Anyone had esophagus dilation?

I ate scrambled eggs and hash browns, sandwiches, chicken nuggets and baked fish. I stayed away from salads and very crunchy foods for about 3-4 days.

Got it. Wow that’s a lot. But thx so much.

If I missed an update, I apologize. I do hope the soarness went away soon after your original post. I've never had that procedure but briefly worked in the dept that performed them. Never heard that it took more than a day or two to resolve. Hoping all is well now.

Hi there,
Thank you for asking. Very thoughtful. Well seems the “soarness” or slight swelling in the neck area may be stemming from something else. But able to return to eating but grazing cautiously with crusty food. I’m sure it will be ok but it’s just me being a bit careful.

I had the endoscopy with bravo placement recently and while my doctor was doing that she stretched my upper esophagus. She did say a small tear occurred but that should be no problem. It’s only been a couple of days but I get this feeling of a bubble, or lump or like a feeling of gas coming up when I swallow food. I have not had burping as a symptom before this. I am just wondering if anyone has had this procedure. Thanks.

@sylvermoon8 - I moved your post here because I thought it might be helpful to connect with other members talking about esophagus dilation such as @anissa06 @marjou @oldgerman and others. @jlharsh also may have some input for you.

Wondering if you have contacted the doctor who did the endoscopy to talk about the esophageal dilation, the small tear and the effects you have experienced afterward? If so, what did she say?

@anissa06

I had a similar experience after my upper endoscopy and esophagus dilation. I ate a little soft protein. Returned to normal diet eating whatever I wanted within 24 hours. Call your doc if your issue persists.

@lisalucier no I have not contacted my doctor about it. I just had the procedure on Wednesday. I figured it would be sore but didn’t expect the bubble feeling. But I could be feeling the bravo capsule. I’ve been told some people can feel it. It does feel strange sometimes when swallowing food. I have not changed my diet, I was told to eat as I normally do. But now do take smaller bites. She took biopsies too. Anyway I will give it the weekend and see how I feel then. Thank you

Thank you for the tag, @lisalucier. It is nice to meet you, @sylvermoon8.

My most recent endoscopy was a few months ago. I am familiar with bravo but have not experienced it myself. I am glad to see you plug in here as you go through the process since getting the capsule placed a few days ago. Also, I am interested to know how this procedure impacts you and what you find out about biopsies that were taken. It sounds like your symptoms are in the realm of unfamiliar territory currently.

You mention eating your normal diet but taking smaller bites. Not being sure of what brought you to this point or what your “normal” is I may be going in the wrong direction here. For whatever reason I have to be super intentional and consistent with my diet and exercise for my body to function well. I do know our GI is all connected so a couple thoughts that you may find helpful:
- Connect discussion about Eating Following Digestive Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-eat-after-digestive-tract-surgery/

My husband and I do NOT eat the same way. I made this vegetable chili recipe from Mayo Clinic’s cookbook a couple weeks ago and he loved it! (We both did)
- recipe: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/cracked-wheat-chili/
- Cookbook For Swallowing Disorders: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/cooking-for-dysphagia-and-other-swallowing-disorders/

If you are comfortable sharing, what led up to this point of having an endoscopy with bravo placement? What are you hoping having this procedure does for you? What is your current diet?

I have had 2 fundoplications, so my scar is pretty tough. I've had a few 'dilations' done but it never seemed to have much effect. I just know to be careful when eating certain foods, like breads, chicken, steak & pork. I still have trouble with fruit skins too, even grapes. What seems to help is drinking hot water during eating. Every meal is an adventure! I've learned how to cope with it after years of terrible reflux.
I do feel that I've suffered nerve damage during those surgeries, and wish I never had them. Testing my peristalsis during swallowing found that my distal esophageal swallowing is weak. ( I will never have another esophogram done again.) My lower gut is not in great shape either, but daily probiotics do help.
This particular forum really helps to get information & support for other folks going through similar issues- makes me feel I'm not alone! 🙂