Vanmathi’s Personal Story- Dysphagia
Hi friends,
I’m Vanmathi, and I’m 29 years old. For over two years now, I’ve been going through some very painful days. It’s hard to express how much this has changed me—not just emotionally, but physically as well. It all began in the second half of 2022, when I started experiencing stabbing pain in my upper abdomen. The pain would suddenly worsen, spreading up to my throat and chest. Initially, it happened about once a month, but over time, it became more frequent. During these episodes, drinking water would give me some relief, but without water, it was impossible to manage the situation. I consulted a gastroenterologist, and after an endoscopy, I was diagnosed with an infection and put on medication for a month. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice any improvement. The pain persisted, accompanied by a burning sensation and severe back pain. Seeking further help, I visited a well-reputed hospital and was prescribed PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors). However, my condition remained unchanged. By late 2023, I started experiencing difficulty swallowing. At first, it was mild, but it gradually became worse to the point where even water would get stuck. I was eventually referred for a manometry test, which revealed that I have Achalasia Cardia Type II along with Dysphagia. I was advised to undergo POEM surgery, which I had in July 2024. The surgery successfully resolved my swallowing difficulties, but other symptoms like the burning sensation and sharp pain in my upper abdomen still persist. To make things worse, I haven’t had a peaceful night’s sleep in a long time due to coughing, a persistent sensation of bitterness from the food I ate the previous night, and that relentless burning sensation. I’m truly at a loss about my health condition, and this has taken a significant toll on my mental well-being. If anyone out there is experiencing something similar or has gone through this, I’d really appreciate it if you could share any effective treatment options or diet plans that might help improve my situation.
