Possible ulcerated oesophagus!

[WillOllier]

I've had back pain recently that doesn't feel like PMR and is accompanied by acid reflux. Went to see the doctor today and she feels it might be referred pain from an ulcerated oesophagus due to too long on Pred (2 and 1/2 years and now on 5mg.) Has anyone else experienced this? She has ordered more routine blood tests to be sure and also an appointment to have a camera down to take a look. This cant happen for 2 months though so I'm a bit stressed waiting for that although she did reassure me that she felt there was nothing more sinister than an ulcer. Has anyone else had the camera down the throat? She has also told me to increase my dose of Omeprazole to 2 tablets a day (40mg). Having trouble sleeping now the acid reflux is much worse at night with just the stabbing pain in my back during the day which comes and goes. So I'm busy reading all the old posts about acid reflux, what to eat etc.! All really useful. Not sure what the treatment will be for an ulcer? Happy days!!

[Theziggy]

I've had am endoscopy quite a few times. I was offered me the choice to be semi-sedated but I declined.

The procedure is a bit uncomfortable, but if you stay relaxed it makes it a lot easier.

I climbed off the operating table and walked back into the ward, and was on my way home within half an hour as opposed to a maybe 2 to 3 hour wait if I have been semi-sedated.!

You'll be fine!!!

[WillOllier in reply to Theziggy]

Oh thanks so much that sounds pretty routine I feel reassured as you say just need to relax!

[Rugger in reply to WillOllier]

I was like Theziggy and didn't have sedation, but they spray the back of your throat so you don't feel the endoscope going in. You lie on your left side for the procedure and a nurse will hold your hand if you want. Lying on your left side at night may help a little, due to the anatomy of your stomach.

Relax and the procedure will soon be done!

[WillOllier in reply to Rugger]

Oh thanks so much for the reassurance! Will try lying on left side . Good news is the double omeprazole seems to be easing the symptoms of acid reflux 👍👍

[Songbird69]

Hello. Just to put your mind at rest, the camera down the throat isn’t that bad. The secret is to try and relax. I have had many!

The usual treatment, unless caused by the bacteria h pylori, is usually omeprazole! So you may find that that pretty much sorts it by the time you have your procedure!

If it’s caused by h pylori, then it’s antibiotics.

Whichever, you will be fine and sorted soon.

Good luck.

[WillOllier in reply to Songbird69]

Cheers for reassurance about the endoscopy. You sound like a veteran! I've already upped the omeprazole to 40mg and although not much has changed yet - just 3 days on 40mg I'm hoping it might do the trick given more time. I've taken on board all the warnings about the various "zoles" but I guess I have to go with it for now. I'm also taking thick yogurt with the Pred & Omeprazole and have the Gaviscon at the ready. Also cutting the coffee and alcohol and sticking to plainish food. The acid reflux symptoms are not too bad during the day when I'm up and about but the minute I go to bed its worse so trying to nod off propped up on several pillows. Will check out the h pylori. Thanks again, this forum is such a great help during the wee small hours while we are pacing the floor unable to sleep!

[Songbird69]

I wish I could say that I wasn’t a veteran, but sadly I can’t argue the point! It sounds a though you are doing all the right things.

Hope it all improves quickly for you.

[WillOllier in reply to Songbird69]

Many thanks!

[Liby57]

I had endoscopy and colonoscopy as part of my initial tests for PMR. I was semi-sedated and it was all done very quickly.

Have you tried sleeping on your left side? This is supposed to help with nighttime acid reflux due to gravity and the position of your stomach. Also raising your bed or pillows.

[WillOllier in reply to Liby57]

Thanks so much . Hadn’t heard that so will try sleeping on left side 👍

[Theziggy]

The main reason that I didn't sedate was that I could leave the hospital very shortly after the procedure, whereas if I had have been sedated I would have had to stay there until the sedation had worn completely off.

[Rugger in reply to Theziggy]

Yes, that is a bonus and a reason not to be sedated!