Important question - ThinnerTimes

Brooke220 · 11-24-2005, 04:51 AM

Hello, everyone. It's Thanksgiving morn and I hope everyone has a happy day with family and friends. This is the first one that the food hasn't been the be-all and end-all of the day -- I'm actually looking forward to seeing family more than feasting (maybe because I can't feast -- thank goodness, too).

Well, anyway, HERE's MY IMPORTANT PROBLEM and QUESTIONs: Some of you may remember, right after my surgery I was complaining of a funny feeling in my esophagus "before" the food even reaches my stomach. Sometimes that feeling subsides momentarily when I burp, but it comes back. It's a pressure but it's also a raw, very uncomfortable feeling. I get it when I walk, bend over, or even feel stress. Sometimes I think that's the whole reason for my nausea.

Here's my question: Does anyone think the problem is related to the tube they put down my throat for surgery? Is it possible they injured the lining of my esophagus? Is it possible I have an ulcer? Should I get an x-ray? Will an x-ray involve another tube down my throat? or just drinking a lot of fluid before an x-ray?

Or is this just a simple scratch that will heal with time? It's been almost 8 weeks since my surgery now.

I would appreciate your thoughts, experiences, advice, and help. Thanks in advance for all responses.

lealphachienne · 11-24-2005, 07:30 AM

There is a chance that the breathing tube inserted during surgery has caused some nerve damage. You would need to discuss it with your surgeon. Generally, it's another tube they use to visualize the tissue. An x-ray won't show up minor damage. You may also have a stricure, which is scar tissue in the area that may be constricting things.

coptergirl · 11-24-2005, 08:23 AM

I would go see your doctor to clear it all up. Best of luck to you, and please do keep us posted...

LizardQueen · 11-24-2005, 09:22 AM

I think you need to call your doc and tell him your concerns! I'm sure it's a minor thing related to surgery but you need to know so you can have some peace of mind! Enjoy your day with your family!

Brooke220 · 11-24-2005, 10:08 AM

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I just emailed the WLS head nurse and the nurse practitioner althought I don't expect to hear from them until after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Brooke220 · 11-30-2005, 04:08 AM

The head WLS nurse wants me to come in and see my surgeon. I thought I was feeling better; I've been eating more and drinking my protein drink -- but I also quit taking my nausea meds and I feel rough again, so I guess I'll make an appointment for next week. Besides, the nurse wants me to do that, even if I feel better.

okiegrl · 04-13-2006, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooke220

The head WLS nurse wants me to come in and see my surgeon. I thought I was feeling better; I've been eating more and drinking my protein drink -- but I also quit taking my nausea meds and I feel rough again, so I guess I'll make an appointment for next week. Besides, the nurse wants me to do that, even if I feel better.

Hey Brooke -

What did this end up being? I just got out of the hospital "again" and found out that my esophagus narrows as it enters my pouch. It seems I have to go back in TWO weeks to have Dr. Maher do an endoscopy to try and stretch it out. They said it wasn't a complication of surgery, rather something pre-existing.

Brooke220 · 04-14-2006, 06:43 AM

Hi, Cindy,

Mine is still an occasional discomfort I've grown very used to; it has to do with my pouch but I don't seem to have any trouble eating, unless it's chicken. Tell me though, what kind of feeling do you have? Does it feel like a mild to medium pressure in your chest?

okiegrl · 04-14-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooke220

Hi, Cindy,

Mine is still an occasional discomfort I've grown very used to; it has to do with my pouch but I don't seem to have any trouble eating, unless it's chicken. Tell me though, what kind of feeling do you have? Does it feel like a mild to medium pressure in your chest?

Hey Brooke -

It feels like a massive weight is upon my throat...usually just above the neck line. Sometimes it is further down, but it really feels like something is stuck and just won't go down. It is really a miserable feeling.

Brooke220 · 04-15-2006, 09:04 AM

Cindy,

Yeah, mine feels like that once in a while, but I've learned to live with it. I wonder if yours is something different because it sounds worse than mine.