Twisted Esophagus
An 87-year-old woman in Switzerland sought medical help when she developed painful spasms every time she swallowed. Imaging and X-rays revealed her esophagus twisted up like a corkscrew whenever she ate. The condition caused her to lose 11 pounds (5 kilograms) over the course of several months. Muscle spasms are to blame for this type of pain. Instead of contracting and relaxing in a series from the mouth to the stomach, the muscles within this woman's esophagus contracted simultaneously, said Dr. John Pandolfino of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. There is still no cure for the condition. By: https://www.livescience.com/37919-oddest-medical-case-reports/2.html
That looks like a new definition of painful!! And knowing how dismissive some Providers are of the elderly, the poor woman possibly had to suffer for much longer than necessary.
It looks like only part of the esophagus is affected. I wonder if resection (as procedural with certain esophagal cancers) would have helped. Then again, doubtful whether such a relative extensive procedure would be done on a 87-year-old. Poor lady.
