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Hi guys I have had this acid reflux for a thing now. Currently not on any meds. I have had a gastroscopy recently and it wasn't totally clear but it showed a sliding hiatus hernia 3cm and some gastritis and they did a biopsy for eosinophillic oesophagtitis although it says no lesions found in my gullet. I have been told I have to have a barium swallow too but I had endoscopy on the 5th. What I am asking is it totally necessary to have this scan because I am worried about the exposure to xray and apparently you can aspirate the barium. I have muscular dystrophy and been having swallowing problems and that's why I was referred by my speech therapist to GI consultant as I have acid reflux too. I have read you can have Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing through by nose by ENT . Do I have the right to request this instaed. Really not keen on having this xray as I had already had a ct scan on my skull and brain couple of years ago and a chest xray back in November. DOn't want anymoe unneccesarry xrays. I have been told it can increase your risks of cancer in that area and I don't think the barium will do me a lot of good either. Advice please. Should I not be silly and have this test.
0 likes, 5 replies
wknight antony17862
Posted
Then you will know for sure if there are any issues. cancer of the oesophagus you definitely don't want
laura98485 antony17862
Posted
I would suggest to have all the tests you are offered. So many people on this forum (including myself) have to really fight to get these much needed tests.
I really wouldn't worry about the xray exposure, you would have to be exposed to an extremely high amount to affect you. Its very unlikely you will be effected by the radiation, you are more at risk of being affected by the gastro problems if you don't get properly investigated.
Good luck with your tests
abbie34168 antony17862
Posted
derek58875 antony17862
Posted
Your sliding hatus is extremely common amongst the population. 60% of over 60s, 20% of pregnant women and many athletes have a sliding hiatus. Most people never know they've got one.
And better a sliding hiatus than a rolling one which is close to the eosophogus - and that can cause real problems.
That doesn't mean a hiatus hernia can not produce misalignment which causes the acid level to rise into the bottom of the eosphogus - and thus gastric reflux problems. The old operation to repair the diaphram was very brutal indeed but more recently keyhole surgery has been effected.
But such an operation is to be avoided.
Someone on here mentioned Cancer. Your clear Endoscopy relieves you of such a consideration.
It is very interesting that you had an eosinophillic test. Have you suffered any allergies in the past ? Anyway the important thing is that you were clear on that one as well.
Nobody can tell you what to do about X Rays. That's your decision but a lot of people have many more than that without a problem.
Re Barium meals and Endoscopies. I have had both and would have ten Barium Meals to one Endoscopy. Never mind one down the nose ! Nothing particularly distasteful about a Barium meal. Its just like swallowing very thick cream or soft jelly.
You do need a diagnosis - one way or the other - just to satisfy your mind. But you have to understand that you may not get one. There are many people suffering from Gastric Reflux without any evidence of damage. (Yes, it needs to be watched over time).
Many adopt a slight change in lifestyle. No smoking and not too much alcohol. Sleep with a raised pillow. Deal with discomfort as it arises with simple antacids. Watch the diet re fries and spicy foods. More smaller meals rather than big heavy ones. And eating the last meal well before bedtime. Reduce the salt intake.
All the best.
yaf3 antony17862
Posted
In the fluoroscopy dept they appeared to monitor your swallowing. ...maybe checking your technique? Its interesting to watch on screen as the barium runs down into the stomach. Not told anything yet. Next visit with consultant not til Dec.What angst!
I have LPR apparently as no heartburn or acid comes up.
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