Upper Endoscopy Yesterday with 4 Biopsies is that bad?

[jenniferk86]

I just got diagnosed with gastro-paresis ( paralyzed stomach or delayed gastric emptying) and told It takes me5 x the normal time to digest any food. I am constantly nauseated and throwing up even on Zofran and Reglan and have lost 55 lbs in the past 3 months and now am under 120lbs.  Yesterday they did an upper endoscopy and said that my stomach was inflamed and they also did 4 biopsies.  They want to do an mri and a ct scan and to follow up with them as well.  I do not know what this means as I could not ask the doctor any questions as he left while I was unconscious and the person who relayed the info to me did not remember a lot or do a very good job.  

Can anyone tell me if this is a bad sign having 4 biopsies? does this typically happen or is that a sign that they saw something abnormal in there? also what about the inflamed stomach and the ct and mri suggestions... is it likely I have small intestinal cancer? my symptoms fit, but wouldn't they tell me if they thought that was likely or hold off until they got some biopsy reports? Pleas anything to ease my mind or to prepare me for the worst would help.  Thank you.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I agree with what CalGal said.  In addition to that, it is unlikely that you have small intestinal cancer.  Has your doctor tried any other medications besides zofran and reglan?  Do you live in the US?  I too have gastroparesis so let me know if you have any questions.

[CalGal]

No, it's not a bad thing the doc did 4 biopsies. In fact, it's a good thing. He probably took those samples from different regions to look for anything that might be happening under the surfaces of the tissues in each area - and that's great! Everyone who has an upper endoscopy should be so lucky. He did a thorough job and is probably trying to rule-in or rule out common conditions that can occur in each section of the GI tract that he was able to reach.