Hi Rich,

I would never tell anyone to man up - it is such a crass expression and is inappropriate, sexist and demeaning :-)

I would recommend looking into some sort of CBT self-help as a means of reducing anxiety though - for everyone. A lot of it is just common sense but sometimes it helps to structure your thoughts. Sometimes it helps to take step back and weigh things up in a detached way. There are some good pointers here www.nhs.uk/.../

Good luck

Dave

Thanks again Dave

You have been more help to me than the doctors!!.

if I can be of any help to yourself by messaging etc, I am more than happy to do so. 

I'll keep an eye on out.

Take care

Rich

Hi,

Ive recently also had an endoscopy and been diagnosed with a giant hiatus hernia,  with 9 bleeding ulcers suspected barrett's,  biopsies were taken although awake through the dreadful process and im also wondering how long biopsies take? I have to have the endoscopy every 3 years now at 43 ive suffered with symptoms for 15 years due to gps thinking I was too young for what i have. Im now worried they have left it too late. The wait just to know is torture 

Hello rambo. Just wanted an update. How are you doing now?

Hi, just wanted an update. How are you doing now?

Hi,

How are you? 

It turned out I do have Barrets oesophagus,  had emergency surgery last year ( cancelled twice because of covid) but finally had the 14 cm giant hernia repair in September. There's been no aftercare since surgery so waiting on next endoscopy and biopsies but feeling alot better hernia wise. The pressure off my chest is unbelievable and haven't had heart burn but unfortunately still have problems with my stomach and oesophagus. 

Hope your well xx

Hello I do hope you see this.

My mum was told there is a likely malignant stricture in her oesophagus and now it's a waiting game for a CT scan and biopsy.

I was hoping for some answers to a couple of questions if you're able to...

How can they give a measurement of 24cm? It appears that the endoscopy found very limited visibility beyond the mid- oesophagus due to the stricture so perhaps they are assuming its 24cm long as that's what cannot be seen yet? 

Shes due to have a Barium Meal on Friday but I am of the understanding that this should ideally be avoided if there's been severely limited visibility during an endoscopy due to the risks. There are 2 different hospitals booking appointments with her and the communication seems very poor.

Thank you x

Hi,

 So sorry your going through this, the endoscopy are amazing,  without one they wouldn't had picked up all my issues I'd had a scan etc. The camera also takes measurements etc digitally on the way down similar to the pregnancyscans how they take measurements. I am surprised they didn't do a biopsy at the same time as that's that's they take mine. Its likely at the base of the oesophagus that's why she can have a barium ( I had all these). They won't hang around if it's serious so try not to worry I was in surgery within a year and that's with 2 cancellations because of covid. 

Don't be scared to ask them any questions xx

Hello, they took a biopsy yesterday so awaiting results x I'm sorry you've had to experience this and I really appreciate you reaching out x 

So it sounds like it won't have necessarily been a guesstimate in terms of the stricture being 24cm. It's been a very quick process so far which is reassuring as she only had the consultation on 1st October I think x

Hi , 

I am so very sorry to hear about your Mum and know it's a very 

anxious time for you all. Sometimes whilst  doing the endoscopy you can't see too much owing to food debris etc  due to the blockage and yes the endoscopist who is highly trained  will perhaps have a guestimate of size and will take biopsies. When doing the endoscopy it is only possible to see the inside of the gullet that is why a CT is ordered to check on the outside .You will also be referred to the MDM team who will collectively gather all the tests together and find the best way forward for your Mum.

Why her endoscopist has referred for a barium meal , I'm not sure without seeing the report.

It is quite usual to have tests at different hospitals (usually in the same trust) as an appointment is given where they have space .Rest assured the hospitals will all link up..

I do wish you and Mum well.

Take care.x