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Gastroscope/weird comment by GI

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Posted 1/18/2012 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Haven't posted in a while but still fighting stomach ailments.

I had a scope a bit over a year ago which showed inflammation of the esophagus and stomach, also stomach ulcers. I was on a PPI for four months and re-scoped. I was healed except for a tiny inflammation spot in my stomach.

I began having problems again and after a few months of PPIs to no avail, my doctor did another gastroscope.

Following the scope today, my GI told my daughter, "Her pain is caused by food lodging on 'rings,' no ulcers, dilation went well, upper stomach is fine but middle stomach is inflamed. We'll have a lot to talk about when I see her (meaning in his office), especially biopsies." Needless to say this scares me to death! I have a horrific cancer phobia.

Does anyone have an idea what this "biopsies" talk could mean and is having middle stomach inflammation unusual? He does have a horrible habit of scaring patients!

Blessings,
Cme
Posted 1/18/2012 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cme,

Docs always take biopsies of the stomach and esophagus whenever they do an endoscopy.  I suspect that they can get some insight as to the origin of the inflammation issues with the biopsy.  Don't worry.  You have a reactive stomach that inflames easily.  I'm sure your doc is trying to figure out why, so he can help you.

I agree...docs do tend to forget how easily they can scare their patients, and how important it is to share their thoughts more fully.  I hate the way they always make us wait for test results!  Their level of concern is not the same as ours, that's for sure!

Good luck with your office visit!

Denise

Posted 1/18/2012 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for replying Denise. I really appreciate it.

I know he'll discuss the biopsies results when I go to his office but I found it really strange since he actually said "We'll have a lot to talk about when I see her, especially biopsies." My daughter is a pro at short-hand and I know she didn't make a mistake. I'm fearful he meant I should have other biopsies elsewhere.

This GI is an excellent doctor but due to his comments I'm seriously considering changing to another GI. This comments serves no purpose what-so-ever and only serve to cause me more anxiety.

Again thanks for replying. It's very kind of you.

Blessings,

Cme
Posted 1/18/2012 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cme,

Have you thought of calling his office tomorrow and sharing your worries with his nurse?  Hey, all they can do is tell you there's nothing that they can tell you before your appointment.  You've got nothing to lose other than additional frustration if they don't give you some information.

You could even just tell them what he said and see if they can decode it for you.

Just a thought!  I do agree with switching GI docs if you have difficulty communicating with this one.  I did just that.  I asked my PCP to find m one who communicated well.

Good luck!

Denise

Posted 1/18/2012 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
The only circumstance I'm aware of that "rings" would be mentioned after an EGD is from eosinophilic esophagitis. It's most commonly a condition of the esophagus, but eosinophils can also be found in the stomach lining. This condition is confirmed through biopsies, which would somewhat jive with your story. However, the "rings" from EoE are in no way deep enough to trap food, so that doesn't fit.

EoE is treatable, by the way. I think you can rest assured that if there was something gravely serious to tell you, he wouldn't make you wait for the lab results.

-Bruce
Posted 1/18/2012 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
It's possible scar tissue can form rings, and Barretts could perhaps be described as a ring but it's not how it's normally commented upon. They will test for Barretts when they do biopsies and should test for coeliac disease too, as the latter can cause inflammation anywhere along the GI tract. There's a condition called Schatzi's rings of the oesophagus, but I think that occurs in the elderly - and in any case it's benign. If you know you have reflux then the odds are he was describing tissue damage from that, and the risk of cancer from that is very low.

Personally I would never again have a gastroscopy done by a person not in a position to take the biopsies at the same, I have to say! It's not funny to have to go through the procedure twice, especially if you're a wuss like me!

MMM
Posted 1/18/2012 8:59 AM (GMT 0)
PS: did they take biopsies for Helicobacter the first time round?
Posted 1/18/2012 9:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I agree with Bruce, your doc probably hasn't seen reason for urgent concern that is why he made you wait until the next appointment!

Please let us know how it goes in the next visit.

Posted 1/18/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much.

Yes, I did have an H pylori test, negative.

I called the doctor's nurse and she said if he had found something he or the nurse would have called me. Also that it was "just his way of talking." Well, his 'way of talking' will drive me to another GI if all is benign.

MMM, you said, "There's a condition called Schatzi's rings of the oesophagus, but I think that occurs in the elderly..." You made me smile for a minute! :o) I was 69 last month. :o(

Going for a colonoscopy tomorrow as I'm due anyway. I wish Medicare would pay for a dual procedure but they won't. I could have gotten both yesterday. They now prefer to pay twice! I can't imagine what it will be like in '14 when Obamacare really kicks in!

Thank you kindly for all your responses. You're all very kind and that means so much to me. God bless you all and please say a little prayer for me.

Will keep you apprised.

Cme
Posted 1/18/2012 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Cme,

I do understand how easily we can read between the lines when a Dr. makes a comment and when we get home we try to guess what they meant.  I am glad you called your Drs. office and I hope you feel better knowing that the Dr. was not referring to something dreadfully wrong.  As hard as the waiting can be try to stay in the moment and be prepared with your questions when you get to your appointment.

Make a list of what you want clarified.  Be your own best advocate and if that means you seek out a new GI so be it. 

Another scope today - wow,  you will be scoped out and pooped out !

shocked  I hope all goes well today.  My prayers are with you.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 1/18/2012 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt. I really appreciate your good wishes and especially the prayers.

I really don't know what the heck he meant when he said we had a lot to talk about and "especially biopsies." It's still nagging at me and my cancer phobia is just below the surface. Prayer is the only thing keeping it at bay. If all is benign, I plan on telling him this statement caused me needless anxiety. He shouldn't say things like that. Does it make him feel superior as a friend of mine said?

I already have a new GI in mind. My sister-in-law uses her can't stop raving about her. And if SIL likes her, that's really saying a lot!

My colonoscopy is set for Friday at 10 AM. The real fun starts tomorrow at 4 PM! I just had a soft scrambled egg and slice of bread. As of now, I'm on a lot of liquid until the scope is over with.

I'm searching the web trying to find good information regarding green (decaf) tea and gastritis. There are so many pros and cons! I don't know what to think.

Again thank you kindly.

Blessings,
Cme
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