I usually post on the arthritis forum, but I think many of you may have some answers to this question. What treatments do you use for esophageal dysmotility? I was diagnosed with this 3.5 years ago when I had my first upper endoscopy. My GI doctor started me on reglan before meals, in addition to PPIs, and pretty much said best of luck. I've been researching this, though, because I've recently had problems with my lungs. Pulmonologist thinks it may be due to severe acid reflux, or in my case because I take the PPIs, severe nonacid reflux. I stopped taking reglan a couple of years ago because another doctor told me it wasn't a good drug to take long-term. the information I've gleaned from the internet indicates that esophageal dysmotility is a chronic life-long problem that normally progresses through the years. It is a condition that must be followed, but I've had no one follow it. The GI doctor that diagnosed it pretty much blew me off. But if it's causing problems in my lungs, it needs to be addressed. I'm already taking PPIs plus zantac before bed, and initiating the behavioral measures (no food 3-4 hours before bedtime). Short of surgery, which may actually worsen the dysmotility, what else can you do for it? Should I be followed by a GI doctor?
I also have autoimmune problems (undifferentiated connective tissue disease). Should I try to find a doctor that is willing to investigate whether I have primary esophageal dysmotility or secondary (associated with CTDs)? My mother had esophageal dysmotility secondary to mixed connective tissue disease.
Thanks for any information at all!
Elcamino
Current dx: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Suspected dx: UCTD/Early Lupus
Current Meds: Enbrel, Plaquenil, Aciphex, Ultracet, Zyrtec, Allavert-D, Zantac, Tylenol PM
Past Meds: Relafen, Vioxx, Mobic, Voltaren, Sulfasalazine, Entocort, Prednisone, Humira, Reglan