Endoscopy

[phil]

Hi AllMy Oesophagectomy was over 18 years ago and I just wanted to ask you if you have had to have a camera down since your operation. I had to have one stretch after the first 12 months. My consultant would only do an endoscopy if there was any swallowing problems , rapid weight loss or unexplained lump & coughing up. Blood. He always said it is an invasive procedure and its crucial to have a valid reason.

Last week I had to see an ENT doctor to check my nose & throat, everything was clear apart from tongue thrush caused by a deviated septum.

However in a general conversation I happened to mention the operation I had the operation I had 18 years ago & he was very interested.

Before I left he said it would be a good idea to have another endoscopy I a couple of months, nothing urgent or that concerned him, my response was I was not happy doing this & why should I . He said your last one was 13 years ago , so its just a check. I have so far refused this procedure as I didn't think it was a routine test especially with the plumbing we have.

Just wonder what your opinions are ?

many thinks

Phil

[whasler]

Hi mate, oesophagectomy three years ago. Ulcer this summer in same place where the tumour had been which necessitated three more endoscopies - one to seal ulcer plus two more to check all's well. I asked if I should not have a scope once or twice a year to check for future ulcers / tumours and they said no because scopes further weaken the new oesophagus. Better to just let us know if you have (lots of) blood in your stool (leaking ulcer) or trouble swallowing (ulcer or tumour). And likelihood of further ulcers not foregone conclusion according to surgical team if I moderate curry and alcohol intake! Hope this helps?

[phil in reply to whasler]

Thanks mate that what I was thinking myself you have got to be careful with what's left of our oesopagus

[whasler in reply to phil]

Absolutely...

[Popsic]

Hi Phil, I am nearly 12 years post op and I have had 3 tummy stretches so far and also I've had several endoscopies alongside, I've never been told its an invasive procedure. I do believe unless you raise a concern then one won't be performed. I have recently been diagnosed with colitis, which was found via colonoscopy, I've had severe pain when eating, so an endoscopy was done, nothing untoward found, so moved on to colonoscopy. To be honest I am grateful they will do the endoscopy, it puts my mind at rest. Hope that helps a little.

All the best

June.

[phil]

Thanks for your reply June peace of mind has got to be considered in my decision

[Libuse]

I had radical chemo and radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer 17 years ago. I have camera check annually and am glad to do so

[phil]

@was the radical chemo and radiotherapy after the an oesohagectomy operation

[Graham39]

i am 14 years post op and would not have an endoscopy unless I had some symptoms which needed investigating which has not been the case so far. As my plumber said about my boiler, "if it's working leave it alone".

[liz_crisp]

hi Phil i am 15 years on and have had a number of endoscopies. One in 2015 discovered i had Barratts no symptoms and silent reflux so. Had no idea. Always Good to have a check up. Have always had sedation since op and have discovered that i need to hav es only liquids for 2-3 days before at least as food motility is not good.

[phil in reply to liz_crisp]

Hi Liz that's my worry as I received a follow up letter from the E N T consultant this morning saying that I had features of silent reflux. So now I have decided to have Endoscopy as I have only taken a low dose of a PPI and could like you have Barretts

[liz_crisp]

Good luck. I hope its clear but do keep an eye on checks even if it as as silent reflux is not something you can monitor yourself

I take 60mg of PPI. And still wake sometimes with acid in my throat if im not at home.

[mauledtodeath in reply to liz_crisp]

Hi Liz just popped on here looking for something else. I read you have Barretts after oesophagectomy a few years ago. Is that right? Do you get regular scopes now to monitor Barretts? Thanks

[liz_crisp in reply to mauledtodeath]

Hi , I seem to have to ask for them which I do and it is definitely there.

[mauledtodeath in reply to liz_crisp]

What sort of frequency do u ask for?

[phil]

Thanks Liz I have already increased my PPI to a maximum strength twice a day. As you say silent reflux is somewhat difficult to monitor and like you I will probably from time to time experience acid in my throat We all mostly do whatever our medications are.

Really appreciate your comments Liz

[LondonMan]

Hi Phil, I've had 29 endoscopies and I've never been told its an invasive procedure. It's unpleasant yes but invasive? - it's a camera down your throat. It is very reassuring to be told that no issues have been spotted. An endoscopy identified my cancer just over 3 years ago which caught it early and there were no symptoms before that.

[grandylynda]

I had my Ivor Lewis surgery 7 years ago and was told they didn't do more endoscopies just to check. It is invasive its a camera into your body!. I have had an endoscopy xsince but it was to investigate symptoms. It found food still where it shouldn't have been after the starvation period. Can't remember the remedy but symptoms went. I think it's fine to have camera if there is something to investigate but not just to check

[Postie22199]

hi does anyone feel sick after nearly every meal

[Bards in reply to Postie22199]

No, though 1Yr+ postOp it’s still far from rare to feel some discomfort. Not necessarily due to size - can be after a modest Protein Shake or whatever. Not actually nauseated per se, more general purpose ‘Wuuuurrrph’ for want of a more medical term.