Esophageal Varices

[JaniceK]

I have recently been diagnosed with esophageal varices does anyone in the group have these? The diagnosis has frightened me and would like to hear from anyone who has this.

I was diagnosed in 2004 with PBC and only this last 6 months been suffering symptoms of other things and feeling quite unwell.

Jan

[alpha3]

Sorry to hear you're feeling unwell JaniceK, I,m unable to help with the varices but I think they will help At the PBC foundation. Hope you soon feel well again. Best wishes to you for better health

[bobbycat]

Hi, yes I have them..or did have them I am not sure until my next endoscopy if I still have any. . I unfortunately had a bleed and that is how they found them...I was put on a beta blocker to slow heartbeat.and had varices banded three times over a year.. you are fortunate they have been found and will be given treatment...sounds scary but its normally the sign you have cirrhosis now ...did they tell you this? But.dont worry too much as treatment is very good these days. If you need any more info please just contact me. All the best.

[JaniceK in reply to bobbycat]

Good morning Bobbycat.

Thank you for your response. They have said I have cirrhosis and find this very worrying. I am on a beta blocker and they have decided to increase it. I was diagnosed in 2004 with PBC and everything has been ticking over okay until just before Christmas I started feeling unwell and my gp insisted on fortnightly bloods tests which indicated that something wasn't right, she ordered a endoscope where it was noted in April that I have varices that were red fortunately not bleeding.

I am a very outgoing social person and feel this has taken the feet from me, I know you should never read up information on the internet, but noting that you can bleed out has really disturbed me as I have young grandchildren and really would like to see them growing.

Thank for listen.

Jan

[liver-bird]

Sorry to hear you are feeling unwell Janice. I think they can deal with varices so much better now and people seem to pick up their lives again after treatment. I guess you will need more monitoring but you should still be able to enjoy your young grandchildren which I know are a great blessing 😃. Let us know how you get on. Big hug. Diane

[JaniceK]

Thank you Diane

Yes my GP has been absolutely great this past 6 months, and now the consultant seems to be on board. Just took the feet from me I have to say. I shall keep you posted how I am doing.

Big hug back and thank you 😃

[kingsnorth]

What are varices and how would l know if l have them. Hope you are better after your op Janice x