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Suggest Alternative Procedures To Detect Stomach Problems That Doesnt Use Anesthesia
Question: Hi Doctor:
I discussed this situation with another md at Health Magic who was very helpful. I went to the er a week ago for severe epigastric pain. They gave me pepcid iv and fluids which helped me. Pain went away. Came home with Lazoprazole and Carafate. Went to md for follow up. Ordered a gallbladder us which I will keep appointment. I stopped taking the carafate too heavy for my stomach, but continuing with the Lazoprazole, which seems to help. I stopped taking 81mg low dose aspirin to. No epigastic pain, just get acid reflux at times. I don't eat right cause of the hours I keep on my job. I am trying to change my diet and avoid foods that may trigger the acid reflux. I am under tremendous stress r/t to mostly my job. MD wants me to see GI spec. If I see GI md I am reluctant to get an endoscopy to detect problems with acid reflux. I did, however, get an endoscopy about 6 years ago which showed gastritis everything else fine. I get attacks of cardiac pvs and am so afraid of anesthesia. Are there other alternatives to procedures they can use to detect stomach problems for patients that cannot have anesthesia due to various reasons. I did have an abdominal us a bit over a year ago and everything was fine. Please advise. Thank you and much appreciated.
I discussed this situation with another md at Health Magic who was very helpful. I went to the er a week ago for severe epigastric pain. They gave me pepcid iv and fluids which helped me. Pain went away. Came home with Lazoprazole and Carafate. Went to md for follow up. Ordered a gallbladder us which I will keep appointment. I stopped taking the carafate too heavy for my stomach, but continuing with the Lazoprazole, which seems to help. I stopped taking 81mg low dose aspirin to. No epigastic pain, just get acid reflux at times. I don't eat right cause of the hours I keep on my job. I am trying to change my diet and avoid foods that may trigger the acid reflux. I am under tremendous stress r/t to mostly my job. MD wants me to see GI spec. If I see GI md I am reluctant to get an endoscopy to detect problems with acid reflux. I did, however, get an endoscopy about 6 years ago which showed gastritis everything else fine. I get attacks of cardiac pvs and am so afraid of anesthesia. Are there other alternatives to procedures they can use to detect stomach problems for patients that cannot have anesthesia due to various reasons. I did have an abdominal us a bit over a year ago and everything was fine. Please advise. Thank you and much appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Please discuss the possibility of doing a barium swallow procedure
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Your anesthesia concerns are understandable. Please note that presently thin caliber fiberoptic endoscopes are used and these are introduced in to the mouth after giving anesthetic spray and three is little discomfort.
2. If you still would like to avoid endoscopy and still want to get evaluated for acid reflux and related conditions then you can get a braium swallow procedure done.
3. Barium swallow procedure is an office procedure and does not require anesthesia. Your will be given to swallow barium in a liquid consistency like a flavored drink and then series of X rays will be taken.
4. Barium passing through the esophagus and in to the stomach will outline the walls of the esophagus and stomach and these will be seen on the X rays.
5. However it is important to know that only one in three people with changes in the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux disease will show a finding on barium swallow X ray.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please discuss the possibility of doing a barium swallow procedure
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Your anesthesia concerns are understandable. Please note that presently thin caliber fiberoptic endoscopes are used and these are introduced in to the mouth after giving anesthetic spray and three is little discomfort.
2. If you still would like to avoid endoscopy and still want to get evaluated for acid reflux and related conditions then you can get a braium swallow procedure done.
3. Barium swallow procedure is an office procedure and does not require anesthesia. Your will be given to swallow barium in a liquid consistency like a flavored drink and then series of X rays will be taken.
4. Barium passing through the esophagus and in to the stomach will outline the walls of the esophagus and stomach and these will be seen on the X rays.
5. However it is important to know that only one in three people with changes in the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux disease will show a finding on barium swallow X ray.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor for your quick reply. I would consider then the fibrotic endoscope with anesthetic spray. That would not require anethesia correct. Also, I am feeling better at this time. Could I monitor symptoms and should they completely improve, then maybe I can hold off on the any further testing providing the gallbladder us is negative.
Brief Answer:
Fiberoptic endoscopy is a good choice for you
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Fiberoptic endoscopy is an easy way to know more about your reflux disease and with anesthetic spray you will not have any discomfort.
2. Nice to know that you are feeling better and hope this phase continues. Please try to be stress free at work and home.
3. Yes, this one endoscopy test and then you can relax. This is important for you because 6 years back there was gastritis and the endoscopy will tell you if the signs of gastritis are still present.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Fiberoptic endoscopy is a good choice for you
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Fiberoptic endoscopy is an easy way to know more about your reflux disease and with anesthetic spray you will not have any discomfort.
2. Nice to know that you are feeling better and hope this phase continues. Please try to be stress free at work and home.
3. Yes, this one endoscopy test and then you can relax. This is important for you because 6 years back there was gastritis and the endoscopy will tell you if the signs of gastritis are still present.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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