esophogeal dilation. How long to heal?

After 5 years of absolutely no problems, I have developed an esophogeal dilation.  The doctor unfilled me to help the esophogus heal.  Has anyone else had this problem and how long does it take to heal?

Beth,

I was diagnosed with a minor esophogeal dialation about seven months ago.  I did not have to have a complete unfil, but enough was taken out that I was back to where I could eat anything.  I can't actually remember how much he took out.  I don't really track how much I have in.  He wanted me to have another UGI in a month, but because I get so sick after I have one that he decided not to put me through it.  I can't really tell you how long it takes to heal, but I chose not to have another fill until just a few weeks ago and I had just a small one at that.  I do have more restriction now, but I could probably have another fill, but I don't think I will.  I think I'll leave it at this for a while and see how it goes.  I never felt too tight before I was diagnosed and actually had no recognizable symptoms.  I just happened to mention one day that I'd awakened twice in the last few months with a horrible pain between my shoulder blades.  I thought it was the beginning of gallbladder issues, but was told acid reflux can present with that kind of pain.  never knew that.  I have not had any more pain like that or any kind of acid reflux since the unfil and haven't since I had the recent fill.  Part of me would like to go through another UGI just to see what it looks like now, but I'm assuming it's better now.  I do believe, however, once you've had one,it's easier for another to happen so I am being really careful.

Hopefully someone else will have a better answer for you.  good luck!

cat

thank you.

There is nothing dislike more than a UGI - I really am traumatized from all the testing stuff but we have to do it.  You should have yours done.

Best,
Leila

I have had slight dilation and while my reflux was completely gone for the first two years after they repaired my Hiatal Hernia during my band surgery I am having some issues with reflux again.  Usually it's my fault, (eating too close to bedtime) but i have some food sensitivities as well.  I take 1 Prilosec daily and that has handled the reflux.  As far as the dilation, I had a complete unfill for 2 weeks to allow things to rest.  It's the best thing to do.  Hopefully you caught it soon enough and it will go back into shape but you absolutely did the right thing!  We can't ignore any symptoms especially those around reflux, pain or not being able to eat solids.  It's just not worth the risk.

Keep and eye on the scale and if you gain some make the adjustments in what you're eating right away before it gets out of hand.

Best~
Lisa O.

thank you.  I had absolutely no reflux or any sign that it was dilated.  I just was not feeling restriction and my band was filled tightly.  we tried different tests and the fill under radiology showed the dilation.

Unfortunately once it's dilated, it usually dilates again.  My doc said it is like your esophagus has stretch marks  . . . even now, it never goes away!   The band never agreed with my esophagus -  too much pressure for proper functioning even without much restriction.  My first dilation (had 2) my band wasn't even in working order - I had no restriction at all  it was pretty early out - I had reflux, night cough & choking.  I was scary and exhausting and I ran to my doc ASAP.  The last one I believe I hadn't had a fill in about a year.  I had no symptoms I just thought I needed a fill.  The 2 month unfill did not resolve my dilation.  I had my band removed.

My good friend experienced a dilation during the same time as my first - he still has his band.  He had a repositioning of his band and low profile port installed during that time and hiatel hernia fix.  More recent he's had 2 port replacements & scar tissue removal . . . and I forget what operation with the band itself - I know sutures popped.  His doc is strictly a band man.

Good luck.

excuse the bold and typos I'm in my bed typing with one finger

It is important to know that it may never repair. This, unfortunately is one of the negative effects of the band that some people experience.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/w537117665034jl4/

While it does not appear to have an effect on EWL, it does have a negative effect on the anatomy, see the pictures on the link above. It can have an impact on the motility as well and GERD/reflux can be a symptom. In this study, 14% of band patients had it but others have shown that number might be low.

Just ensure the band is not too tight but discuss with your physician because again, it could become permanent and you might want to consider your options.

Best of luck to you, hope it does heal up for you.