Follow up on varices

[Sarena]

My husband has cirrohsis, he and has had ascites. The gastro wanted to do an endoscopy to check for varices although he has never had any bleeding. Is this really necessary? Due to the he I believe, my husband has a clotting issue. Does anyone else have this or know anything about this? Thoughts? Thanks to you all! I read daily and learn so much!

[Link227]

If he has varices they can band them to prevent bleeding. You can risk it otherwise but you risk a severe GI bleed. I’ve never had varices, but based on other comments - GI bleeds can be very very dramatic. Probably worth preventing...

[chugalong]

I had a couple of series bleeds and banding done numerous times. Also had he prior to transplant well worth doing what is suggested.

[RodeoJoe]

I think it's fairly routine to check. I never had any bleeds but had varices, they were controlled by propanol.

[Howard_Sherwood]

When first diagnosed with cirrhosis 12 years ago, I had my first endoscopy which revealed six varies that were banded. The banding is painless, but endoscopy takes a little getting used to. I'd recommend both anaesthetic throat spray and sedation whilst having the procedure. I have a regular endoscopy every two years to check for any further varices. Endoscopy is unpleasant for some, but internal bleeding from varies is far worse. If offered, have the endoscopy!

[Link227 in reply to Howard_Sherwood]

12 years ago? What version do you have?

[Hidden]

Endoscopy is a quick procedure (though I must confess I don't like it). I had one done as a preventative measure and varices were banded. However, I did still end up having a bleed as I can't tolerate the dose of beta blocker that they would prefer me to be on. I can only tolerate half the dose, so this may have been partly responsible for me having the bleed. These beta blockers are used to lower the pressure going through the portal vein (rather than to affect normal blood pressure). I am on carvedilol, but another is propanolol (not propanol as stated above, which is an alcohol). I still have regular endoscopies to prevent further bleeds. Be aware that whilst the procedure itself is not painful, your other half may end up in pain as a consequence of the air pumped in to make viewing easier for the person carrying out the endoscopy. Ask for painkillers as a precaution. The excess air causes pain like severe wind trapped. All the best

[Garyvh]

Hi, yes its very necessary. The idea it to spot, and band any varices BEFORE they rupture and bleed, which, worst case scenario, can be catastrophic - especially given he has a clotting problem.

Ascites and varices are both symptoms of portal hypertension, which is caused by blood having to force it's way into, around, and then out of the scarred liver.

Most of us on here that have cirrhosis, regardless of the cause, will be monitored regularly for varices, which can then be preemptively treated by banding.

Personally I've not had banding yet as my varices are only grade one, but I've had the endscopy/gastrostopy a couple of times so far, and while it's not really a pleasant experience, it over in a flash.

It's not too bad really, to be honest I'd rather have that done than having my teeth scaled and polished! ☺

Gary

[Hidden in reply to Garyvh]

Hi Gary

Great post. I have something that was found and now checked during endoscopiesI hate endoscopy UNLESS you have sedation, then, if you are like me, you don’t feel a thing (#and every tings gonna be aright#) and don’t even remember the procedure afterwards but its GREAT. I have definitely never had banding done but have a great long lists of what I’m not now allowed to drink, like gapefruit juice, coconut water, etc and NO fizzy drinks! 95% of what I now drink is water.

I also hate teeth scaling and polishing - why do they have to be so rough - horse than having a tooth out!

Miles

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[Sarena]

Thank you all for your beneficial input. I assumed since he never vomited blood- no varices. Again, thanks!! It's great to know there are people out there who can provide great insight and advice!

[Brett11]

I’ve had varices bleeds three times now. It can kill you! I almost died twice during my first bleed. I’ve had about 6 or 7 endoscopies in the last two years. 20 ish bandings. The procedure is painless but the bandings can hurt for up to two weeks afterwards. I lost a lot of weight after my last bandings.

Cheers,

Brett

[Bjw7]

When you have cirrohsis it's a must to have endoscopy yearly to check on for varices, I have small ones and take nadolol daily for portal hypo to keep the pressure in stomache down and veins from growing, it's a simple procedure. No pain after.