2/22/2012

More health issues for me

because a brain that is sinking onto my spinal column is not enough apparently. I have been having chest pain/pressure for a few months, but it would just come and go so I never really thought about it.  A few weeks ago it got really bad and freaked me out enough to go to the ER. After an EKG, blood work and chest X-ray it was determined I had gastritis. ( Taken from WebMd; Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach.) I was sent home with instructions to eat a bland diet and take Prilosec. I followed up with my doctor a few days later and he determined I had GERD based on my symptoms. ( From the Mayo clinic Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). ) Off to the specialist I go because GERD is a factor for esophageal cancer and my father had both GERD and Esophageal cancer so I am at a higher risk for it. Gotta love genetics! I saw the specialist Monday evening and he insisted I get an endoscopy done the next morning. (That is when they stick a camera down your esophagus to get a look at things.) Apparently the fact that I could feel my food in the esophagus is a bad thing. LOL So I went to have it done,  I remember the nurse pushing the meds to make me sleep then I was being woken up about 25 minutes later.  I got some results yesterday. Apparently I have an esophageal ulcer, stomach ulcer, gastritis, esophagitis(same as the gastritis but in the esophagus) and the flap between my esophagus and stomach is too narrow. I also still have the GERD I need to go back in April for another endoscopy and a possible balloon dilation of the opening. Since he found so many things,  I need a colonoscopy and ultrasounds of my liver, gallbladder, pancreas and lower abdomen. I swear things can never be simple with me. I am on 3 different scripts for the ulcers and such.  Am I freaked that I may develop cancer? Sure, but I am not dwelling on it after all there is nothing I can do to prevent it. I will take my meds and try to keep the acid under control and that will help. I do not smoke or drink so that is also a good thing.

2 comments:

Mama P said...

:( I hate that it is so complicated and difficult for you, and yet very relieved that it is not already cancer!

Part of the problem is your STRESS, woman. You need to have the doctor write you a prescription for some regularly scheduled time to yourself for pampering. You have a lot on your place, and that does not help!

Queen Mom Jen said...

I am so very sorry. How very frustrating.