For many years, Edite Lopes Paixao has lived with achalasia, a rare condition that makes it difficult to swallow. She was first diagnosed while living in Portugal and underwent a procedure about ten years ago to help manage her symptoms.
But when Edite’s symptoms returned about two years ago, she reached out to her primary care doctor at Boston Medical Center (BMC), who referred her to the gastroenterology (GI) department.
"I was really having a hard time swallowing," she explains. "I could not eat solid foods, and even with softer foods, I needed to make sure I always had water with me. Otherwise, it would feel like food was stuck in my esophagus. That made me afraid to eat."
Tests Confirm Achalasia
Edite met with Joyce Ortiz, DNP, a GI nurse practitioner who recommended a series of tests to better understand the cause of her symptoms. After an X-ray, an upper endoscopy, and a swallowing test called esophageal manometry, it was confirmed that her achalasia had recurred.
“Achalasia is not a common disease,” says Edite. “No one in my family has it, and I don’t know anyone else who has it.”
Dr. Ortiz referred Edite to Adnan A. Khan, MD, an advanced endoscopist with specialized expertise in complex therapeutic procedures. Dr. Khan explained that she would be an excellent candidate for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a highly advanced and minimally invasive endoscopic procedure.
"POEM is a cutting-edge technique performed by specially trained advanced endoscopists," explains Dr. Khan. "Using a flexible endoscope equipped with precision electrosurgical instruments, we create a submucosal tunnel within the esophageal wall and carefully perform a targeted myotomy. This allows us to relieve the functional obstruction without any external incisions. It requires significant technical expertise and experience, but when performed properly, it can dramatically improve symptoms and quality of life."
"Dr. Khan is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate," says Edite. "I was a little scared at first, but he took the time to explain everything in detail and answered all my questions. He reassured me and made me feel confident that this was the right decision. This procedure was very different from what I had ten years ago, but I trusted him."
POEM Procedure Provides Immediate Relief
Edite underwent the POEM procedure on December 5, 2025, becoming the first patient to receive this cutting-edge therapy at BMC. She noticed improvement almost immediately.
"I felt a difference right away," she says. "Even though I could only have soft foods for the first two weeks, I could swallow without that stuck feeling. It was such a relief."
As she gradually transitioned back to a regular diet, her improvement became even more meaningful.
"My first real meal was scrambled eggs and toast," she says. "It was so good! I love bread, and it wasn't something I could easily eat before." She has since been enjoying meat, apples, bananas, pasta, and sauce-and was especially happy to return to a regular diet just before Christmas.
POEM has not only restored her ability to eat a full range of foods, but it has also eliminated the fear that once accompanied every meal. "I don't have to worry about having water with me all the time anymore," she says. "It's the best thing. I used to be scared to eat, but now I feel comfortable."
She's also sleeping better and experiencing improved digestion. And as someone who values time spent with friends and family, she is grateful to once again share meals without anxiety.
"I feel great," she says. "I'm so thankful to Dr. Khan and this procedure for allowing me to eat a normal diet again."