Gastroscopy to check for varices

[eileenet49]

Right, I'm at the next step in my Alcohol Related Liver Disease Journey.

After being advised in February that I may have Cirrhosis and portal hypertension I ceased drinking. Have done quite well with a couple of relapses with visitors, just the one day each time then back on the wagon.

I had the ultra sound and full blood tests which confirmed the suspicion and have had a long chat with the consultant, very nice man. I will be having six monthly ultrasounds, blood screening etc. for osteoporosis, liver cancer and varices. It seems that my cirrhosis is at Grade A, the earliest stage I believe and if I can abstain from alcohol my life expectancy is near normal.

I have an appointment on Thursday 26th for a gastroscopy to check for varices which, if I've understood it correctly are varicose veins in the stomach. I've received a pack from the hospital regarding the test which is all fairly easy to understand. My questions really are on how it is treated/if it is treated, if varices are found.

Is it likely that if any are found I will be treated there and then or will it need a separate hospital appointment? Just wondering whether to take spare knickers and a toothbrush with me

Thanks for reading and love and luck to all.

[eileenet49]

Forgot to say I'm on 40mg frusemide for fluid retention, have been for about 10 years. Should I take that tablet in the morning or leave it until after, my appointment is 10.45am?

[oap74]

My experience of this is that it is treated at the time with banding before you wake up and then with follow up appointments to monitor it. They will probably give you the choice as as to sedation or not. I’ve had both but sedation is best in my opinion, better to not know what they are doing even though it’s painless just uncomfortable. All the best

[VickiSpence in reply to oap74]

That still makes me gasp that they do conscious endoscopy over there. I asked my gastro once if I'd be put out, and he said Yes...that'd be almost midevil. You guys are brave.

[eileenet49 in reply to VickiSpence]

I would imagine if we had private treatment we could ask to be knocked out, not sure on the NHS though, but to be honest, my thoughts are the less 'stuff' they pump into me the better. 😜

[Springwater22]

Hi,

My husband had varices and they weren't banded, he has just been taking carvedilol (a betablocker) for a few years now and I think only on 3 year endoscopies. Good luck at your appt.

[Dogbot]

Hi oap and springwater have just about covered it definitely agree with having sedation the only difference is you have a cupper and biscuit before you leave to make sure your ok after sedation, but it’s much more comfortable for you. I have had lots banded and you know nothing about it until after, they tell you and although it’s a bit uncomfortable it’s not a bad procedure, good luck 👍.Stay Safe All

Dogbot 🐶🌈Dave

[eileenet49]

Thank you oap74, Springwater22 and Dogbot. This is all very useful.One last question, how likely is it that I won't be able to drive afterwards? I can get a lift if necessary but I'm trying to save my favours for later in case I need them.

Once again, thanks and best wishes to you all. x

[Hidden]

Hi, if you have sedation you will definitely not be able to drive afterwards. You will need to take someone with you who can drive as sedation is by far and away the best option. Good luck.

[eileenet49 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. x

[Aotea2012]

To be honest, it’s likely that there will be no varices based on how you describe your condition or at worst grade 1. These are small and require no endoscopy treatment. It is highly likely that your endoscopy will be purely diagnostic.

[eileenet49 in reply to Aotea2012]

That's certainly what I'm hoping for. I have been getting a lot of little stabs of pain in different areas of my abdomen, hopefully this is nothing to worry about though. 👍

[Aotea2012 in reply to eileenet49]

I have 2 grade 1 varices. I had an endoscopy to check on these last September. There were no signs of bleeding or red patches/wale marks (a risk factor for bleeding). I had mine done via anaesthetic spray not sedation as I needed to drive afterwards. It was fine. If they do find varices they will check via endoscopy yearly, without every 2/3 years normally. So regime wise for cirrhosis....6 monthly ultrasound, six monthly bloods, six monthly consultant review and one or bi yearly endoscopy. Keep away from alcohol completely, eat a good high protein, low salt diet and do a bit of exercise and it should stay to that regime for years.

[eileenet49 in reply to Aotea2012]

Thank you, that's really helpful.I've spoken to the gastroscopy unit now and they have said the sedation is a choice, so I'll stick with the throat spray then I can drive home afterwards.

I'm almost an hour's drive from the hospital (public transport is a no no unless I want to leave home at 7.45 for a 10.45 appointment) and I feel happier knowing that I won't have to wait around for someone to pick me up or have someone waiting for 2/3 hours, which is what I'm told is a possibility.

I like the flexibility of having my car there.

[Aotea2012 in reply to eileenet49]

With sedation they advise not to travel on public transport and to make sure you have someone with you overnight. It all felt like a lot of hassle so I went for the anaesthetic spray. It tastes a bit weird and it’s a bit uncomfortable but I felt absolutely fine and certainly preferred the convenience. Hope everything goes well.

[oap74]

The only thing I’m not sure of is if they need to do banding would they do it without sedation ? I had a bleed at home and it was really serious taken by ambulance and had bandings done immediately. On the bright side only had to buy new carpets for hall and bedroom that’s how much blood there was. Worth checking out before your final decision. All the best.

[oap74]

P.S I’m going for my check up on Sunday 1-45pm that’s a long time to wait for a biscuit and copper.

[eileenet49 in reply to oap74]

Good luck, hope all goes well for you. x

[Margolia]

Just had one done 2 hours ago. 1) I was given a sedation, I was not conscious during the procedure. 2) all in all, I have spent 1 hour 15 minutes in the unit. 3) My husband picked me up from the hospital and while I was already able to move around I still felt some sedation effects - slight dizziness, which was completely gone by the time we arrived home 30 minutes later. 4) I had my glass of milk with sandwich and some coffee after I arrived home from the hospital.

I was asked if I want the sedation or not; I was warned that if she finds large knots she will band them. I was warned that very rarely it is possible to have bleeding after the procedure (she said like 1 on 1,000). Also she mentioned that my throat could be sore after the procedure and my stomach would be bloated. Well, 2 hours in - I don't feel anything. I'll wait and update this post if I have anything to add after time passes.

[eileenet49 in reply to Margolia]

Thank you. Hope you're still feeling okay.Are you saying you were actually put to sleep. I thought the sedation was just to relax you and that you stayed conscious.

[Margolia in reply to eileenet49]

Hello! Yes, thank you, I didn't have any sore throat or bloating which makes me wonder if they actually performed the procedure yesterday :). I specifically asked about the sedation and I guess this depends on the amount they give you. For me it felt like I was "knocked out" once they administered the dose. The feeling was the same as when I was given the general anesthesia during my surgeries. The difference is the waking process - it's as if you never fell asleep - just closed your eyes and opened 20 minutes later. After opening my eyes I immediately realized that I was moved to a different room so there was no gradual coming back to the reality as after the general, it felt like I've just blinked.

Twelve years ago I was through gastroscopy as well where the dose was different or maybe the drug they used was not the same but back then I was somewhat half conscious. I could see that they are doing something (there were students watching doctor), could hear separate words but didn't feel anything in terms of pain. If they use a sedation it is not a procedure you should spend time worrying about, in my opinion. I cannot comment on gastroscopy without sedation, maybe it is also nothing to worry about, I just have no experience. Stay well

[eileenet49 in reply to Margolia]

Thank you.

[eileenet49]

Well it never rains but it pours. Just received a phone call offering me a bone density scan at 2.40pm tomorrow at the NNUH. Same place (different dept) as I'm having the gastroscopy at 10.45am.

I've accepted and have now also accepted the offer to take me from my step daughter and step son in law.

It could mean a lot of hanging around for everybody but we are about an hours drive from the hospital so saves another trip.It's going to be a long day.

🙃

[eileenet49 in reply to eileenet49]

Well Thursday was a very busy day.

The gastroscopy was at 10.45 am. As I was going for the bone density scan in the afternoon I decided to go with the throat spray. I really don't want to scare any one but I think I must have a very strong gag reflex, couldn't stop. I will definitely have sedation next time. On the other hand the bone density scan at 2.40pm was easy peasy, results of this to go direct to consultant.

The endoscopist gave me a copy of the report and some pictures of my inside, not to be looked at with a full stomach. Quite surprised by this, I thought I would have to wait to hear from the consultant.

The result: three small varices in oesophagus and moderately severe portal hypertensive gastritis found in upper and lower stomach. Repeat in a years time when there may be a requirement for banding.

On the plus side, we went for a lovely lunch outside overlooking a river, then a visit to a garden centre.

All I have left now is the check for liver cancer, not sure what this will be - scan or blood tests, or when.

I have a regime, so far, of annual gastroscopy, six monthly ultrasound, six monthly blood screening and possibly more bone density scan. Oh, then there's the six monthly screening for paraproteins in my blood, found at the same time but not related to the liver disease and to be done by the GP surgery.

Think we might have to move closer to the hospital.

Much love and luck to you all.

[Staffi99]

Hi I'm Julie. I have low grade varices due to my end stage Liver disease. It's not a pleasant procedure but please for yourself take the sedation. In my experience you are allowed to leave the hospital about 30 minutes after the procedure and if you take the sedation you need someone to pick you up. As mine are low level as far as I am aware there's no medication for this but some of the medication you are on probably helps to stop the pressure on the condition. I am currently on a 3 year trial medication for varicies but I must stress that mine are low level so I can not give advice on other stages of the condition. Call one of the Liver Trusts nurses they are great at explaining these conditions. Hope it helps. Take care.