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Probably have Barrett's Esophagus, and more..

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Posted 4/11/2009 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Spent the day (9am-2pm) Monday in the Emergency Room.

Well, learned yesterday that I have had a heart attack I wasn't aware of (turns out they aren't all that rare according to my GI), but my heart is looking good right now. This from a Chemical Stress Test done yesterday because I couldn't do the treadmill version on Monday, stemming from the ER visit that turned out to be nothing; although personally I thought I was a goner and my wife wasn't so sure either I don't think.

Today, I went for the 2nd Endoscopy, for comparison to the first one a month ago. It has cleaned up some, but need more.

Biopsy sent to see if I indeed have Barrett's, as the GI thinks I probably do, as well as whether the tissue back there has gone rogue. So, another 7 to 10 days before I actually know much of anything.

One nice thing is that I've had nearly every major part of me inspected; MRI of brain, MRI of Foot, 2 endoscopies of throat, chemical stress test of heart, about 5 x-rays of lungs, 2 neurologists testing knees to toes on both feet.
And a WHOLE BUNCH OF TESTING of back to toes for liquid/injection and pill pain therapies.

Everything looks 'very good' except the last - the pain therapies.
And in 7-10 days I find out whether the Barrett's has gone to cancer (1% chance based on history).



(This week has been the PITS!
Everybody getting stuffed and it is time that STOPS!
We give better than that, and deserve better back!)
Posted 4/11/2009 4:26 AM (GMT 0)
Tony,
So sorry to hear about everything you are going through. Hopefully you have a good heart doctor who can work with you to prevent another heart attack. Also, like you said, the likelihood of Barrett's turning to cancer is rare. There are medications they can put you on to prevent that, so if you're not already on something, that may be something you could discuss with your GI doc. I think the likelihood of developing cancer if you are being treated with meds decreases to 0.1% or something really low like that. I'll say a prayer that the biopsy comes back clean -- be sure to keep us posted when you get the results.

peace,
frances
Posted 4/11/2009 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
Tony,
I also have Barrett's. GI's told me there are 2 more stages before cancer and that there are a lot of different treatments available for each one. It is a very low risk of developing cancer from Barrett's. It needs to be monitored though. I have to have it checked 2 to 4 times a year depending if the area gets any larger.

Bill
Posted 4/11/2009 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
Tony
Sounds like you have really been through the mill! Hopefully everything will work out well for you! I will add you on to my Prayer list, seems like just about everyone is in really bad need of some really good help from the man upstairs! I sure hope he comes through! You take care of yourself!

Good Luck to You

White Beard
Posted 4/11/2009 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Tony,
You have had a terrible time. I am sorry. You are helpful to all of us. Man, you
are right there and I do appreciate it. Yes.
I am thinking about you and wish you the best. You're there for us. We'll be there
for you.
Pamela
Posted 4/11/2009 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
"Seems like just about every one is in really bad need
of some really good help from the man upstairs."
White Beard
Posted 4/11/2009 5:39 AM (GMT 0)
I will add you to my prayers also. At least they are getting tothe bottom of some of you issues.

My mother also had a heart attack and never knew it until her autopsy showed she had old scarring on the heart.

But be careful go see a cardiologist for regular checkups.

God bless you
Laurie
Posted 4/11/2009 6:21 AM (GMT 0)
Tony,
I'm so sorry for everything you've gone through this week - and yet you've found the time to be kind and caring toward me. That shows a lot about who you are.

I wish I had a pet (and a camera and the whole thing I'd need!) to send you a photo, but you''ll have to ask Chomp to recreate the prayer scene in your honor, ok? Tell him it was at PaLady's request; I'm sure he'll understand!

Let's hope for a better week next week for us all!

((((((((((((Tony)))))))))))))))

PaLady
Posted 4/11/2009 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,
I agree with PAlady and sure hope next week goes better for you! The hardest part of all
is trying to stay calm, but sure sounds like some calming needs to come your way so
I'll send you some calm, prayers and lots of soft hugz...
You've been through a lot and this too shall pass...Your a person and not an odd, sure
wish doctor would stop bringing up the odd's never does anyone any good...as it makes
this harder than it should be..You've got a lot of us rooting for you with lots of prayers..
Keep us posted when you can..
Prayers, calming and hugz from your friend Chart...
((((((((((((((((((Tony)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Posted 4/11/2009 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Tony,
How was that Chemical stress test? I have had two of them because I coldn't do the walking ones. Both times I thought I going to die! What a horrable feeling! So how long ago did you have the heart attack? That happened to my Mother too, they told her she had had one and she had no idea when it happened! Do you remember having the pain or when it might have happened? It's good that you've had so many parts checked out and I'm sure you'll be OK w/ NO "C"!!! Hang in there Brother, the worst is over!
Your bud,
Pete
Posted 4/11/2009 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
They call those types of heart attacks, silent MI's, because you don't have any pain usually associated with them. I am glad you are getting checked out from head to toe. That's something we all should be doing for ourselves from time to time.

I hope all goes well with the Barretts. I'm including you in my prayers. You are a very good person, Tony and I admire you for all your support you give to everyone. God bless you.

Lindaloo
Posted 4/11/2009 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Chemical Stress Test: At first I thought it was a simple affair. Then I started tasting weird things, then I got REALLY tired and started with panting and shortness of breath. As if I'd been running!

I could tell at one point that they started to get worried, then another point worried them, then they just plain got and stayed worried. But I made it.

Had I been physically able, I would MUCH rather actually do the physical stress test on the treadmill.

Thank you all, everyone, for your heartfelt wishes of bypassing need for recovery. All of your wellness wishes are appreciated and sincerely felt.

Pete: No idea that I had had the heart attack, let alone when I had it.
Bill: Catch you on GERDs!

Again, thanks to one and all, and your time and thoughts are sincerely appreciated.
Posted 4/12/2009 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tony,

I'm a little late in the game, but I've been working one way or another all day long, so this it the first I've gotten on the computer. I "love" (hate) how these early morning hours have become my regular hours for "me time," as my friend, Mr. (or maybe Mrs.?) pain & insomnia won't let me sleep & I don't seem to have much time for myself during the day anyway. Sorry, I tend to babble when I'm tired. To get to the point, I really do just want to offer you support. It sounds like you've had quite a horrible week! It's got to be really scary to have something wrong with your heart; especially if you never knew about it! That chemical stress test sure sounds awful! But you are through it, and as Pete said, hopefully you are over the worst! I'll be praying for you that your biopsy comes back negative. It sounds like there is an excellent chance it will, but still, not knowing & waiting for the results is just about as stressful as it can get! Hang in there!

hugs,
Skeye
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