Has anyone had any great success with treatment in the New England area. I have not found many options and the few I have been led to are booking into March 2008!
I have had great success with Doctor Ben Smith at the Faulkner Hospital in JP Mass and an excellent surgeon Stan Ashley at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston they both specialize in achalasia and I did not need to wait that long probably because they have been treating me for 8 years and I just call when I have symtoms and they see me.
Tricia
Thanks, Tricia, for the information. I saw Dr. Burakoff at B & W and he referred me back to Dartmouth in Lebanon, NH where I could not get in until March. I found Dr. Barabara Nath listed on another Achalasia site and have gotten in to her for Dec. 31 at Mass General. Not a lot of info out there regarding those who specialize in Achalasia. I am intersted to know what procedures each dr prefers and what their success rate has been. We would all rather have a surgeon who has performed the procedure many times, but not if the results have not been positive! Thanks, again, I will keep those doctors in mind as my research progresses.
Thanks again for the info. B & W doc was very adamant about my going back to NH… makes me wonder why. I have not heard any NH docs mentioned as specialists in this specific area. So you still do not have major issues?
I think I would try all other options first also! I am just beginning my journey, I guess. I have not had significant weight loss but cannot sleep well and regurgitate a lot. I have begun cutting meals short due to discomfort. The chest pains are the worst part, but are rare for me. I try not to eat late, but my schedule is hectic. I will definitely try the wedge pillow and the walking as you suggest. Thanks for the tips and wish you success on your treatment!
I wish you well in seeking the right treatment for your achalasia. If I can be of any help let me know I will be happy to share my experiences with you.So many people on this site have helped me out and have always been there for me. I hope to do the same for someone else.
Best Always,
Tricia
I was seen by Dr. Cobean (ME). A very good Dr. My surgery went very well with him.
I’m from New england and used a Dr. Coen in Boston. I have had 4 Baloon’s and 2 unsuccessful Myotomey’s. I’m not sure what I can do. But he suggested I have my Esphogaus taken out. At 27 at the time, I didn’t think it was a great idea.
Thanks! It means a lot to talk to others who have gone through or are going through the same craziness. I have never joined a group before, so it is a new thing for me. It is such a relief to know that I am not losing my mind and all these weird symptoms I have are actually related to the achalasia (throat spasms, stuck food, chest pain, dizziness, blue lips and extremities even in slight cold). You have helped me. 
That same doctor @ B&W ordered my motility test. At BI I got a second opinion from a Dr. Lembo who I was very impressed with but he did say my doctors @ the Brigham were the best of the best.
My doctor felt the success rate was hard to determine because it is such a rare disease not too many of the procedures are performed. Also achalasians are know for not coming back and just living with it. So therefore it is hard to determine.
Does anyone have experience with Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD?
Thank you. I ended up going to Boston and saw Dr. Rattner at Mass General. My surgery was Feb 11 and so far I have had great relief. Still get chest pain, but no other symptoms. Good luck.
I had my 2nd myotomy 3 months ago I feel fabulous the recovery was a little longer because I had a full incision. I just do not eat after six pm I walk after every meal and I sleep on a wedge shaped pillow. And I am fine. They do not know how long it will last but I opted for this before an esphogetomy.