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What warrants an ER trip?

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 8/19/2013 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
This weekend my esophagus has gotten more inflamed than it's ever been. I am now spitting up blood throughout the day, not just mornings, and the pain is searing. It's like having a cut from my tongue down to the start of my stomach. It stings and stings and stings.

I have been on a soft foods diet the last two days and have only gotten worse.

I still don't feel any heartburn.

Being that I'm 7 weeks pregnant, what could they possibly do for me if I went to the ER? I don't want to take any drugs that could harm my baby, and I'm scared of going there and losing control of my choices. Yet I am feeling desperate for some relief. This is a marathon of pain and bleeding and this horrible feeling of loneliness, and the dread that no one can help me.

I fantasized all day about going to the ER. But I couldn't make sense of it. Does intense pain warrant an ER trip? Does frequent bleeding of the esophagus? How do I know what to do? I am losing steam. Please someone, please help me.
Posted 8/19/2013 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
sidiosquiere

I would get into your doctor tomorrow since this is getting worse. If you aren't able to get into your doctor I would then go to the ER.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/19/2013 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there,
Have you been to the Doctor yet? you really need to get it looked asap, if the only way to do that is go to ER then please go.
I have only really ever experienced the extreme sore/tight throat along with regurgitation and not really any heart burn, it is still a sign that acid is irritating the throat and oesophagus.
As far as medication there are safe options you can take whilst pregnant, even some of the stronger ppi's can still be taken during pregnancy if your symptoms are severe enough and yours definitely sound severe. I understand being worried about the babies health but sometimes the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. My doctor is a very very cautious one and she would not have prescribed me anything that would hurt my baby.
Not only is sitting up blood daily causing physical harm but I'm guessing mentally it would also be causing you anxiety and that itself can be harmful to a growing fetus.
I'm no professional but I'm sure your problem can be fixed at least reduced some what so than you will be able to enjoy this special time in your life. Take care and us updated.

Newmumma84
Posted 8/19/2013 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hey sidiosqeire,
Definitely go the ER and follow-up with your regular dr. I am sure the hospital will give you choices with the knowledge of your pregnancy. I think it's important for you to get this taken care of ASAP because just the stress of this situation can't be good for you or the baby. Good luck and update us on how things go.
-Anjelica
Posted 8/19/2013 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone. I am currently taking Prilosec so I am already on a PPI. I rode the pain and bleeding out yesterday and I am so glad because today the stinging sensation isn't nearly as bad and I haven't seen any blood since morning. So I'm crossing my fingers I just irritated it by accidentally eating spicy food on Friday and that I am healing now. I'm seeing the ENT tomorrow and the gastroenterologist Wednesday so I will update you. Thank you for being there for me!
Posted 8/19/2013 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you are feeling better :)
Definitely steer clear of the spicy foods, chocolate, tomato based foods or citrus, very clean eating, boring I know but your body will heal faster. Good luck at the ENT and GI.
Posted 8/20/2013 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
sidiosquiere

I am very happy to hear you have appointments already in place. Good advice from newmumma also.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 8/21/2013 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
Saw the ENT this morning and he put a camera through my sinuses and down to view my larynx. My sinuses looked healthy, but the uppermost part of the back of my throat, right behind the sinuses, had a patch of irritated tissue that the doctor said was like "tiny little canker sores." He wonders if this is where the bleeding is coming from, but doesn't know. It sort of makes sense to me since the blood is able to go into my mouth so easily. It's similar to when mucous comes into my mouth from post nasal drip, I GUESS, I mean, I don't really know.

When he viewed my larynx and esophagus, he said the back of my esophagus did look irritated and bumpier than normal. There was a blood vessel he pointed out that could also be a possible source of the blood but again didn't know for sure. He didn't comment much on the larynx, just pointed it out. So I'm assuming it is ok..?

He recommended twice daily sinus saline rinses to help heal the canker sore looking area behind my sinuses. He also gave me a list of things to do to prevent reflux. Which is frustrating. I already do all those things.

Seeing the gastroenterologist tomorrow, so I will update again, but does anyone have any insight for me?!

Still so, so so lost inside this paradox.
Posted 8/21/2013 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
The good news is that you've been scoped and nothing serious or life-threatening has been identified. I have had canker sores that caused me tremendous pain and also caused me to run a fever. Canker sores can and do perforate. I hope you find relief.
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