Hello Everyone!
I finally decided to write my 1st blog! I hope you will find it enjoyable and helpful.
People that know me must be asking why is Achalasia the subject of my first blog and not ‘my latest revolutionary amazing single’ or ‘the making of my stop motion video’ or ‘what on earth was I thinking when I decided to become a musician’, etc.
Well, I’m not entirely sure… I just thought that since I don’t have much of a problem with Achalasia anymore, my advice could be of help to others who think there is no way out…
I’m not going to give a full explanation of what Achalasia is here, as who have it, know it all!
In a nutshell ‘achalasians’ do not swallow very well, the esophagus closes down and food doesn’t reach the stomach (really not a nice feeling).
If you do not have Achalasia, and would like to know more about it, you can read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achalasia
Just as I learned I had this condition (2006), since I could not swallow much anymore, I went through the balloon dilatation procedure. After this I could swallow better but I starting to have terrible reflux/spasms, which I did not have before the procedure…
Cutting the story short, the doctor said that sooner or later the esophagus would close down again and that I would need to go for surgery (cut the esophagus out).
Well, this did not happen so far, but instead I’m getting better.
Actually I barely have refluxes and I can swallow better than before.
What made me better, I don’t know exactly, but I can share with you the new practices, habits and attitudes in life I incorporated, which I believe contributed on the improvement of my health.
Here are 5 points I would like to share with you:
1. ‘Apples, a life saver’
I’m starting with this advice, as it is very useful.
Apples used to give me instant relief from reflux/spasms (unbelievable, I know).
The apples can be red or green, must be acidic, crispy and fresh. Not old, sandy or sweet. That ‘ball’ that comes up your chest gets completely dissolved as I start eating an apple.
The refluxes normally used to happen to me at early hours of the morning. So have an apple next to your bed!
2. ‘Don’t worry, be happy’
Do not stress, it doesn’t help.
Sounds easier than done… But as my husband always says ‘you worry you die, you don’t worry you die too’ ☺ well… Not sure how this can cheer you up… but as you may have guessed I used to worry for both of us…
Luckily quite a while back I decided not to do it anymore.
It is actually possible to resolve any issues without worrying. Solutions and ideas arise easily when you are calm!
Now I am more proactive and work with passion and without concerns or fears.
I enjoy what I do and avoid doing things I don’t like doing! If I have to do them then I make it as much fun as possible, as every situation can be turned into something positive, an opportunity or learning curve.
2a. ‘Don’t worry, be happy ’
Laugh! At everything!
Might as well…. why don’t you join a laughing yoga class? Laughing for 1 hour and 1/2 for no reason feels great ☺. I do it every time I have a chance.
Watch comedies and have fun in everything you do, even some ‘bad experiences’ can be very funny when looking back…
3. ‘Be free to express yourself’
Focus on what makes you happy and do just that with no fear! Don’t let anyone mold you. Don’t worry about who will say what.
It might sound like an overused ‘help yourself guide’ advice but the honest truth is that when I ask myself what I really want, it is freedom. I believe we all dream with complete freedom.
Next time you feel boxed, scared of doing something you love, I dare you to pay full attention on how you feel. You might just notice your chest tightening up.. interesting thought, eh?
4. ‘Get to know yourself’
I started to know about myself with Yoga.
There are probably many other practices that will help you to be aware of your ‘inner situation’ such as meditation techniques, Tai Chi etc.
The importance of this? Well, you probably heard that many diseases are produced by the mind and that they have their roots in an emotional issue (many times unknown to the person). I would suggest that you sort yourself out from the inside!
Yoga also focus on relaxation and breathing techniques that I believe are key to help you with Achalasia.
Once again, next time you feel sad, depressed, uneasy about something, I dare you to pay full attention on how you feel. You might just discover the pressure of emotions building up on your chest..
5. ‘Food, Glorious food’
My parents are very health conscious so I always ate quite healthy. I believe my problem was not what I was eating but how I was eating it.
I was always worried about so many (irrelevant) things that I would eat in a rush with no enjoyment or forget to eat completely. Food was really a secondary thing that was taking too much of my time.
Basically the difference between the before and after is that now I thoroughly enjoy what I eat and drink. I take my time and savor my food!
Lately I am also incorporating a lot more organic food (we grow many of our veggies) and drink as many home made juices as possible.
It also occurred to me that Achalasia could be an allergic reaction to something or a lack of vitamin/mineral of some sort.
Since many of us are not scientists and not much research is being done to establish the cause of Achalasia, it seems that our only shot is to avoid chemicals and have a diet as complete and healthy as possible.
I made a table with information of what I normally eat and what I avoid eating but unfortunately I cannot add it on this blog. I will try to upload this blog on PDF.
Ok, this is all from me. I hope this blog has been of help to you and please forward it to anyone that is suffering from Achalasia!
If you have any questions, all my contacts are on my website:
http://www.murielmarco.com
I will be happy to help in anyway I can!
Best of Luck,
Muriel
murielmarco 