Question:
Has anyone been told they have esophageal varices?

My surgeon told me I needed to have an endoscopy to see if I have esophageal varices. From the information I have researced on the internet, this sounds like it can be serious. Any advice, suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated!    — TBarr (posted on March 11, 2005)

March 11, 2005
My friend's son had this problem. He threw up blood several times, and it was difficult to get it stopped. He had a very bad drinking problem, and she was told that this was one of the later stages of alcoholism. I am not a physician or a nurse, but wouldn't worry horribly if this is not you. I would, however, follow you doctors advice, and have all tests he has ordered. It could very well have another cause that I am not aware of.
   — lindarodham6

March 11, 2005
This is a very serious condition... think of it as hemmeroids in your esophagus! So have the testing done and if it comes back that you have it, get the treatment for it. If left untreated you can rupture one of them during a "throw up" session and bleed out. Not to mention if you are ever in a car accident or something and require to be intubated and the Paramedics are unaware of your condition they can rupture them during intubation. I don't mean to scare you but it is very serious.
   — MagickalMom

March 11, 2005
From the way your question reads, it seems your doctor is just doing a test to find any possible problems in your upper GI tract. I had this test done, and it is quite safe and easy (they put you under with a mild anesthesia to do it). They look for erosion and any problems from your throat down to your small intestine and can see your stomach's actual condition. Think of it as a road map tool for the surgery. Did the doc actually say he suspected something? I thought this test was done to all patients getting bypass surgery. I'm glad my doc did it. Best of luck to you. :-) Kathy A
   — Kathy A C.

March 12, 2005
I had this test done on Jan. 21st and they found polyps in my stomach and my esphagus. My surgeon told me that my stomach had erosion in it cause of my problems with Gerd. After the endoscopy was done they put me on Protonix for 8 weeks. I have had no heartburn, no reflux since I started on Protonix. I do have to go in for a repeat endoscopy which is scheduled for this Tuesday. Then if all goes well, I am hoping to have a surgery date after April 7th. Insurance info has already been submitted
   — mzb2u

March 12, 2005
Hey, I had the endoscopy at the end of January (my doctor checked it as 1 of the pre-op tests I needed). It took about 15 mins. & then I spent about 1 hour in recovery. It didn't hurt at all. I didn't even have a sore throat or anything after it was over. As it turns out, I was glad he wanted it as they found ulcers...I never had any indication of uclers at all...no pain, nothing. So, I was put on Nexium till my oper. on April 6, 2005 (and only Tylenol, no aspirin, Aleeve, et al. as they can hurt the stomach). So, I'm very grateful my surgeon wanted me to have this & I hope you look at it that way too. I believe it just showed he's careful. Now the ulcers I never knew I had are gone & the way is clear for my lap DS. Best of luck, A.
   — AA

March 12, 2005
i AHVE HAD TO GET SCOPED THREE TIMES NOW ONCE PRE OP AND THEY FOUND h PLORI WHICH i TOOK MEDICENE FOR AND IT WENT AWAY SO i HAD MY SURGERY. lATELY i HAVE HAD TROUBLE THROWING UP AND ALSO THEY THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS OR BLOCKAGE IT WAS ULCERS AND i WAS VERY SICK TO MY STOMACH BUT i AM BETTER AND WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT AGAIN IN 6 WEEKS TO FIND OUT IF THE ULCERS ARE BETTER. tHE TEST IS NOTHING YOU DO NOT EVEN KNOW YOU HAD IT. nOT TO WORRY ITS A WALK IN THE pARK. tHE ULCERS HAVE BEEN HARD AND i COULD NOT EAT ANYTHING THAT DID NOT COME BACK UP EVEN THE MEDS MADE ME SICK NOW i HAVE NEW MEDS AND ALL IS WELL WENT SWIMMING TONIGHT AND FEEL GREAT . BEING SO SICK HAS HELPED ME LOSE WEIGHT BUT i HAVE BEEN WEAK AND OH SO SICKLY. LOST 57lbs 3 MONTHS ! TOUGH BUT TODAY i BOUGHT LOTS OF NEW CLOTHES AT THE gOODWILL AND THEY FIT AND WERE CHEAP IT WAS FUN sO LOOK AT THE SUNNY SIDE THERE ALWAYS IS ONE. oH THE TROWING UP IS VERY HARD ON ESPHOGUS ALSO AND CAUSES INFLAMATION AND PROBLEMS HAVE THEM ALSO BUT NOT SURE IT IS THE SAME AS WHAT HE IS WORRIED ABOUT. SOUND LIKE A GOOD dR. WENDY
   — WENDY M.

March 14, 2005
Hi. Esophageal varices are dilated veins at the junction of your esophagus and stomach. They are a sign of portal hypertension or increased blood pressure around the liver. The most common cause is cirhosis of the liver from hepatitis, alcohol use, or other forms of liver damage. They would be a reason to NOT have surgery because they can bleed extensively.
   — DrL