Varices

[Chaz3125]

Good evening, just a quick question to people with varices. Has anyone been prescribed medication for them?

Many thanks

[AyrshireK]

Some people get prescribed a beta blocker - usually Propanolol or Carvedilol.

My hubby had a big bleed from his varices and his consultant went an aggressive banding regime route rather than medication. He had 42 varices banded over 2 years.

Katie

[Chaz3125 in reply to AyrshireK]

Ah thanks Katie I had an endoscopy today and even though the only small one I have (grade I) hasn’t changed since last endo he wants to now put me on carvedilol. Just wondered if anyone else had been prescribed xx

Thanks again for responding you are fab x

[deanw41 in reply to Chaz3125]

I had an endoscopy last September, they found 1 small grade 1 varcie,I’m on 12.5 carvidrol

[Xenom0rph in reply to deanw41]

I got banding and carvidilol. THe banding is the worst thing I've ever done.

[Chaz3125 in reply to Xenom0rph]

Oh really may I ask why? I’m hoping I never have to have it x

[AyrshireK in reply to Chaz3125]

Don't panic yourself over this if you don't require it just now, hopefully the carvedilol will do the trick and prevent the need for banding.

Obviously you've had endoscopies so banding is no different, if you have sedation you won't know the difference between the ordinary endoscopy and one with banding. The aftermath can be a little painful for a few days just when eating as food and drink passing the banding site can be sore.

Don't fret about it at all.

Katie

[Chaz3125 in reply to AyrshireK]

I had the endo today without any sedation or anything and honestly it’s not something I will do again lol it was horrific 🤢

[AyrshireK in reply to Chaz3125]

Sedation all the way for hubby, could never do it without (twice he's not managed it even with sedation). He's had over 20 endoscopies since 2012 and 42 varices banded. The endoscopy procedure is the same but the after effects of banding can be a bit tender for days afterwards.

Katie

[Gerbera01 in reply to AyrshireK]

I had banding twice, it's no different to an endoscopy, I choose sedation for endoscopy and banding. As Katie said, it's just a little uncomfortable when food is passing through the esophagous for a couple if days (if thats where the banding took place). It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

[deanw41 in reply to Chaz3125]

Oh really, mine was a breeze!!

[Xenom0rph in reply to Chaz3125]

The procedure itself is horrific. I took the sedation AND they gave me fentanyl and still I felt everything. I've had 15 bands so far and due another at some point. The after effects aren't any better and the spray they give you is horrible.

[bobbycat in reply to Chaz3125]

Yes I’m on carvedilol too and have been for 5 years now.

[pishi1 in reply to AyrshireK]

I am on carvidilol and fine on it. My varices have disappeared but still on medication.

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, first and only symptom I had was a massive variceal bleed and emergency banding. After that I had regular endoscopies, once a month to start with with banding, the procedure doesn't hurt but for about 3 days after I couldn't eat solid food as it was to painful. I was also put on a high dose of propanolol for portal hypertension and regular Gaviscon to stop stomach acid attacking the varicies.Good luck and hope your varices stay as they are

Hilary

[Dogbot]

Hi Chaz I had banding all last year now on carvedilol, with the banding it depends what doctor does it I had one do it and it was very uncomfortable but the next one was very good so I booked all my appointments with him and do have the sedation it means you stay in recovery for about 10 minutes longer and have to have someone take you home 🤷🏻‍♂️. I have had it without and it’s not worth it.Stay Safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈

[Chaz3125 in reply to Dogbot]

Hi dogbot, thankfully haven’t had to have any banding and hopefully won’t if carvedilol does what it should. Thanks for responding say safe x

[Chris-harris]

I was put on Carvedilol around 18 months ago

[Hidden]

Hi Chaz,

Medication is often used to help reduce the risk of variceal bleeding. Banding is also an effective way of treating the varix. If you would like to have a general chat about varices please do call our nurse led helpline and we can discuss.

[Chaz3125 in reply to Hidden]

I will do Thankyou so much x

[Indre123]

Over few years i had so many bandings,i always choose spray and sedation.For next time definetely ask for it:)I was on carvedilol various doses.Now they upped it to 12.5mg.Varices are still there(stage two),they didnt band this time for other reasons:)I am hopping that 12.5mg keep them stable

[WayCas]

Banding but started Nadalol 40mg a day. Fewer varices.

[JennerLayne]

I don't have esophageal varices, but was recently Dx'd via endoscopy for Gave's Disease, or a stomach bleed (aka 'Watermelon Stomach'). They prescribed Nadalol 40mg daily, however I have severe anemia from the bleeding which causes my Ox Stat to stay in the low 90's along with already low BP. My Rheumatologist suggested cutting the Nadalol in half, given beta blockers can also contribute to lowering BP.

[hun64_D0chIk]

Hi Chaz3215, yes I was put on 6.25mg of Carvedilol for four Grade 1 oesophageal varices in 2015 and in the next endoscopy in 2017, they had progressed to Grade 2 with red signs and now have splenic varices as well, but I didn’t ask how many.

The Hepatology Consultant increased the Carvedilol to 12.5mg. The Consultant said that’s the highest that I will go to 12.5mg. Just a waiting game, but I’m all good so far 🤞🏻

Hundochick

[Hidden]

I wish you all the well, I used to drink a lot and now I have a feeling that something is stuck in my throat for the past 2 years (had xray Doc say everything is fine) is this one common symptom of varices? I hope you are well.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

My husband had this it ended up being post nasal drip.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the replay.

Mark

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I know what it’s like when you’re worried.

[AyrshireK in reply to Hidden]

Have you had an endoscopy to check your throat and oesophagus? My husband has had 42 varices banded and there was never any sensation in his throat - the only symptom he ever had from varices was bleeding.

An Ear Nose and Throat specialist would also be able to assess your throat - normally by passing a camera up your nose and into the throat area.

If you've had this sensation for 2 years it definitely needs checking but most likely isn't varices.

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much I feel a little bit more relieved now.

Mark

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

He used to say it was like a bone.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, mine feels like a mushy lump that comes and goes

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Could be reflux.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Most likely thank you (ex beer consumer), this alcohol ruins lives. I'm so ashamed I got here worrying for my life. Thank you for the responses, this community is amazing and I will share my experience to.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’m worrying for myself too, bottle of wine most nights for 30 years. Not had drink for 8 months and not missed it. There’s thousands and thousands like us. You’ve kicked into touch, that’s the main thing.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I wish you the best and there are so many other things to enjoy than alcohol. It's really great when you don't live in a constant blur.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Mine was enjoy glass making dinner or two and then finishing bottle. My treat at the end of the day, I’ve worked hard and brought kids up well I’m told but should have halved my intake, it was nothing a full bottle because you get used to it. I will never touch it again now though. Not after this terrible worry. All the best to you too.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That is true, you get used to it and you need more and more. It is so much better without being slave to alcoholism. (I was lying to myself that I'm not an alcoholic ... until I tried stopping for the first time). Seeing your kids grow old should motivate you to never touch the bottle ever again still 8 months already I'm pretty sure you got this.