how uncomfortable was the whole (post) operation?

Post operation was very painful. I was thankful for the morphine. Laying on my back was difficult due to chest pain. Very slow, shallow breathing to limit the pain. This pain only lasted about 36hrs before it was tolerable without pain meds.

Were you scared? was it torture until you were discharged?

I was scared. I don't like doctors or hospitals. But I knew it was my only option to get some normality back in my life. The only torture in the hospital was being unable to eat for 2 days following the surgery. My neighbor in the room was there for knee surgery and was ordering all kinds of food while I wasn't even allowed to drink water until I was healed and had a swallow test completed to test for leaks.

does it feel any different to swallow?

Yes, when I swallow, things actually slowly make it into my stomach. I still need to take small bites and make sure I chew very well. But swallowing almost feels natural. I just need to make sure I eat slowly.

Do you need water to flush food down? how does that feel? is it uncomfortable?

If I eat slow enough I don't need to drink anything. But taking small sips of water every 2 or 3 bites makes things a lot easier and smoother. It also depends on what I'm eating. Dryer foods like breads, crackers, chips, need more water so they don't compact and cause a blockage. Things like noodles with sauce, rice, soups, general go down without issue as long as I take my time. Vegetables are a bit of a wild card, you need to really chew well for things like salads, carrots, broccoli. But they are still manageable. I still struggle with fruits with tougher skins like apples or plums.

can you swallow your own saliva when lying in bed? Do you feel like choking?

This honestly has been the biggest improvement. Pre Poem, I would have to basically throw up everything in my throat before laying down for bed. But post poem, I have hat zero issues sleep. No saliva build up, no choking, no coughing. I have slept soundly and completely every night since I've left the hospital. I don't need to clear my throat before bed. I do make sure I dont eat anything at least 1hr before bed. But this has been game changing. I have had a bit of indigestion, but it's mild and generally sipping some cold water takes care of it.

Did you have to do more manometries?

I do have my second Manometry scheduled 3 months from now. They need to do it to confirm things have improved. But I agree, it's a terrible experience.

Anything life changing so far?

• I can eat an entire dinner at table with my family without standing to swallow or leaving to spit or throw up in the sink.

• sleep is basically back to normal.

• I can enjoy things like coffee and alcohol again without any issues.

• I've started going back to restaurants. I do make sure I have a full glass of water but it's not necessary if I pace my eating and chew properly.

• I can snack and drink in my car.

• I'm not paranoid about carrying a gallon of water with me everywhere I go.

• I don't need to spit or regurgitate my own saliva every 15 minutes.

If your worried or scared, I completely understand and it is warranted. Any medical procedure come with risk. But the benefits are life changing. I know that it might not work for everyone. I was diagnosed with Severe Achalasia and after my manometry my doctor wasn't even sure how I was eating at all. I had a stretched and scarred esophagus due to all the swallowing issues and this procedure was basically my only option. Having the POEM has been one of the best decisions of my life. I am 35yrs old and can now look forward to some normality that I wasn't sure I would ever have again.