September is Achalasia Awareness Month 💙

Most people have never heard of Achalasia—and honestly, I wish I hadn’t either. It’s a rare esophageal disorder that affects about 1 in 100,000 people. And as fate would have it, I’m one of them.

What Is Achalasia?

Achalasia is when your esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach) stops working the way it’s supposed to. Instead of smoothly moving food down, the muscles malfunction and the valve at the bottom doesn’t relax. Translation? Eating, drinking, and even swallowing water can feel like a battle.

It’s not glamorous, it’s not fun, and it’s definitely not widely understood.

My Bumpy Journey

My path with Achalasia has been… let’s say colorful. From misdiagnoses to endless tests, I quickly learned that advocacy isn’t just helpful—it’s survival. The amount of research available is shockingly limited. When your “specialist” is still quoting studies from 1988, it doesn’t exactly scream confidence in modern medicine.

Treatment (and the Lack of Coverage)

The most recent treatment available—the POEM procedure (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)—was introduced over 20 years ago. I had mine in May, and while it’s been life-changing in many ways, here’s the kicker: it’s not even covered by many insurance companies.

So not only are patients left with an under-researched condition, but they’re also faced with barriers to accessing the very procedures that can bring relief.

Will Achalasia Kill Me?

Most likely no.Will it cause immense suffering if left untreated? Yes.

That’s the reality. And that’s why awareness matters.

Why Awareness Is So Important

Because Achalasia is so rare, it doesn’t get the attention, funding, or research it deserves. Honestly, if a celebrity came forward with this diagnosis, I bet things would change overnight. But until then, it’s up to the rest of us—the everyday people navigating this disorder—to keep shining a light.

Cherish Every Swallow

So here’s my little reminder this September: give your esophagus some love. Hug it. Appreciate it. And don’t take something as simple as swallowing for granted.

Because for people with Achalasia, every sip, bite, and swallow is a reminder of just how much we need more awareness, research, and support.

Xoxo,Meghan 💛