gls860

Hello Everyone!

I am new to healthboards. For the most part of my adult life (I'm now 52), I have had this problem where I would sit down to a meal, and get about half way through before I would begin to experience these hiccup-like spasms. When this happens, I have my wife gently slap me on the back, along the spinal column, beginning at my neck and going right down to the lower back. This ends the spasms, for a while. I usually will walk away from the table for a few minutes, before resuming eating. I am not a heavy eater, but when I was younger I used to eat fast, and I think this has something to do with the way I am feeling now. I have gotten to the point where I cannot even look at a lot of food. My meals have been cut down to smaller portions, and then if I feel like going back for seconds, I do.
Before posting, I did a scan of the boards, and I can see that there are a lot of people worse off than I. I do not believe that I have Barrett's esophagus, and I do not get acid reflux, although I do get occasional heartburn. I just want to know if someone out there has exactly what I have, and what how you are dealing with it. I did see a doctor once, years ago, and he told me there was a surgical procedure on the esophagus to correct my problem, but it was a risky procedure. His advice to me was to live with as long as I could. Also, associated with my spasmadic esophagus, is belching which brings on more spasms, and these attacks can get to the point where I have trouble catching my breath. The most severe attacks I have had, which usually accompany holiday meals, which I now avoid, come with a feeling like I am being stabbed in the back, and this is quite painful. Well, that's about it. I would welcome any sincere input. Thanks!!

George