Hi gang, I Just dropped in to search and linger a bit.........
I had a cardiac scoring chest scan 2 months or so ago. I scored great on that. 😊 But in that process because they saw a couple other things.
I then had a CT Chest Scan and then a CT chest scan with contrast - I was referred to a Pulmonologist who informed us of a 9mm noncalcified Pulmonary nodule in the superior segment of the right lower lobe. For that finding I will have a follow up Chest CT scan with contrast after 3 months. If there is no change in it there will be no worry.
I was referred to a Gastroenterologist with the reading also of Distal thickening in my esophagus, and then an upper GI that showed extreme reflux. I have had intermittent swallowing issues with spasms and chest pain, though I have never had heartburn. And I also cough a lot when I eat or lay down. I am using a Breo inhaler that has helped with congestion. I did not have a clue all these things connected together; the cough, congestion and esophagus thing
They then did an esophageal manometry test that revealed GERDs and threw the term ?Jack hammer esophagus? in the mix too.
And now he will do a endoscopy, they will put me to sleep on that one and also tag a small device in my esophagus to monitor activity for 24hrs.
This is tomorrow morning.
So here I am doing esophagus searches and reading everyone?s experiences. And now I am going to try to sleep.😔
Any advice, comfort, experience or further knowledge is appreciated ❤️
I have had a couple of esophagoscopies with dilatation and they went well. Anytime a person is put to sleep we sort of shutter in our shoes at the thought. Generally these type of scopings are an IV sedation that is not considered general anesthesia and is short acting. Cant drive the same day and have to lay low til one becomes more alert and energy returns. Tend to have a sleepy day from it.
Hope all goes well. Irish
Thank you Irish, you are of course right. It was IV sedation like the colonoscopy type. It?s like you close your eyes and then open them and it?s done.
I am wearing a digitrap (scope hanging out my nose) over night (24hrs) to diagnos reflux and jack hammer esophagus with a ph value and recorder.
They took some biopsies. Though he said my esophagus look good.
Now I am hoping nothing to worry about.
Did not like the doctor, he was the rude and arrogant type.
I have a great Rhuemy and an Endocrinologist.
I will go to a different Gastroenterologist if I have anything else in that area.
Dear Kimbo,
I'm glad the upper endoscopy went well. I've had three, the last one with balloon angioplasty to open the valve at the bottom (I have achalasia) and injections of Botox to relax the muscles.
Upper endoscopies are so much easier than colonoscopies because there is no nasty preparation the night before.
I hope all of your on going tests are useful. And if more assistance is needed from a Gastroenterologist you should do careful research to find a competent and supportive doctor. Your sense of respect and care from a doctor is part of your treatment!
Regards, Elaine