A bouncing baby stricture (longish)

Hello all, I had the endoscopy today (Tuesday) and Dr. Barba was right: I have both an ulcer and a stricture. The stricture is small, the gastro doc said, but he couldn't balloon it until the ulcer is gone. He's planning on one month for me to come back. Dr. Barba wasn't available -- we walked down to this office after I got out of the procedure -- but his PA Felix said they would fit me in this week. I need to get clearance to go back to work; it's been six weeks and I'm ready. (I honestly don't know how anyone goes back to work just a week or two after surgery. I have felt too sick, too tired, and too run-down.) In any event, it was nice to know I wasn't crazy; that how I was feeling was due to physical problems, and not mental problems (lol!). I'm currently taking prevacid 2x a day and it's making me feel much better. I don't know if Doc Barba will put me on something else. The gastro doc also told me to stay on soft foods until he can do the stricture. That's fine. I don't have much of a desire to try the chicken or other stuff yet. Well, MOST of the time I don't, except when I'm reading food logs and y'all write about eating Wendy's chili! That sounds good. As far as the endoscopy: It was NO BIG DEAL. I had it done at St. Francis (Hartford) where I had my surgery, and the staff there is excellent. They got the IV in no problem, the doc came and talked to me before the procedure, the nurses who assisted him were excellent, and before I knew it, I was back in my cubicle and ready to go. So if anyone is nervous about it, don't be (And the stuff they spray in your throat is NOT that gross). Anyway, this apparently solves the mystery of the coughed-up blood. Have a nice day, Heather

Heather, we are never crazy!!!! We know our bodies and when something is not right! Take it easy and feel better...... I to have taken the 6 weeks Dr Barba recommends. I have enjoyed the time off and will be ready to go back to work on the 18th. My husband and I are planning a little get away before I go back....with a nice tan! Take Care, Carrie

Heather, Thanks for the update - I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Take advantage of the time off - it doesn't come around too often. Hopefully everything will be fixed real soon. God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau