varices banned question

[linda803]

Hi my husband was banned in 6 places on monday for his varices,,and every time he swallow a drink or eats his soft food he gets a burning sensation in his chest,,He is taking 40 mg of pantoprazole a day but Im just concerned about the burning ,,has anyone had this if so can you please let me know thanks linda

[linda803]

  Thanks for the information,,my husband feels better today on day 4,,,for the first couple of days he ate soft food,,today was his first real meal and he did well,,,thanks again  linda

[Magnum]

The first time I had them banded, it hurt over a week. Swallowing mostly, but even when not swallowing, but not as much. The second time it hurt longer, but both times I returned to normal. The doctor said to stay away from meat and bread the first few days, as it aggravates the problem.

You have to remember that things were irritated by the tube and the banding. Perhaps with some people it takes longer. I believe if my memory serves me right, the second time I had them banded it hurt for about 2 weeks. Best of luck...

Magnum

[linda803]

Thanks again hector,, im learning something new every day,, He has to go back april 27th so they can check his varices again,,No bleeds yet thank god,,, He goes back march 24th to be drained again,,  thanks again  talk soon   Hope your feeling better soon take care linda

[HectorSF]

Linda,

Sorry if my writing is wandering (the ol' brain is in the clouds today) but I hope some of this info will be helpful...

1. Did you receive a phone number from the transplant clinic? I have one that I got even before being "listed". UCSF calls it "Triage/Advice Nurse". This number can be used 24/7 by patients with cirrhosis. It can be used for any problems that might occur, questions, and by other doctors and medical facilities to first check with the transplant center before performing any treatment(s). Treatments that may be benign for most persons could be extremely dangerousness for person with advanced cirrhosis.
If you don't have a nurse number now, next time you call or visit the hospital/transplant clinic ask if they have one. They will definitely have one for patients who are "listed".

2. You should be able to call the doctor performed the procedure or the department (Gastroenterology?) and ask to speak to a nurse. Tell them your husband is having pain. That he is taking pantoprazole. Ask "what else he can do about the pain?" Should the pain get worse or not go away in a week or two I would tell them you need an urgent appointment. They may tell you to go to ER which is okay but I would bring the phone number of your husband's doctor so they can understand your husband's history and condition.

I believe Magnum had banding done at some point? He may be able to describe his experience and any post surgery pain.

Management of Oesophageal Varices
Helen Livett – Nurse Endoscopist

http://www.mgns.org.uk/Programme%20presentations/21-11-08/Management%20of%20Oesophageal%20Varices.pdf

Healing of Varices Post Banding:

Patients may experience transient chest pain, pain on swallowing and dysphagia (swallowing is difficult or painful).
A soft diet is recommended for the first few days post procedure. Treatment should be repeated in a week for acute bleeds but for elective patients it is advised to wait for a few
weeks to allow for healing.

Ciao.
Hectorsf