Barrett's Oesophagus :: Pain In Neck When Eating
Just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar, I have Barrett's Oesophagus and a hiatal hernia, recently I've been experiencing pain in my neck while eating and just after, also bouts of hiccups that I haven't had before?
View 1 RepliesBarrett's Oesophagus :: Do's And Don'ts ?
This is my first posting to the Barrett's Oesophagus group, having just been diagnosed with Barretts and a Hiatus Hernia on my Birthday (what a birthday present). I am amazed at how quickly the symptoms have arisen. Suddenly I can eat very little (both in quantity and variety) and trying to find my way around what I should eat, drink etc. I feel left in limbo by my consultant and GP, who just said I would have an endoscopy every 2 years, and that I needed to manage it well or it could lead to cancer, a bit worrying when they are not advising me what I should do!
View 20 RepliesBarrett's Oesophagus Has Increased?
A recent study showed 20 years on most patients' Barrett's segment lengths remained the same as at initial diagnosis.
Thus it was with some confidence I approached my surveillance gastroscopy yesterday that my 3 cm circumferential band of non-dysplastic Barrett's would show no changes.
Awake throughout the rather longer than usual procedure (unfortunately sedation has no effect on me), I listened to the doctor call out the distances to her recording nurse as she took 20 biopsies and realised this was longer than 3 cm.
"8 centimeters", she confirmed when I asked her afterwards. ""Full circumference lower down and patchy higher up."
I was astounded. With my Nissen fundoplication years ago and the Collis-Nissen revision last year reducing reflux, I hadn't expected that.
It took my wife to unravel the blindingly obvious.
"Doesn't the Collis procedure lengthen your oesophagus?"
"Yes."
"And what constitutes that increased length?"
Of course. The extended oesophagus is lined with gastric cells. And the length of that extension? - About 5 cm.
The biopsies for the bottom 5 cm will show gastric cells which, depending on histopathology, may be interpreted as gastric metaplasia but not intestinal metaplasia.
I feel sure my previous 3 cm of non-dysplastic Barrett's remains unchanged but has 5 cm of stomach cells lining the extended oesophagus below.
Barrett's Oesophagus At COM2?
I have recently been diagnosed with Barretts at COM2, what does that mean?, i have had 4 lots of tablets so far with dreadful side effects, so soon to be given another one to try,worried as i keep being told i need the tablets to help me.
View 2 RepliesJust Diagnosed With Barrett's Oesophagus
After having reflux and pains in my throat and stomach for a long time my GP finally referred me for a Endoscopy in January. The Doctor carrying this out said I had Barrett's Oesophagus and showed me some pictures. It is rather scary just how red and inflamed it looked. He asked me what medication I was on and I said Omeprazole (20mg) twice a day but I needed to take Rennies antacid tablets (orange) as well to help with the discomfort.
The Doctor told me to keep on with the Omeprazole as it is a precancerous condition and this would help. He also said I needed to have a endoscopy every three years. I am finding that the omeprazole doesn't help when I have the discomfort and the only relief I can get is when I take the Rennies and sometimes Gaviscon. I am still taking the omeprazole as instructed (40g a day) but wondered if anyone else who suffers with this finds omeprazole ineffective or takes something else as well. I'm sure the prolonged taking of Rennies isn't good.Â
High Dose Of PPI - Barrett's Oesophagus
Hi, have just read your interesting comments. my son who's 21 is awaiting biopsy results, he's been told its probably Barretts. So i'm just trying to find out all the info. he's been told to commence on high dose of PPI, i just hope there's no complications.
View 2 RepliesBarrett's :: Damage To Duodenum And Oesophagus
I was wondering if anyone can shed any light for me I had an endoscopy on Monday just gone where biopsies were taken so I understand I need to wait for those , my doctor stated I have severe damage to my oesophagus and mild damage to my duodenum bulb and said he will tell me more when biopsy results are back. However being very curious I've obviously read his findings in the pack he sent away with me, the bit I need help understanding is in the diagnosis it states Barrett's oesophagus fold starts at 36 cm c5m3.
View 3 RepliesBarrett's Oesophagus :: Radiofrequency Ablation With Displacer
My husband is having Radiofrequency ablation tomorrow and we are both very worried about it and hope it's going to be a simple operation but worried how he will be after for eating as he has lost a lot of weight already has anyone else has this treatment done...
View 4 RepliesBarrett's Oesophagus :: Coughing Up A Lot Of Phlegm And Mucus
But I don't know if this is connected but for the last month I have been very chesty and coughing up a lot of phlegm and mucus
View 1 RepliesBarrett's Oesophagus :: Lansoprazole - How To Relieve Burning Effect In Throat?
I have been diagnosed with Barrett's Oesophagus and am being treated using Lansoprazole tablets. My question is how does one soothe the burning effect in the throat?
View 2 RepliesUpper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy :: Omeprazole - Stopping Before Endoscopy
I have been taking omeprazole 40mg daily for a suspected peptic ulcer for 2 months. The pain has now completely gone. I'm due for an endoscopy in 2 weeks to check everything. I came off omeprazole yesterday, as instructed by the hospital, but have started today with indigestion and excess saliva production which is affecting my sleep. Will this subside? Any more experiences out there?
View 1 RepliesAfter Endoscopy? Bad Gas, Bloating And Abdominal Pain
So I am scheduled to have an endoscopy done on Friday. I have read all the bad things that happen after having the procedure. How often do you have really bad symptoms? Bad gas, bloating, abdominal pain, etc after the procedure.
I am really tempted to call off having it done right now. The pain that I have is not daily and doesn't last long. It is something that I can live with and wait out a few months if need be.
Endoscopy Without Sedation
I had an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy this morning. I didn't know whether I wanted to do with or without sedation until the last minute. I had read this forum and asked about every single person I know, and everyone said I was crazy to consider doing it without sedation. In the end, talking to the nurse, I decided to try without it. And I am so glad I did! I would be surprised if the endoscopy itself lasted longer than 5 minutes. It is very unpleasant, don't get me wrong, I did not gag or vomit, but there were a couple of moments where I thought I was going to have a panic attack, so I just concentrated on breathing deeply and keeping calm. When it was over I was up and out of the hospital in 10 minutes, which is great!
View 1 RepliesWhat To Expect From An Endoscopy?
So I saw my GI doctor today. Did a rectal exam, went over all of the testing I had done. She does not think my symptoms are anything serious (yay!) but she does want to do an endoscopy on Monday to see if there is an ulcer or anything.
I am SCARED! I have never had any sort of sedation or medical procedure. Anyone been through this? What can I expect? I have classes the next day and I am hoping I will be able to function fine the next day. Any input helps
Barrett's Oesophagitis :: Sore Throat With Bad Cough
Have barrett's esophagus.
Ibs.acid reflux.
Asking for bit of of help or advice.
I always have a really sore throat and a nagging cough. I always feel really run down and feel like crappie . No energy. Like flu symptoms. Always have bad stomach . Back ache . All in all I feel unwell everyday .
I have been on 40 milligram of omeprazole for about 6 years or so . But I don't no if they are working very well .I am due a scope in early summer I think .
And do people no if being on ppi for long can affect me.
Also I am lactose intolerance .so I only have a little bit of soya milk each day .
My throat always feel like it closes up and goes very red .
Bit worried and would like to feel healthy for once as I am only 29.
Upper Gastroscopy (Endoscopy) With Sedation
I am sixteen years old and had an Upper gastroscopy yesterday!
Firstly DON'T WORRY! Alls I did was worry and it really was ok.
I checked into the hospital, and waited in my bed for about half an hour. I was then taken to a pre-theatre room, where i was told to lie on my back. I had my throat sprayed and it numbed it instantly. I then had the sedation put into a vain in my hand. The doctor then told me to lie on my side, but I couldn't as I was already sedated (That's how quick it works!)
DON'T worry about the air being pumped into you, I didn't feel a thing!
The next thing I knew, I woke up and it was all over. The procedure only lasted for 5 minutes.
I waited around for about one hour for the sedation to ware off and then I went home with my mum and boyfriend.
Today I woke up with mild stomach pains due to the fact I had a BIOPSY took of my stomach, but as the day wore on they gradually got smaller.
Sharp Pains During Eating After Endoscopy
i had an endoscopy on Monday afternoon and ever since I've been having these sharp pains during and after eating. Is this normal? The pain sometimes radiates to my back or over my whole chest area making me panic and think I'm having a heart attack. I have a heavy set girl and keep thinking I'm going to die!
View 1 RepliesUpper Gastroscopy / Endoscopy Without Sedation
I can see a Colonoscopy coming my way.
Just wanted to say about 4 years ago I had to have an upper tract endoscopy (tube down throat) and was beside myself over it. I'm the biggest wimp going and very frightened of invasive procedures.
Anyway, circumstance on the day were that if I had sedation I'd have no one to drive me home afterwards but I wanted to get it over and one with.
So believe it or not I asked for it without sedation. The nurse tried to dissuade me but I stuck to my guns. I did accept the throat spray though. I calmed myself as much as I could and walked into the procedure room.
I'm please to say I managed it without sedation and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. No pain and only minimal discomfort. I did mumble about getting the endoscope out quick just before the end but by then it was nigh on all over. The examining doctor said I'd done so well to tolerate it. That made me doubly proud of myself because at the time I suffered from severe panic attacks (now thankfully gone).
Back in recovery all my fellow endoscopes who'd had their procedure before me were snoring their heads off. I waited there a while because I wanted the numbness the spray had caused to my throat to wear off. During this wait I heard other patients who had been sedated fighting, groaning, moaning and shouting during their investigation. I'm sure that would have been me if I'd been left with no control.
Now possibly got to face a colonoscopy and heading to that section to see what the score is on that front.
Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - My Experience
I just thought I'd post my experience with my upper endoscopy/gastroscopy today, as I'd been putting it off for ages due to the awful stories I read online. I think people are more inclined to post their experience if it's an unusually traumatic one, so I'd like to add another good story to balance it out!Â
Background: I'm a 26 year old female. It was about a year ago that my GP pushed for a gastroscopy, but after doing my research, I refused. Even the thought of it made my heart skip a beat. I was in the hospital once for an ultrasound and walked by the endoscopy unit... I remember thinking, no way am I ever going in there! Then this year I suffered a few bad bouts of vomiting, and my GP again encouraged me to have a gastroscopy. By then I was so sick that I just wanted to do whatever I could to help myself.Â
So, in preparation, I read as many encouraging experiences as I could. By the time I arrived at the hospital today (University College London), I was in good spirits and excited to finally get it over with. I knew I was going to opt for just the throat spray and no sedation, as I always feel like my best chance of getting through anything is mind power.Â
After an hour's wait, I was led into the procedure room and prepared by two lovely nurses. The doctor sprayed the numbing stuff into my mouth (it kind of stung and tasted weird, but it didn't bother me). I was expecting to feel uncomfortable as my throat was numbed, but it wasn't bad at all. I could still sort of feel myself swallow. If you feel like you can't swallow and it weirds you out, just put your hand on your throat and feel yourself swallow from the outside.Â
The nurses then inserted the mouth piece, and the doctor told me to close my eyes. I felt the endoscope go to the back of my throat. He told me to swallow, and next thing you know I felt it (very faintly) go down my throat. I could breathe normally, as the endoscope was a lot narrower than my esophagus (I had pictured it as being so big it would block the air!), and I could even swallow without choking. Swallowing had been my main concern, because I find it hard not to swallow for long periods. But I was able to breathe and swallow as normal.Â
While the endoscope was in my stomach, I was comfortable enough - I could have lasted like that for another hour. A few minutes in, the doctor moved the endoscope into my duodenum, and this is when it felt a tiny bit sore for a few seconds. It was more like discomfort than pain. He took some biopsies, which didn't hurt at all, I just didn't like the general feeling of something in that part of my intestine. But that part was so short (20 seconds or so) and the doctor reassured me by saying the procedure was almost over. Next thing I know, he pulled it back into my stomach, then all the way back up my throat. The whole thing lasted about 5 minutes max, no gagging at all. I would do it again right away if I had to! I'm really glad I didn't opt for sedation, as being aware of how easy it was going is what kept me calm throughout. I was out of the hospital and on the bus home within 15min of being done.Â
Here's to reassure you about some common fears people have:
Gagging and being sick:Â The throat spray will do a lot to stop gagging, but even if you do gag, remind yourself that it's okay. It doesn't feel nice, but you're not going to die or have permanent damage, and there's probably nothing in your stomach for you to vomit up. I've had plenty of nights vomiting continuously for 10 hours, thinking I was going to suffocate, bursting blood vessels in my face from the violent gagging. So, absolute worst case scenario, I'm sure you can manage a few minutes of that surrounded by nurses that are taking care of you. But you probably won't be near that bad!Â
In preparation, I actually trained my gag reflex to be less sensitive. Touching your gag reflex over time will desensitise it. If gagging really has you worried, I suggest Googling instructions (sword swallowers do this, as do people who... ahem... deep throat). This could be especially useful if you're the kind of person who gags when they brush their teeth or swallow pills. Sensitivity should return when you stop "exercising" the reflex (it's not good to weaken it forever, as it's there to stop you from choking!). Making a fist with your left hand and squeezing your left thumb inside it is also said to suppress your gag reflex.
Not being able to breathe:Â Nothing to be afraid of here, there is plenty of space in your throat and nose to breathe.Â
Not being able to swallow:Â I managed to swallow just fine throughout, but you may not even need to, as the nurses suck out excess saliva with one of those dentist tubes.
Pain:Â Many people experience no pain, others just a tiny bit of soreness or discomfort at points. But probably nothing worse than the symptoms that have led you to do this test.
Panicking:Â If you are vaguely comfortable with things going past your gag reflex (as I was after desensitising it), you shouldn't have anything to worry about. I could hardly feel the tube in my throat. Thank goodness for that spray stuff! And just keep telling yourself it's a very short, safe, painless procedure, and each second you bear is one second closer to it being over. In the lead up to test, read other people's good experiences, and focus on the positive of how glad you'll be to have finally done it.
If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer. If you're still really scared about having a gastroscopy, just remember, I was exactly like you a few months ago! And I managed to change my mindset to the point where I was laughing and joking with the nurses as they prepared me.