upper GI endoscopy

I've had radiation (IMRT and brachy) and have had a couple of upper endoscopies--one of which was after the radiation. Zero issues, but...

I didn't think an upper endoscopy could reach into the small intestine. In my case the goal was to examine my esophagus and the valve that connects it to the stomach. So they can actually go all the way through the stomach to small intestine? I can see your concern if they're searching that deeply, although I would expect the potential issues then to be similar as to having a colonoscopy after radiation.

Vaportrail, A comment, and a suggestion...

I understand your apprehension. On two levels. First your comment about invasive tests after radiation. I did NOT have radiation, but I was still nervous last week, when I had to have my first colonoscopy (and endoscopy) since the surgery. I asked the Gastroenterologist and he said it's a total non issue. And he was right.
The other thing you mentioned is "seems like every time the doctors do anything to me, there's a consequence to be paid".
That's so true. I am in a black hole of medical tests right now. One thing just leads to another. From primary care doc, referred to hematologist. He finds low iron and sends me for colo/endo suspects bleeding, then sends me to rheumatologist because I test positive for "unspecified aunt immune disease. "
They find nothing. As hard as they try. But I feel like once it starts it never stops. So. Get it. But I guess it's a necessary evil. As we get older, we have to work harder to stay healthy.

But here's a suggestion. Capsule Endoscopy. It's a procedure, where they give you a pill to swallow. The pill has a camera inside it. And it's activated by a device you wear for 8 hours while the camera travels throughout your digestive tract and takes thousands of pictures. Then the doc looks at the pictures and gets the info (or non info) that he was looking for.
I had that done today (need to wait a week for results). For the express purpose of looking at my small intestine, which the colonoscopy cannot see. But it does look at the entire colon, as well as upper gi tract. No crazy prep either, just no food or drink after midnight the night before.
I've read that it's used for people who for one reason or another cannot have a regular colonoscopy. So ask the Dr about it.
And if he says no, I would definitely get a second opinion on that.

What I don't understand, is why did they have to do a colo and endo on me before the capsule endo, since they knew if they found no bleeding (low iron) they'd be doing the capsule anyway, to look at small bowel.
But that's medicine. They can do amazing things, but it's a business.

Tall Allen, I read through my records the other day, and it says... Well, now I can't find the darn file-

Anyway, I know for sure it says the dose and also says the radiation was to the lower pelvis, and it was focused as a cloud shape around my prostate, to treat all the tissue in the area right around the gland. I have perineural invasion and a large fast growing tumor, but no other signs of spreading to my nodes or bones. I was told that my dose was at the top of the scale, and was warned of the possibility of several issues, but still seem surprised when I actually have these somewhat serious to me anyway, issues arising.

I realize that my current problem may not be diagnosed as "radiation damage" per se- but I'd still much rather my doctor be well versed in treating people that have had large doses of radiation in the past. Since only slight changes in the balance of things, can make the system more susceptible to other issues not directly related to obvious radiation damage.

Patrolman, I like the sound of that capsule much better than the scope. It just sounds less invasive. If that scope is going to go all the way through my stomach, and into my small intestines... Down deep in there where my problem is, it just doesn't seem smart to hurry up and jamb a camera into the irritated bowel. But really, I guess they may also want to take a chunk of the irritated tissue, so they can study it???

I'm down about 23 pounds in about 5 weeks. I just don't like to eat solid food anymore. Spending a small fortune on protein, and probiotic drinks. I've hit all the walmarts and safeways in my area, and beyond, buying up any special K dark chocolate drinks I might be able to find.

Hi Michael, I see we had similar treatments. Only I didn't do the hormones. Thanks for the post-

Post Edited (vaportrail) : 6/12/2016 5:32:19 AM (GMT-6)

vaportrail-

A "cloud" of radiation around your prostate really doesn't mean anything. If you want to find out if this is radiation-related, and I think it would serve you well to find out, it's up to you to investigate. Treatments differ depending on the cause.

- Allen

Artist Mark,

Just for clarification, the shorter intestine is the large (diameter) and nearly final piece of digestive plumbing. The small intestine runs (around 30'!) from the stomach exit to the appendix where it joins the large intestine?

JW

Vaportrail I have had an upper GI along with about 8 other tests and medications due to a severe gastro intestinal issue. What has happened is that each test so far has not found anything or ruled out the condition it was looking for (ie Lactose intolerance). I was convinced the problem comes from SRT but that was ruled out because the problem is in the upper GI. I have been dealing with this issue on and off since SRT ended nearly two years ago. I have been to two specialists and both have said they have not seen a case similar to mine and have been playing a guessing game. Last one suggested it might be related to my Type 2 Diabetes and suggested I try a strict diabetic diet and take Reglan for four months (which has a very dangerous black box warning). Since the condition comes and goes I don't know how it could be related to diet (yes I even did a food diary) and he pretty much scared me off with the proposed dangerous drug therapy. So here I sit many tests behind me, the condition still full blown and not a clue as what to do next.
Hope you can find the source of your problem and be done with it. Good luck.

I know how much your condition must frustrate you. The only action I can think of is going to a major medical center nearest to you, for a complete gastroenterology work-up by experts.

Maybe you've already done that. It sucks, but hang in there.