Very Large Hiatus Hernia

[Spring-02]

I had black runny stools last summer and during my cholesterol testing, the nurse also checked my iron levels. They were very low so I was put on two Slo-Fe iron pills daily.  I was referred to a surgeon, who did an endoscopy.  He said there was no sign of cancer but I had the largest hiatus hernia he had ever seen.  I don't have GERD symptoms, nor do I smoke, drink and am not overweight.  He mentioned that I may have been born with this disorder and the hernia is moving up into my diaphram area.  He has ordered an Upper GI series of tests and a colonscopy.  I suffer from undiagnosed neurological symptoms, twitching, numbness and nerve pain. I also have a history of allergies and react to anaesthetic.  There is also a history of bleeding disorders in my family, so I am not looking forward to the scope.  Although my clotting factor is normal, I have pinpoint blood spots all over my body.  A lot of foods don't agree with me, so I have learned to stay away from them.  I have just been diagnosed with high chlosterol and am on meds to lower my blood pressure and to reduce my water retention. I don't feel sick, except for the pain and numbness in my legs, hands and arms.   After the endoscopy, the doctor said he didn't need to do the scope, since he found the source of the unexplained bleeding.  I had been taking a low dose daily aspirin and nightime aspirin to help relieve the pain. They think this caused the internal bleeding.  Then they called and said they had reviewed my chart and now felt that they should do the scope.  I would like some advice. Thank you.

[Spring-02]

My colonscopsy went fine, no sign of any cancer. They also previously checked
me for celiac disease and I don't have it.  I have to have surgery for the very large para-esphogical hernia.  The pathology report on my breast abnormality came back cancer free as well, so I have have much to be grateful for.  However, I did not do as well in the recovery room after my minor surgery.  I was in there for over three hours and they had to put me on oxygen and cover me with heated blankets.  My hands were icy cold and I could not stay awake.  They kept telling me to take deep breaths but I would do that for a little while and then fall back asleep.  They finally had to put the blood oxygen level on my ear as it wasn't registering on my fingers, since they were icy cold.  She kept asking me if I had Reynard's but I looked up the symptoms for that and I don't, although I have cold hands at times.

So, I am more anxious about my upcoming major surgery to repair this giant hernia, but mainly because I don't know how I will react to the anaesthetic.  My younger brother had major surgery when he was twelve and they had to rush him back into the OR and drain his lungs, as he developed pneumonia.  I have many allergies, so I am worried over having a larger dose of anaesthetic and being under much longer for this next surgery.

Thank you for your reply.

[Jaybay]

Please don't be afraid of the colonoscopy.  Honestly, the prep is worse than the procedure.  :-)  You shouldn't be aware of, or remember a thing.  If you're sensitive to anesthesia, make sure you mention it to the anesthesiologist, who should come talk to you anyway before they take you to the scope room.

You mention undiagnosed neuro problems, and I wonder if you have ever been tested for celiac disease.  In many people, the gluten in wheat and other grains causes an immune system response that does damage to the small intestine, and doesn't allow the body to properly absorb and use nutrients.  If you can't absorb B vitamins, you'll get the tingling and numbness in your extremities.  Celiac disease can be diagnosed with a blood test.  Also, the doc can take a tiny biopsy of your small intestine and have that checked when you have your scope done.  Something to ask your doc about anyway.

[live4fitness]

I had a colonoscopy. It was not bad at all. They don't "sedate" you they give you a drug where you won't remember when you wake up. You get alittle groggy. But if it helps then I would do. You could also look into a second opionion.

good luck