Question:
How can you tell that you have a blockage?

   — Suzi A. (posted on November 21, 2002)

November 21, 2002
If you have a blockage you will surely know it, and you wouldn't be able to sit here and type asking if you had one. :-) I had one and was in the most pain I have ever felt in my life... it is unbearable. Enough to know that you have to get immediate help at an emergency room. I was not even able to walk into the hospital. Call your doctor immediately.
   — Kim E.

November 21, 2002
I had a blockage, and I did not have a lot of pain, unless I tried to drink or eat something. It felt like I had massive heartburn, that was trying to come back up. If I did try to eat or drink anything, it did come back up. I could feel it in my chest and throat. I waited 2 days before I went in, which I don't suggest, because I was dehydrated, and they had a heck of a time getting an IV started, so that I could have an EGD. Good luck to you.
   — Terri Z.

November 22, 2002
I knew I had a stricture when I wasn't able to keep down things I had no problem with after the surgery, such as Cream of Wheat and cottage cheese. The dilitation procedure is simple and effective and only takes about 20 minutes.
   — Michael N.