digestive issues before tx

[copyman]

did anyone have digestive problems like rumbling/noise in stomach and constipation "before" tx? any remedies for this? thanks

[FlGuy]

Thanks for the comment.  I see the endo guy next Tues, also happens to be tx doc and I'll get the run down

[Cindy10]

I have had acid reflux for several years now. The doctors thought it was my thyroid acting up (subacute thyroiditis) spelling? So they put me on Naproxen for a long time (before I knew about HCV) and it got worse and worse until I started tasting blood. Then the doc said I dont think its your thyroid I think it acid reflux and you should stop the naproxen (you think). Anyway they put me on Prilosec and after a couple endoscopy's I found out I was fine, a couple polyps (spelling again) and a nodule on my esophogus which they remove then and there. Since then I just take one pill a day and problem solved.

My doctor said the same about taking the PPI to prevent cancer. One word of caution FL Guy (may not effect you) but when I started the prilosec, I got constipated real bad like over a week, not good. Once past that no problems ever again.

[jmjm530]

You might want to ask for your endo report, and if you're going to show it to another doctor, then you'd want the film of any pictures they took. I find it absolutely amazing that they "explain" these things to you when coming out of anasthesia. They did likewise with me as well, and had almost no recollection of the conversation. You would think the doctors would know this and make it a point to call you the next day to explain things when you are actually conscious. I shake my head so much coming out of doctor's appointments that it's a wonder I haven't slipped a disk by now.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

A PPI like Prevacid is prescribed with Barrett's even if your asymptomatic. The purpose is to prevent further damage to the esophagus as well as lessen the chance of esophagheal cancer. Of course some of this depends on exactly what is the extent of your Barrett's. In my case, I had just the beginning of Barrett's but actually just received a certified letter from the gastro telling me I was overdue for my follow-up endo with all kinds of grave warnings about cancer. Probably a legal thing but I will at least have my film read by another gastro and then reconsider the endo as I'm not in the mood these days for doctors, meds, procedures, etc. BTW PPI's generally have few if any side effects. I tried a couple and ended up with Nexium which I tolerated very well.

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

That angle was never explained to me.  I've got an appt with him soon and I'll explore it further.  Thanks for the heads up.  The implication was that the prevacid treated symptoms, of which I had few or none.  On the other hand, this conversation took place when I was coming out from the anesthesia from the proceures and I was not exactly clear of head.

[FlGuy]

Part of the problem is mine.  I am so myopic toward hcv that other matters that should have my attention get pushed to the background.  My stupid justification is that if I don't resolve the hcv what else matters.  I suppose I need to get a little more holistic in my point of view.  Thanks again.

[jmjm530]

The reason they rx PPI's (Prevacid) with Barrett's is to prevent esophagheal cancer. Depending on the degree of the Barrett's, I'd think again about taking a PPI and definitely have a follow-up endo. I was dx with something called short-(something) Barrett's and was told to return in one year for another scope.

All the best,

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

Before tx#2 gastro did colon and endo scopes for the 'full look' .  He dx'ed gastritis, barret's esophagus and gastro reflux. I was a little surprised since I never experienced a lot of 'gastro' type disturnaces.  He rx'ed prevacid, which I never filled. With 'early cirrhosis' and the tx meds I'm reluctant to throw more pills in me. About the only symptons I've expereince in the last few years were the kind that my kids react to with 'Dad, you're so gross'.  So, I guess it affects them more than me.