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Post endoscopy pain still

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Posted 12/12/2012 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
I thought I would be feeling better today, but when I tried to eat breakfast I felt such pain swallowing. It is very sharp and cramping down the esophagus (front of sternum) and the radiates to my left front rib and left back. Even liquids are still painful (although not as bad). The good news is that I don't have pain, when not eating.

I called the doctor because I am concerned. He was not concerned. Said he took a ton of biopsies and that I probably just have a sensitive esophagus. He said that the inflammation was in my stomach (what he could see) but he wanted to biopsies in the esophagus to "rule things out" (?)--said these should be back later this week.

I'm just not sure what to eat or try to eat. I had a 10 hour work day and I'm dizzy , exhausted and headachy. What do you think? Maybe totally laying off food will help heal? I don't know...I didn't get much advice and I'm annoyed that I had this test done and now, feel worse confused
Posted 12/12/2012 4:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi belljar1995,

Sorry to hear you're having so many problems post-endoscopy.  It's not typical, so I'm glad you've called the surgeon.  It might be more typical than I think if he wasn't concerned, though. 

One time when I had an endoscopy, the surgeon took biopsies to look for inflamation.  I guess they can see it in a biopsy.  So although the esophagus appeared normal, it could have some underlying inflamation that he can't see.  I suspect that's what he means when referring to "ruling out".  He wants to make sure he's not missing it.

Try sticking with smooth foods...pudding, egg custard, liquids, etc. until it is feeling better.  Even if you just take smaller bites and do the Nissen routine of "chew, chew, chew" until your food is a liqud/creamy consistency.

Hope it gets feeling better soon!

Take care,

Denise

Posted 12/12/2012 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
HI Denise
Thanks....I think I'm just feeling upset. After I explained my symptoms he said that some patients have "worse symptoms"--although it is not common. Lots of my office mates have had this procedure and not one has had more than a sore throat! Then I though--jeez--what kind of a surgeon did I choose! ?! This guy is supposed to be an expert in the esophagus and was recommended by my ent .

I'm going to try the puddies and maybe some ensure. I think I read somewhere that some people do well with popsicles.

What you said about the inflammation makes sense--I read somewhere the gerd inflammation starts from the inside and works its way out--same with eosinophilic esophagitis--so maybe things do look OK, but there is more there.
Thanks againhttps://www.healingwell.com/community/emoticons/smile.gif
Posted 12/12/2012 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
I just had my Endoscopy, Manometry, Bravo Placement, & Esophageal Dilation done this past Thursday, Dec 6. Today is the first day I felt ok. My manometry was horrible! The nurse said that my esophagus was probably inflamed and my throat was sore from both the endoscopy & manometry. Take it easy on the foods & drink until you feel better. I'm awaiting my results so that I can proceed with the wrap & hernia repair.
Posted 12/12/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Soldierz wife-- yikes-- that's a lot for a day. I'm sure you felt tired and sore! Glad you are doing better and fingers crossed for your results soon.

I am a bit better today--still sore and irritated but not the severe shooting pain. Interestingly the reflux feels much worse--I never used to feel it in my esophagus (just my throat), but now I feel the intense burning pain all of the way up--- I feel terrible for typical GERD sufferers now and totally understand how it could be interpreted as a heart attack!!!

It's weird that swallowing induces left rib pain! Must be a nerve path or something. That said, I got some gatorade and am taking it easy --today I had some oatmeal and a little bit of grilled cheese. I think if things keep improving I'll be better by the end of the weekend.


Denise--you were right tiny bites and chewing things til nonexistance--works great!
Thanks for your support!

Post Edited (belljar1995) : 12/12/2012 12:45:34 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/13/2012 6:49 AM (GMT 0)
Belljar you sound exactly how I felt. I have my follow up tomorrow (today) and I'll let you know if my doc gives another reason... The manometry was done while awake & the other 3 procedures while I was sleep. The manometry was traumatic for me and wish to never do it again. The others were fine but the feelings afterwards were the same as yours. I will keep you posted.
Posted 12/14/2012 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Soldierz wife, yes, let me know what s/he says. Maybe it's just a nerve pathway and I think Bill said the biopsies can cause micro ulcers in the esophagus that are especially sensitive to acid (great...) I hope your results come out well!
Posted 12/14/2012 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Belljar I hope today finds you much better. My doctor explained that most of the discomfort was from the inflammation of the esophagus. The esophageal dilation literally stretched my esophogus so it was sensitive for a few days (4 days for me). On another note my manometry was negative for Dysmotility so I was cleared to move forward with the Nissen wrap!
Posted 12/14/2012 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
SoldierzWife
Congrats on the manometry! Hooray! When are you going to schedule for?

I seem to be feeling much better today. No chest pain and minimal rib pain when swallowing--I was able to eat a normal breakfast (still being careful with swallowing, but feeling much less discomfort). Totally makes sense what your doctor said (mine pretty much echoed the same thing)--just was NOT expecting it since so many go through endoscopy with no issues whatsoever. Most of my coworkers have had endoscopy and they were shocked that I was so ill after and unable to eat . But of course, most probably don't need dilations and tons of biopsies--so I guess it all makes sense!
Posted 12/15/2012 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi belljar,

My third endoscopy was rough.  It was post-Nissen, ordered by my asthma/allergy doc as part of a workup to ensure my wrap remained intact (which it did).  I had agreed to participate in a study in which they were taking 10 biopsies (in addition to the ones the surgeon took).  Bad idea.

I had a wired 24hr PH monitor, and it was the most uncomfortable of them all.  I was in a lot of discomfort the whole time it was in. (I'd had 2 others that weren't a problem.) I'm certain it was the biopsies.

On the bright side, I didn't have any reflux issues during the prep or afterward, and all was well.

Glad you're feeling better!

Denise

 

Posted 12/24/2012 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
Belljar I'm glad that you're feeling better. I'm on vacation with my family and my appointment with the surgeon is 2 January. I'm hoping for a date ASAP. Life has been pretty miserable...I have a hiatal hernia that will be repaired as well. I'm tired of bending over, burping, hiccuping, & sudden movements causing regurgitation. The heartburn is horrible. So I'm actually looking forward to it.
Posted 12/26/2012 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
I hear you-- it's a bummer. It will be great to have some lasting relief. Is the LINX a possibility for you? I've been reading up on it and it sounds like it makes great sense.

Happy Holidays and fingers crossed for your appt.
Posted 3/3/2013 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
I am happy that your surgery went well. Did you have your wrap at a military hospital? I am scheduled for mine at Keesler Air Force base hospital Feb 13. I can't be selective about who my surgeon is, etc. But he stated that he has performed many and it is his favorite operation. I am worried about that part but will get through it somehow. It is a teaching hospital so they have a good-sized staff and facilities. A new four story surgical tower, etc.
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