Understanding

It's really neat working for a gastroenterologist. I've talked to three people whom I believe suffer from achalasia. They didn't come out and say it, but the symptoms they were describing to me sounded just like those of achalasia.

I actually told one female patient today that I too suffered with a swallowing problem. The neat thing is that she said that she finds that her symptoms worsen with stress--just like me. The reason she was calling today is because her GI retired and she was referred to the doctor I work for. She told me something quite interesting. Her old doctor has her on a small dose of Zoloft (I think she said or some kind of anti-depressant) to help with her stress. She said it actually works for her and doesn't have to get dilations done for like 2 or 3 years at a time.

Now, I had once asked my GI about that, and he told me that he could not prescribe any kind of anti-depressants for me, but at least now, maybe I can make an appointment with a pyschiatrist or something in the future.

I wish I could have told that patient about this blog, but I guess that would probably be violating some kind of HIPPA regulation or something. I just find it really comforting to talk with people who know what you're going through. Maybe one day she'll come across it.

It's been a while...

Hey everyone,

Sorry that I haven't written in a while. I've been so busy. As far as my achalasia problems go, they've been okay. Actually I have gained weight. (It's a little more weight than I wanted and now I'm being a little more conscious of what I eat.)

A Funny Thing:

I've recently started working for a gastroenterologist! How funny is that? I've told her that I have achalasia, but the conversation has never really gone much further than that. Not to mention, I was seeing a different G.I. before I started working for her. Yeah, that was kind of awkward, though I probably would not have been able to work for her if I was a patient of hers, so I guess it all worked out. I've only been there for 4 weeks, but after a while I'm hoping that maybe I'll be able to get some "free" advise.

To Update:

Well, I had a balloon dilation back in the end of July and it has done wonders for me. I would totally recommend it, but I'm not sure how long it's going to last me. It hasn't even been 2 months, and I think my esophagus is already starting to close. Although I've been having mixed feelings about my weight gain, I'm still aggravated that I paid $4000.00 for something that may possibly only work for about 2 months. So, I'll keep you posted.

Hope you are all doing well!