Grading of varices

[taar]

Hello all-- can anyone tell me more about grade 3 varices? I had an endoscopy today and that is what the doc said I have... 4 of them....

And what comes after grade 3 (apart from grade 4!)

I will be having them banded asap, pandemic permitting, but I wasn't really psychologically prepared for that today, and hadn't had sedation... which I will do for the banding. I find the endoscopy/gagging reflex very hard to tolerate.

Also- would these grade 3 varices add to my UKELD score, which stands currently at 46? I have had one bleed 2+ years ago, but it had stopped bleeding when they did the endoscopy 2+y ago, so they didn't take any further action then.

As always, grateful for the input from the community.

T

[Kristian]

Grade 3 varices as far as I can remember was the highest grade. I'm therefore not surprised they want to do some banding, I guess they'll have you on beta blockers too if they haven't already.

Not sure how the grade of varices feed into transplant assessment but I'm sure having a number of bleeds will contribute to whether or not you should at least be assessed.

Good luck to you.

[taar in reply to Kristian]

Thank you, it is good to get input from others. Love you all.

[CarpeDiem11]

UKELD score is not calculated using Varices grades. It is based on factors from your blood results only. It uses bilirubin, creatinine, INR and sodium. Grade 3 is the highest & requires banding. Banding adds a tiny ring around the individual varice, which drops off after around 10 days. By this time, the varice will no longer pose a problem as no more blood can flow through it. Always have sedation for this, especially with a strong gag reflex. I wish you well for the future.

[taar in reply to CarpeDiem11]

Thank CarpeDiem- it is so helpful that others share what they know. X

[CarpeDiem11 in reply to taar]

You are welcome. If you have other questions, please ask. All the best to you😊

[BearWood2]

I’ve had two sessions of banding done with my third session in a couple of weeks.

It can be quite painful to get solid food down for about a week afterward.

Lesson learned from the first time, I now have all of my food blended to baby food consistency to eat during the recovery period. Protein shakes help during this time as well. Be sure to stock up.

I could not imagine having banding done without sedation. Always request it if not offered.

[taar in reply to BearWood2]

It is always very useful to get these tips from those who've been through it. Thanks!

[utep99]

A grade three varices can in time bleed and could kill you. You need a procedure that will tie these varices and cure them before they become big trouble.

[taar in reply to utep99]

Thank you, I feel much better informed. All the best to you and yours. T