newbie questons- endoscopys

[windsrfr]

Hi All, I'm new to this support group and was hoping to gather some information. I've been infected since mid 80's, have gone through 2 interferon cycles one with rib/peg and cleared after 26 weeks, only to relapse 4 weeks after completion. I'm in good health otherwise, 47 yo male.
My GI Dr. recommended an Endoscopy (sp)? And I also hve a chance to take some jobs that require vaccines for Smallpox, yellowfever and Anthrax. Is the Endoscopy a good idea? and which if any of the immunizations should be avoided? Thanks

[Bill1954]

I too had an endoscopy as well as a colonoscopy recently; in that specific order. I told the doc he was under strict order to sequence the procedures correctly; and if I woke up with bad breath, we’d have to talk :o).

If cirrhosis is suspected, it can “clog up” the liver, causing a condition known as portal hypertension. From this, ‘collateral’ blood flow can develop; this can lead to the possibility of burst blood vessels in the upper and in some cases, the lower GI tract. These can be serious, but the procedure to repair these is relatively simple.

Regarding the vaccines; as always best left to the doc, but I’m personally unaware of any complications with the items mentioned.

Best of luck to you—

Bill

[justme53]

I agree with Lapis and would ask the Dr. why he is recommending the endoscopy. FlGuy makes a good point too about having a colonoscopy AND endoscopy.I had both a month ago and the procedure itself was painfree. The prep the night before was something else altogether, you know, the whole roto rooter thing,, but I think that was more for the colonoscopy than the endoscopy.

[FlGuy]

Endoscope and colon scope are a good idea, especially if you are on the north side of 45ish.  As for the vaccinations, wouldn't you have had small pox already?  Depending on where you might go, yellow fever might be srongly receommended or almost required.  By the way, have you been vaccinated for Hep A and B?  If not, you should get those too.

[HCA]

An endoscopy is indicated if cirrhosis is confirmed or suspected.
It looks for varicose veins known as varices in the oesophagus.
These are caused by the blood flow through the liver being impeded and creating a new route.
If the doctor wants you to have one then go for it-it is precautionary.
I can't help you on vaccinations although I don't know of any restrictions.

[lapis]

Welcome!  I am also relatively new here, just signed on last weekend.  I'm in my 4th week of tx and finding this group to be a great resource.

Unfortunately I don't have answers to your questions about the vaccines.  As to the endoscopy, for what reason is it recommended?  Those types of procedures aren't usually done for screening, but to diagnose or rule out some condition.  Are you having some problems with your upper gastrointestinal tract?

I hope you find some answers here!

Lapis