Therapeutic endoscopy to dilate my lower esophageal ring plus botox injections

[Carolina]

So dearest Sjogren's Angels,

My swallowing study (manometry) found:

1. The ring at the bottom of your esophagus is tight causing some obstruction of things passing from your esophagus into your stomach
2. A couple of your swallows demonstrated some ineffective motility of the esophageal wall.

So I am having a therapeutic endoscopy to dilate my lower ring and also some botox injections to relax the smooth muscles.

Has anyone else had this treatment?  Don't think there is much 'danger' in the treatments, except for the ordinary risk of having anything done.  But I'm so past all that....the fear of that risk.  I've had 'so many things done' and will probably have more.

I'm having the procedure on January 9.  So any experience would be interesting to me.  Words of wisdom and comfort, as well.

Hugs,  Elaine

[Joe S.]

when they did that to me, i bit through the endoscope before they put me under. i told them to put me under first.

[Tharrell]

I have a gastroenterologist appointment at the end of the month and I was going to ask him if we can go ahead and do the botox injections. I got diagnosed with achalasia at my last manometry study. I'm so tired of the chest pain from my esophagus!

[Carolina]

Oh, dear.  So many of us here have the most 'amazing complications' from our Immune Disorders.

I'm never alone here......

Hugs,  Elaine

[Deb 27]

Years ago, my mother got something stuck in her esophagus and had to have that done on an emergency basis. She was back at home that evening feeling fine again!! Now, I wonder if perhaps she didn't have SJS and just didn't know it....

They didn't do botox back then. Not sure what that does, but I hope it help give you some relief. Let us know!! Best wishes!

[ohiolady]

Elaine,

I had this done every six months for three years.  It helped a lot and would still be using except after three years I started having a reaction to botox.  I got severe flu systems, which is a side effect.  It lasted for two weeks each time.  The aching was off the charts!  Good luck and this side effect most likely will not happen to you.

Anna

[Carolina]

Thanks, Anna.  I'll be on the lookout for that side effect. 

I have developed side effects to so many things I once relied upon and I know how sad that can be.

Regards, Elaine