UGI Results

My UGI test had the following impression:  1.) Very mild intermittent spontaneous gastroesophageal relux however without changes of reflux esophagitis.  2.)Prominence of the rugal folds within the gastric body and fundus. Whether this is due to incomplete distension, or gastritis is unclear.

My symptons are vomitting 2-3 times daily which has resulted in weight loss from 118 to 98 pounds. I am 5'3' and petite.  My ideal weight for me is 110 pounds. While vomitting my sinuses run and there is blood in the mucus. I also have mucas in my bms and have diareah more times than not.My bms are always within a few hours of eating.

I am taking the following medications:2 Citrucel Tablets daily (when able to swallow), Synthroid .075 (had graves disease), Lexapro, Vitamins E and C (when able to swallow), Xanax for anxiety 1-2 per wk, Tricor 160 mg for high trygliceroids,My family Dr. put me on 40 mg Protonix until I can see the gastro Dr.& she is the who ordered the ugi.

My symptons have been going on for 3 mos.I have been on the Protonix for two weeks. It has offered some relief. This is my best week so far as I haven't vommited in 4 days. I have been able to swallow the Citrucel these last four days also.

I cut my smoking back to 1 pack a day (was 2 and am still working on it), I quit coffee several weeks ago, I drink beer,and quit worrying about my cholesteral & am trying to eat as many small meals as I can and worrying about the fat content.I was drinking ensure/fiber until I threw that up and it was curdled.

In the ugi findings: thoracic esophagus distends appropriately, no persistent area of strictures or dilation, no intrinsic or extrinsic mass lesion. Contrast freely flows, mucosa unremarkable, no other focal lesions, duodenal $ remaining duodenum normal.

I finally get to see the gastro doc on Tuesday (7 week waiting list)& he has a tendency to talk over my head. What treatment or tests would you order if I was your patient & what questions should I ask him?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Weight loss and mucous in the stools are suspicious for a malabsorption syndrome.  I would suggest tests for celiac disease (via a blood test) and tests for fat malabsorption (via a fecal fat test).  A colonoscopy should also be considered.

With the prominence of the gastric folds, I would suggest an upper endoscopy.  This is a more comprehensive test that can evaluate and biopsy what is causing this.  An H Pylori test (this is a bacteria associated with gastritis) should also be considered.  

If you continue to have symptoms of reflux despite the anti-acid medications you are on, you can also consider a 24-hr pH study to document the amount of reflux you are having.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[courtyard]

I forgot to mention that I am totally exhausted from having to get up thru-out the night to have a bm on my good days. Also, I am under extreme stress right now due to my Mother dying from lung cancer, family situtations w/ my siblings, & and increasing job duties. A month ago, it took everything I had to get up in the am and to get ready for work. I am a director of a accounting dept for a small hospital (160 bed) that also owns 3 other corps. My level of education is just a BS degree in accounting. I am 43 years old.