycerin pills for when an episode occurs. They don't happen often, but they're hell and sometimes last for 40 minutes. I recently visited a new doctor and told him about my problems and right away he explained to me what I'd been having. I'd been to the emergency room twice in the past because I thought I was having a heart attack. Finally I have found someone who knew what they were talking about. My new doctor has the same condition! He told me that the next time it happens, get a BIG glass of water and take big gulps. He said the pain should go away within 15-20 seconds. I tried this about 3 weeks after he told me about it and I was amazed. The pain totally subsided. He explained to me that he once saw a picture of someone's esophogas as it was spasming and that it look like a ghost had put it's hand around the guy's esophogas and squeezed.

Anyone who is sure that they have this condition should give this a try. Those of you who have had these attacks know how bad the pain actually is. You will be totally amazed and relieved that you now have a way to stop the pain. I am not a doctor,but I thought that I would relay the message that my doctor gave me. It has totally changed my life.