Esophageal dilation
Has anyone had esophageal dilation?
Please let me know of your experience, causes of and Dr's comments or prognosis.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Has anyone had esophageal dilation?
Please let me know of your experience, causes of and Dr's comments or prognosis.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
My esphogus was almost completely closed so they dilated it to a 20 and I felt great afterwards, could eat again...couple months after I had trouble at just the bottom of esphogus so they dilated it to a 30...and so far so good...that's been 2mos now...if I have any more problems, then they will have to cut the muscles in lower esophagus but it's worth it..have more heartburn at times but no pain so definitely a improvement on quality of life
Dr. Google said that it's common to have 3-5 dilations over time to achieve stability. This is of course if you take measures to stop the reflux. I have had three. I think that may be enough for me, I am better at keeping to a low acid diet, whole food diet now. Still taking an h2 blocker, will not do PPIs again (effective but I got hit with the side effects, which doesn't happen to everyone).
Thank you for your response.
I just had 2 within 2 wks apart. They want me to have another one in 2 weeks to achieve desired circumference (? For lack of a better term.)
Dr is also wanting me to take PPI/Prilosec but I'm very concerned about the side effects.
I have had my esophagus opened about six times over about 20 years. I have found Mayo Clinic very good at doing that. I am cautious about what I eat to avoid having the thing close up again. I am not sure all the mechanics that causes mine to close, I have schlotzsky's ring, but I find avoiding fatty meals and delicious tasting hot Mexican, Thai, and Indian foods I do very well. I avoid taking any kind of medication to reduce indigestion pain. I have tried different homegrown remedies but find avoiding foods that cause indigestion keeps my esophagus open the longest. And, that is a journey in itself.