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My Esophagus was hardened and tightened about 0.5" above the stomach. It is stuck open at about 4mm. It was widened to 13mm around 10 yrs. It is narrowed to 4mm again. Is there any alternate therapy which would soften the Esophagus beside going thru the procedure to widen it again?
I haven't heard of anything that would soften the esophagus. My mother-in-law had really severe esophageal stricture and had to have it "stretched" at least once a month. Hopefully you will find something better than that. It is not a fun game to get into. Good luck! Karen
Hello JC,
My daughter was born without an Esophagus and the doctor created one for her. So basically Nina's esophagaus is manmade.
Two things that come to mind right away for me regarding your esophagus. 1. Do you have reflux? 2. Are you on any reflux meds? Reflux and cause the esophagus to narrow down or cause stricture's.
Nina because she's only 10.5 year's young and is grown in height has to have her esophagus stretched about 1-3 times a year. We ONLY permit BALLOON DILATION'S as they don't cause as much pain and are safer in the long run (I believe). Any surgery has its risks. Normally when Nina has her balloon dilation done we are home from the hospital in less then 5 hours. The whole procedure takes about 45 minutes.
If I can be of any other help please E-mail me at: NinaBean@tampabay.rr.com
Warmest regards,
Lesley - a/k/a NinaBean
I did have it done twice. First time in 1996 and second time in 1998. Then I changed my diet. eating habit and sleeping habit. I don't eat anything after 8pm. I sleep with my head raised about 3". It has lasted over 10 years but now the swallowing problem has gone up. It seems esophagus might have narrowed to 3-4 mm at some place. I was trying to find some alternative solutions but I guess there is nothing available.
Thank you all for your kind replies.
Hello JC,
It sounds like to me your nervous about having your esophagus dilated. Is this true?
I'm willing to bet back in 1996 and maybe 1998 the doctors where not doing Balloon Dilation as much. They started becoming more accepted in early 2000's from what I understand. The Balloon Dilation is far more easier on the body then the Boggie Dilation is.
If you esophagus is down to 3-4 mm how are you able to eat? At that small of diameter I wouldn't think much could pass thru.
I wish you the best.
Blessings,
Lesley - a/k/a NinaBean
I am not nervous but continuously having it done is my concern.
Hello JC,
Nina has esophageal dilations done at least 2 times a year. Its not a big deal and having them done allows Nina to eat orally and for me not to worry she will aspirate on her own saliva if her esophagus closes down and her saliva backs up.
Nina has no choice and this is her life. God made her the way he did to teach others and myself.
I would encourage you to go and get a dilation. Once its done see if your quality of life improves if it does FANTASTIC. If your quality of life does not improve at least you tried the dilation.
Have you had a Ph Probe study done? If not I would encourage you to have that done as well.
Blessings,
Lesley - a/k/a NinaBean
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