Main content

The Achalasia Diaries

4 Extra Debut. How Femi Martin found fulfilment as a writer and performer through a chronic illness as well as finding happiness. From 2015.

In 2007 Femi developed Achalasia, a rare disorder of the gullet that prevents food getting into the stomach and which went undiagnosed for many years.

At her lowest point, under seven stone, experiencing heart attack-like chest spasms, Femi almost surrendered to the condition.

Since the age of seven Femi had written - but with fear and reservation. Now she took fresh resolve, making a pledge to herself to live long enough to write with confidence and honesty. She explored not only her illness, but her identity, beliefs, even her reasons for living.

She also reappraised the relationships in her life - most notably with her mother, who features in the programme in conversation with Femi. Together, they revisit those times when Femi’s anger led her mother to ask her to leave the family home.

Producer: Adam Fowler

A PRA production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2015.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 25 May 2022 02:30

Broadcasts

  • Sun 28 Jun 2015 13:30
  • Tue 24 May 2022 14:30
  • Wed 25 May 2022 02:30

Featured in...

Seriously...

Seriously...

Discover more seriously interesting radio documentaries.