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A 25-year-old woman with a rare condition must stand while eating or drinking to avoid choking due to achalasia.
The disorder, which affects the oesophagus, has left Elise Baynard regurgitating food and vomiting up to 60 times daily, making it nearly impossible to lead a normal life.
Elise’s battle began in January 2020, shortly after moving into her new flat in Dover, Kent.
A tight pressure in her chest and difficulty swallowing prompted her GP to diagnose acid reflux.
However, the symptoms worsened, and over time, even liquids started "coming back up."
Despite seeking help, Elise felt "fobbed off" by doctors.
Initial tests, including an endoscopy in 2021, showed no abnormalities. Her condition deteriorated, and she began losing weight rapidly, dropping from 9 stone to just 6 stone 10 pounds.
Foods like bread and pasta became impossible to consume, and she developed a fear of eating.
“It’s not a death sentence, but it’s no way to live,” Elise shared.
In November 2024, after years of frustration, she was referred to a specialist in London who immediately recognised her symptoms as achalasia.
A manometry test confirmed that her oesophageal muscles were failing to contract properly, leaving her throat essentially "broken."
Achalasia disrupts the ability of the oesophagus to move food into the stomach.
This can result in choking, chest pain, and significant weight loss. Elise now survives on a limited diet of milky cereal and crisps, avoiding meals in public for fear of regurgitating.
“I can’t go out for food and drinks with friends or eat anything I enjoy. It affects every part of my life,” she said.
Elise’s best hope for improvement lies in a procedure called peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which involves cutting the oesophageal muscles to widen the passage to the stomach. However, she faces a long wait for a referral.
“I’m desperate. It’s always on my mind. Without the surgery, I can’t live a normal life,” she explained.
Achalasia is a rare and incurable condition with symptoms that worsen over time. While treatments can provide relief, accessing them can be a drawn-out process.
Elise is sharing her experience to shed light on the challenges faced by those with achalasia and to push for faster diagnosis and treatment pathways.
“This condition struck me out of the blue,” she said. “I never imagined something as simple as eating could become this difficult.”
English (US) ·