Pyloric Sphincter

[phil]

I am 10 years post op and wondered if any of you know what the main symptoms of needing a Pyloric Sphincter Stretch. And would an endoscopy be the only way to find out

Many Thanks

Phil

[Advice1]

I don't know but I would guess a Barium Swallow would show up the problem area?

[brucemillar]

Phil

I have a three of these done and more on my throat. My symptoms are simple. I start to fill up very quickly when I eat. So if I eat an oat cake? I will feel like I have eaten full meal. This is because everything is backing up back into the stomach or sleeve. On each occasion my surgeon has found food residue in my pyloris and the relief has been instant and last longer each time.

My surgeon has worked on the basis of my self diagnosis and I have not had an endoscopy to confirm, although I believe that the endoscopy is done in parallel with the stretch as they are using similar kit and procedures.

[phil in reply to brucemillar]

Hi Bruce

Thanks for the reply you have explained it perfectly

[Hidden]

If you have been going OK for 10 years, I wonder what is happening now to make it different? If your stomach is not emptying you may well feel nauseous, and, if things are bad, the food hangs around and ferments in your stomach. I think you may feel that you should describe your symptoms and have them investigated for a diagnosis - and this may, or may not, indicate that a stretch would help?

[phil in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Alan

I do eat well and always have, no swallowing problems ,no weight loss but in the last couple of weeks do feel a little nauseous throughout the day especially after drinking tea.I have been taking Domperidone for a week but no improvement I have an appointment with my GP in a couple of weeks and don't ,know weather to ask her to refer me for an endoscopy locally in Lancaster. Or back to my consultant in Liverpool where I had the operation.

[Hidden in reply to phil]

I think, with Domperidone, you should read the instructions carefully and I think I may be right in thinking that you have to take it a good 30 minutes beforehand to give it time to work. But this is my memory about somebody else's situation so do not regard this advice as gospel.

[DaveChuter]

Hi,

I am 10 years out and experienced the same symptoms 4 years out, after a couple stretching by endoscopy which lasted a few months only it was suggested by the consultant to open up the plyor muscle permanently by key hole surgery.

This worked for me but may not be the cause of your problem, I would certainly advise that you contact your consultant first.

Tea / coffee still causes issues with me if too hot or too soon after eating, I do believe that even now I am still learning how to eat and drink without causing an effect.

[phil in reply to DaveChuter]

Hi Dave

We are very similar because like you my cancer was found early and I had my Oesophagectomy in July 2006. I am now also running a patient group in Lancaster. Thanks for your feedback it is much appreciated.

Phil

[DaveChuter in reply to phil]

Hi Phil,

Sept 2006 for me and the Guildford support is 10 years old this month, celebrating with the Guildford Tenovus choir.

We have monthly meetings but every other one is an informal patient to patient forum, would be good to have a chat sometime.

Take care and kind regards,

Dave

07734 394263