Houston, we might have a problem

Ok, so when I eat or drink anything (including water), it feels like it gets stuck, right behind my breastbone. I have tried taking smaller bites/sips, but its not helping. I have called the dr office, and they are going to get back with me. Nurse said it sounds like a stricture, and she was going to call to have a endoscopy set up. What does that involve, and how do they fix it? I am in so much pain after eating and drinking, I havent been getting my fluids in, and fear I am also dehydrated. Any suggestions would be apprieciated. Thanks, S.

Scott, I have been fortunite not to have those problems as of today but from what I have read on what others have posted and had those problems sounds like you have the same thing going on. I am sure everything will be ok once the dr takes a look at it. Good luck sorry I can't give you anymore answers. Bonnie

De-ja-vu....again... Scott, Yep, sounds like a sticture. With an endo, they'll give you an IV and some really good forget-me drugs. While you're in loopey-ville, they'll run a tube down your throat with a tiny camera attached. It'll show if you have a stricture or now (same procedure to check for ulcers or loose staples). If you have a stricture, they use a vibrating balloon type devise to stretch you back open. Normal is between 10-15 mm. If this just started, you're probably about 5-7mm. It's good that the nurse is going to get an endo set up. You'll need a driver for it. Afterwards, go home and rest. Some people have a little bit of a sore throat afterwards. I only did 2-3 times (of 15!!). Usually, if you have to be opened up once, they'll do 1 or 2 follow-up endo's to be sure you stay opened up. As of about a year and a half ago (when I was having problems), about 20% of the post-ops did have 1 sticture. I didn't hear the stats on folks like me, but I'd guess at 1% or less. You will feel much better after the endo. Glad you were proactive and called your nurse. Sherri

Scott, I had the same problem and symptons. Did you have any problems with acid reflex before surgery? I did and they said the acid had damaged my esophagus somehow and was causing my esophagus to close up thus causing the feeling of everything backing up and causing the pain. Weird thing is though I was hurting from my stomach to my gut area. I had a scope done and they stretched it back out and go for another one on the 3rd. It didn't have anything to do with my surgery though. I thought I had a stricture too which scared me but I was glad it wasn't. After the 1st scope I felt a lot better and was able to eat/drink without any pain. Keep us informed. Regina

Scott, You did the right thing by calling the doctor. I had similar symptoms, except whenever I ate, it would just sit there for a while and come back up. Liquids were okay, but a lot slower than before. I had a stricture. I had an endoscopy last Tuesday, and could tell right away when I started drinking afterwards that it was better. Good luck! Tina