Motility issues- does it get better without surgery?

Hi Grover,

Sorry that you are having a rough time, and do hope that you feel better soon. I too have terrible motility issues which have now progressed to upper dysphagia (through LPR I think) and am having horrible painful oesophageal spasms all the time now. I am due to see a new consultant next Friday who is going to try me on new medication to calm the oesophagus, so fingers crossed.

I'm not sure that you can actually cure your motility, but there are a lot of drugs that can help ease the symptoms and there is always surgery as a final result.

I find that domperidone helps my motility and lanoprazole really helps my LPR. I am also using progressive muscle relaxation, and that does wonders!

I would suggest finding a good consultant who deals in motility issues and see if you can come up with a solution to help you cope.

Yes, sauces certainly make my life easier as food gets caught in the back of my throat now as my UES won't open properly. Also watch textures, keep away from hard tough meats, and stick to soft foods - chicken, baked potatoes, pastas etc. Also A SLT may also help.

GC, sorry to hear you aren't doing well right now. I just replied to you on another thread before reading this posting... I started a calcium channel blocker, which did help for a few days; I am having a rough time the past few days though, but am still hopeful that maybe the ccb will help. It really did make a difference at first; I think I prob just pushed it too much, things got backed up, now the medicine isn't make it to my stomach, so its not working. Trying soft foods to clear everything in hopes of my next pill being able to make it down/hopefully start working again!

GROVERCAT - Hi.  I had surgery for my esophageal issues and I can't tell you how much better I am.  I had the opposite of achalasia, which is "jackhammer esophagus".  However the surgey used was actually originally performed to treat achalasia.  The only options for esophageal issues, that I tried, used, etc. are calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and anti spasmodics.  The other approved treatment is botox but, they can't guarantee how long it will work for and you could end up having to do it every 4 to six months.  I opted for the surgery because I was looking to end the pain and hopefully not have to deal with it again.  It has been a little over 5 months and while I still have reflux I definitely don't have the severe pain I used to.  Hope this helps.

OHSOBAD, thank you for your story. I'm glad you are doing so much better! The phrase "jackhammer esophagus" sounds pretty terrible.

GC1pink- good to hear about the trials. I have great hopes that technology will keep offering new solutions!

Thanks for sharing your experience! Its interesting how similar our treatment options seem to be, even though our esophagus seem to be malfunctioning in opposite ways. Your condition sounds like it would be so painful. I hope you continue to do well!