This post describes my latest nhs appointmemt but before that id like to mention and get community advice on a new symptom thats becoming more noticeable that i have yet to mention to hospital; when i burp a gas comes up and i can feel it react with the back of my throat/nose. It doesnt burn (nor did i feel acid reflux burn) but theres a definate reaction. Any ideas pls.
After 2 failed endoscs (due to food lodged in dilated upper oesoph + severe narrowing nr lower oesoph sphincter .. suspected alchalasia resulting from acid reflux) i had a successful NHS endosc procedure on 5sep. Biopsies were taken of the stricture/scarring. Visually there are no signs of C; long may that last and i await the results. For your info and comment here’s a summary of the appointment + report.
My narrowing is now down to the size of a currant and a children's camera was used to perform the endosc; that’s bad; shld have gone medical route much earlier. Whilst they interpret results ive been asked to remain on liquidized and well chewed food to minimise food backup in oesoph. I was advised to go liquid only for 48hrs pre endosc; i did 68hrs to improve chances of success. They note that despite this the oesoph is markedly dilated and still contained food. After washing it was possible to advance to proximal stomach. There is a rolling hiatus hernia HH (ive had this for many years but only got reflux when gained weight) and it was not poss to advance to mid stomach but mucosa appears healthy. Biopsies taken from oesopheal side of GOJ (whats this??). Unfortunately technical hitch and photos lost. Appearance suggests achalasia and rolling HH.
In brief and prior to reviewing results, treatment is normally 1 of 4 options (hopefully ive got this right .. procedure had just completed) .. 1. Injection 2. Balloon stretch (doc thinks 1 and 2 unlikely given severity) 3. Operation entering via month .. chopping out scarred bit of oesoph and stretching down and rejoining (whats name of this op?? Pls). 4. Same as 3 but enter externally.
I now await biopsy results and advice about next course of action. There was no mention of treating my HH. Continue with 1×20mg omeprazole/day but switch from capsule to dissolvable tab (due to narrowing). Timescales .. no mention; junior docs strike may impact me thinks. Regards to all. G