Varies in the Esophagus

[wrecksm]

I am a 72 year old husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather suffering from Cirrhosis of the Liver.  This condition was diagnosed in 1994 0r 5 following the discovery of Hepatitis C.  It was suspected that I acquired the Hep. C as a result of a 1968 auto collision requiring a blood transfusion, as the blood screening was almost non-existant back then.  I however was a pretty heavy user of alcoholic products from age 20 to 39 years of age.  I completely went the dry road in 1972.  So I have always wondered if my Hematologist was really accurate.  I had a liver biopsy done that year of discovery revealing scaring.  Since the hep. C seemed to lay dormant at that time and for several years to follow, I chose not to take treatment.  Since the first of this year, my condition has worsend.  I have been fighting fluid retention, abdominal pain, diverticulosis, and other things associated with one in my condition.  Recent exams (colonoscopy, upper GI, a CT & EGD) revealed no cancer or polyps at this time.  The spleen is continuing to enlarge, and VARIES were discovered in my esophagus, which my specialist wants to check periodicly.  They are not too large at this point. I am hoping to have someone explain the sugnificance of VARIES and what part they play in an over all prognosis.  I am also having increasing HICCUPS, causing some difficulties and continue needing Ondansetron for my daily nausea.  I will thank you now for any replies.  My concerns are starting to get the best of me.
Rex

[jmjm530]

If you're a little computer savvy, there's a moderated chat on cirrhosis tomorrow night at 8PM, Eastern time over at Hepatitis Neighborhood. Perhaps the PA could give you some additional insight.  http://tinyurl.com/8apfc

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Thanks for sharing the information and web stie.

Wondering your medical team is advising treating the hep c post transplant and what the sucess rates are? Also, if you want, maybe you could tell us a little about quality of life before and after transplant. Thanks.

-- Jim

[wrecksm]

Thanks again, I'll try to check that chat out.

Another thing I thought you or some one else might be able to help me on is this question I have.  Would it be possible for
Varisces to cause vocal problems?  My voice has been weak for some years and is especially poor most of the time now.  It is much of the time reduced to a whisper mixed in with the hoarseness.  I mentioned it to my DR. and didn't get a definitive answer.  Still haven't gotten any better answers to my blasted hiccups either.
If it sounds like I'm reaching for straws....I probably am.
Thanks for putting up with me.
Rex

[jmjm530]

Yes, hoarsness can be assocated with varisces. Not sure about the hiccups and varisces.

On the other hand, both hoarseness and hiccups are associated with GERD (reflux). Best thing is to see an ENT and they will poke down your throat with a thin lighted instrument, check to see if your larnyx is red and/or swollen and come up with a vague diagnosis or shuttle you off to a gastro doctor for another vauge diagnosis:)

Seriously, it's probably worth having an ENT poke around if you haven't already.

-- Jim

[wrecksm]

Yes they have, and found that I had Thrush as a result of taking 4 Antibiotics over the last 6 months.  It is supposed to be gone now.
One additional thing I have failed to mention is that I have had very low platelets on my last few blood workups.

I will give you a break and again thanks for the info.
Rex

[dammitjanet]

Here's a little help with the lingo.  DX=diagnosis  TX=treatment SX=side effects  RX=prescription  OTC=over-the-counter meds  PCR (or PCR by RNA)= qualitative or quantitative blood test for HepC. Qualitative gives either positive or undetectable result for HepC.  Quantitative gives amount of virus in your system, Viral Load (VL).  EVR = Early viral response. Looking for at least a 2 log drop in VL (ie, from 1,000,000 to 10,000) at 12-week PCR during tx, or undetectable (even better!)  SVR - Sustained viral response - Virus undetectable 6 months (and beyond) post treatment.  Hope that will make your reading a little easier.  DJ