Why? How? Ugh.

 So this is just a follow up for those of you who are following my drama.  

I got an appt for an upper endoscopy (thank goodness they got the upper part right!) for the 14th, which seems to be a light year away.  Don't get me wrong, ever since I found out that I'll be awake for that little procedure, I'm less than excited about it.  But I've got to get some answers.

The doc ruled out a slip with an xray.  

I have had tons of reflux, even after having my band emptied.  It's horrible.  I'm take Priolosec, even some days twice a day.  Also Tums and Gas-X in excess but everyother night I am suffering HORRIBLE reflux.  And it doesn't just happen at night, it happens during the day and lasts into the night.  

Since I've been banded, the reflux had disappeared.  Now it's back 20x worse than I've ever had it before.

WHAT IS GOING ON???

On a lighter note... LOVE YOU GIRLS!!  XO

 I had several x-rays while my band was slipped and not one of them actually showed my slip, it was not until I had an Upper GI and a full CT scan that my slip showed it self and then was confirmed via endoscopy (my band came out the same day as my endoscopy).

One question, why do you have to be awake during the procedure? They usually use a twiligh sleep so that you don't know whats going on or remember anything.

Melissa --

I am so sorry you are going through this.

I don't have much experience with reflux -- but about 7 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with ulcers and 'silent reflux' -- grade D (the worst) and put on Dexilant.

It took about 6 weeks of constant medication to feel better ---
I had a tiny unfill of about .2cc -- and that helped some, but I really think the relief has come from the medication.

Keep steady with the Priolsec ---- eat tiny meals (frequently) -- and hang in there.

I hate this.

Wishing you the best and keep posting updates fopr us so we can keep up on you!

 FYI
I went to Walmart.  Picked up zantac 150, Tums 1000, and some chewable Gas-X.  I also bought the gas-x tablets.  Taking all and still having trouble.  This is on top of the Prilosec as well.  What do I DO???????  Running out of options.

 Unfortunatly, there is little too do if none of that is working. I went to the ER and they where able to give me IV protonics and that helped for a few hours. Do you have any fill in your band or is it empty? If it is not empty I would say that you need to walk right into your surgeons office and demand an unfill and if they won't do it go to the ER and then they will have to come see you and take care of you. 

I am so sorry you are going through this, I went though it for weeks and I know just what you are feeling and how frustrating, painful and horrible it truly is. 

 Thanks, and yes, it's empty.

I wish I could wave my magic wand over you and make it better.

I haven't personally had the constant severe reflux you're having, but I remember a former OH bandster who suffered like that and she finally revised to RNY.

I very much doubt that you'll be awake for the endoscopy. They may have said you wouldn't be anesthetized, but that just means they're not going to administer general anesthesia. Instead they'll give you an amnesic like Versed (so you won't remember anything about the procedure) and an analgesic like Fentanyl (to prevent pain) via an IV line. I suggest that you bring this up when you check in for your endoscopy. I had an upper endoscopy about 20 years ago with just a shot of tranquilizer and it was extremely unpleasant.

Hang in there!
Jean

You need to have an upper GI, that is how They found mine.

Jill

Melissa,

It really sounds like the same things I had going on and I had ulcers, which they found with the Upper Endoscopy.  I was awake technically, but they gave me iv sedation so I honestly do not remember a thing at all about it.  The worst of it was the banana spray I had to have sprayed in my throat.  I had it done at Carle and they gave me good meds!!!!  I was on 2 kinds of meds after that helped with the reflux and pain and helped to cure the ulcer I guess. I am going to have another Upper Scope to see if I am all healed before I can more fluid added back in or until I decide if I want to convert to bypass.  He won't do a conversion if I still have ulcers.  I have just had soooo may problems with my band that I am ready to move to something else.  It seems as if I'm at the doctor or having issues since I had it put in.  2 years out and he says he thinks i just can't tolerate much fluid at all in my band so I may never have a good restriction. 

Anyway, I did add you on facebook after I got your message, so if you see the request my last name is Davis.  I really hope you get some relief soon!!!! And glad they got you in on the 14th, it took 4 1/2 weeks before they could get me in!!