EDOSCOPY

I AM HEP C-GEN-1- GOING TO START TREATMENT POSSIBE IN JUNE- MY DOCTOR SCEDULED ME FOR A EDOSCOPY TO SEE IF MY VAINS WERE IN GOOD SHAPE OR DO I NEED MEDS- I PUNKED OUT AND ELECTED  TO DO A  A BARIUM EXRAY INSTEAD - SHOUILD BE ABE TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY UNDERLYING PROBLEMS- I AM A STAGE 3- I ASSUME MILD CIRROSIS (cirrhosis)- DID ANYONE OUT THERE DO THESE TEST TO SEE IF YOUR ESHOPOGUS IS AFFECTED- IS THIS ROUTINE AND IS IT COMMEN FORHEP C PEOPLE TO HAVE VEINS IN YOUR BODY ERUPT- HE SAID IT COULD HAPPEN AND THERE IS MEDS FOR PROBLEMS IF DISCOVERED- PARDEN MY SPELLING- THANK YOU WALT

[missy60051]

Well it's nothing I've had done, but I'm only 39 yrs. old.

I'm sure others more experienced will come by for your answers.

Missy

[mikesimon]

With cirrhosis there is a possibility of developing esophageal varices which are distended blood vessels located in the esophagus. Endoscopy is the standard way to check for varices - they pass a tube which provides a visual image down your throat and into your esophagus. I had many of these procedures due to the fact that I had a major bleed from esophageal varices (they can rupture when they become distended) and they had to repair, or as they put it obliterate, the varices. I didn't mind the procedures as they administered versed which is a twilight anesthesia drug and it was painless and not a big deal. If your doctors are concerned that you may have esophageal varices I would want an endoscopy to see what is going on before anything untoward occurs. I wish you luck. Mike

[antman]

my Dr. did this test on me before i started tx. it's just a precaution to see if you have varices, like Mike said. he's doing a thorugh job. it's sounds like you have a knowlegeable Dr. as far as any discomfort goes. forget about it. they will knock you out and when you come to 20 min. later, it's all over. you have to be patient with this disease. there will be many tests with what seems like long waitng inbetween. we all go through it. good luck.

[FlGuy]

I had endoscope before tx too.  It's a reasonable thing to do for people with advanced liver involvement (I'm early cirrhosis). Doc did it same time (not at the same moment) as a colonscope.  I was completely knocked out when both were done. Not a bad procedure to go through, it gives you a more complete picture of where you are

[mikesimon]

If he used the same tube I do hope he did the colonoscopy first. Mike

[mikesimon]

Sorry, I meant I hope he did the ENDOSCOPY first. What was I thinking? Mike

[FlGuy]

Only half-jokingly, I asked the doc the same question.

[mikesimon]

These procedures always trigger a weird type of humor and generally with no premeditation. It was at least 1 year after my transplant when a transplant doctor asked me when I had my last colonoscopy. I replied that I'd never had one and with incredulity he asked how I got a transplant without having had a clonoscopy. My response: it must have slipped through the cracks. He didn't think that was at all funny. Mike

[FlGuy]

My GI is my scope guy and tx doc.  Over the years we have developed a friendly relationship.  He and I have both been taken to school somewhat in the subject of 'hard to treat' hcv.  As a result, he's been more exposed to some of the advanced current concepts of hcv treatment. He's spent time with the univ liverhead with whom I consulted and  who designed current tx which the GI executes.  But the major portion of his practice is not hcv.  The other hcv doc's I have access to (insurance limitation) failed their 'interviews' with me. So although he might not be the 'top' hcv guy I like him and we get along very well.  But sometimes I'm a little leary when it comes to hand shaking.

[mikesimon]

I wouldn't worry about a GI. Despite all of the studies and theories that fly around here I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to help you with HCV, notwithstanding your liver architecture. You basically need scripts for drugs and tests when you're treating. The biggest problem that I see here is a lack of knowledge and you've been here long enough to make up for any deficiencies that your doctors may have. Hey, don't we all know more than our doctors anyway? I wish you good luck FlGuy. Mike

[l-horn]

He'll know after he comes out of the anesthesia. poopy taste is never a good sign.

[FlGuy]

After a previous scope the first thing the doc said to me was 'Hey FLguy, you did not do such a good job of cleaning yourself out'.  Although a little embarrased, I thought it was pretty funny.  I immediatley looked around the white tile room for evidence of FL splatter, didn't see any on the wall or on the doc so I thought it was not as bad as he suggested.   Heck, I ate and drank all that nasty stuff and followed the 'clean out directions' to the "t".  After a few scopes you sure learn to leave any modesty in the plastic bag with the rest of your belongings.  At least now I'm on a less-frequent schedule.

[GoofyDad]

Mike: With cirrhosis there is a possibility of developing esophageal varices

Never one to miss an opportunity to take the conversation down the chute - I should point out that anal varicies are also a real possiblity.

FLguy: Not a bad procedure to go through, it gives you a more complete picture of where you are

Ya talkin' medical-wise, gender orientation-wise, or general kinks and twists?

FLguy: although he might not be the 'top' hcv guy I like him and we get along very well.

Seriously, that's really important. Spare me the liverheads with 5 minutes to talk to ya. I want a dude that's willing to ponder and speculate with me. Flowers the morning after the colonoscopy are a nice touch too.