annkd Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Next Wednesday I am going in for another endoscopy (last one was two years ago). This time, besides the typical reasons for the procedure the doctor is going to stretch the esophagus as well as do a biopsy for celiac disease. Has anyone had this done and if so could you share your experience with me. I am having such horrible esophageal spams and swallowing problems - this, evidently, should help with these issues. I'm a bit nervous. Many thanks!! Ann Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jefa Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hi, Ann. I've had two endoscopies, but nothing involving stretching. Hopefully someone will be able to jump in with some relevant experience. Here is a link from our medical tests page which may be informative: Esophageal Dilation Esophageal dilatation is the technique used to stretch or open the blocked portion of the esophagus. Jackson Gastroenterology Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peggy Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I had this done at Mayo. I slept through the whole thing and was awakened when it was over. They took the biopsy while they did the endoscopy. I was told for a good 5 years that I had celiac disease. They diagnosed by blood work and symptoms only. When I started getting sick with sclero (I didn't know I had this) I was told it was because of the Celiac Disease. The doctor at Mayo who is a leading specialist in the disease ordered the biopsy and it came back NEGATIVE. I am gluten sensitive but I don't have celiac disease. If you do have it you are seeing a lot more support groups setting up on this disease. There are also more books on it and recipes. Some of the bread that is gluten free tastes like tree bark so if you have it you're going to want to get the recipes that people use who say they can't tell the difference between that bread and regular bread. I wish you good luck and I'm sure it will all go fine. Please let us know what you find out. You sure see a lot of sclero sufferers who also have celiac disease, which makes sense being it's another autoimmune disease. Warm hugs, Peggy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nan Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Ann, I had my esophagus stretched and it did help. My husband had the biopsy done for celiac. Neither of us had a problem. Good luck to you. Nan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jillatk Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Ann, I just had the same procedure done at the beginning of the month. The whole thing took about 30 minutes. They stretched my esophagus and I have not noticed any help from it. My throat was a little sore the day after, but no major problems to report. I think the worst part of it was not being able to eat or drink until after it was done - and of course it was scheduled for late in the afternoon! Jill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jeannie McClelland Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Hi Ann, I had my esophagus stretched 3 times. The first two were during an EGD and the third was during a Nissen fundoplication. I didn't find the stretching helped with the esophageal spasm. It took the fundoplication, which pretty much eliminated the GERD, to do that. I didn't have any negative experiences any of the times and quite enjoyed my naps! Best of luck, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
smac0719 Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I have had 2 endoscopies, but neither included stretching. I have a co-worker who did have to get his esophagus stretched recently and he said it was a pretty easy process. He mentioned a little discomfort the evening of the procedure, but he was fine the next day. Good luck! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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