stricture in the Esophagus | Arthritis Information

 

 I met with the GI for the official followup after the Endoscopy procedure I had a couple weeks back and he confirmed that biopsy results are all good with no signs of cancer or any H pylori bacteria. He did find a hiatal hernia. And at follow-up he mentioned that I did have a stricture in the esaphogus  most likely caused by the GERD. Well that explains the food getting stuck and choking on a sip of water.  Has anyone else ever had this and what length of treatment did you have. I have started on diet modification (bland 6x daily instead of 3) Kapidex and am  taking it everyday for one month and then will decrease to once every other day for another month in hopes of  eliminating the GERD all together to prevent further scarring and damage to the Esaphogus I am really concerned that if I can't get the GERD under control the scarring in the esaphogus will only get worse and require surgery.
Has anyone else ever had this and what was your outcome if you don't mind sharing?  I am just worried that this is just one  more malidy in my growing list of them.It's hard enough to deal with the RA and all it brings.
Thanks for listening all.
My mom had similar issues.  She had to take Prevacid for quite a while and eventually the problem resolved. Sorry to hear about this situation. I don't have any knowledge of it....but want to wish you well with the treatment. Good Luck.My DH has a history of GERDS and a change of eating habits, prescription medication and raising the head of the bed 8 inches gradually gave the time/space to heal the esophageal ulcerations he was plagued with.

Even now, some three years into _remission_ he still keeps the head of the bed raised on blocks. He has tried sleeping in a flat bed only to have the GERDS symptoms return with a bAnG. He tried an adjustable bed, but prefers the blocks. He says that the adjustable bed simply elevated his head/chest while creating pressure in his lower abdomen.

Best wishes for a speedy resolution.

No knowledge about this subject here either but hoping it improves with your new treatment plan!

Good Luck!!Thanks everyone for your advice and well wishes. Glad to hear that it can heal itself. It was good to hear from someone else who had went to this, to sort of confirm what GI doc had told me.
 I have raised the bed and am sleeping better. I am doing small bland meals it is boring but doable.  Hopeful the meds will work their magic soon.

Thanks everyone.

I also have a hiatal hernia, I have had reflex for many years. I am finally on a treatment for it, but also have the same swallowing problems you have. I also have to drink when I eat, especially dry stuff. Everything seems to get stuck, and I also choke on sips as well as my own saliva!
I took Prevacid, but now I take Prilosec. (insurance issues)
[QUOTE=GrammaKathy]I also have a hiatal hernia, I have had reflex for many years. I am finally on a treatment for it, but also have the same swallowing problems you have. I also have to drink when I eat, especially dry stuff. Everything seems to get stuck, and I also choke on sips as well as my own saliva!
I took Prevacid, but now I take Prilosec. (insurance issues)
[/QUOTE]

Yes, I had the same issues with the insurance not covering the Prevacid  that the RD precsribed so I used Omeprezole sp?but it just wasn't working even at 2x a day. The GI doc was able to get the Kapidex approved but only after I had the scope done not before. Before procedure he had given  me a few samples to use.
Yes another odd thing I deal with is if I will suck on a cough drop and get it down to a point where I just chew it up at times it will scratch going down and sometimes one little peice will catch. Ouch!!
Hope you are doing better with your treatment.
The Prevacid did work much better, but after 30+ years of suffering with reflux, and not knowing it was because of my diet, I am finally doing much better. I do eat mostly bland foods, but will still eat spaghetti and tacos in moderation. (now) For many years, I kept Tums, rolaids and baking soda in business!! Ditto for me.  I should have bought some stock in those companies as much as I used their product.
I try to eat spaghetti in moderation but it's so hard because it is one of my favorite things and when I smother it with this sauce I make with red wine it is heaven in a bowl. I just have to watch it now. I take smaller portions and try to cut out all of the spciy, hot, chili, acidy stuff from my diet.  Makes for boring eats but at least I don't get the heartburn/reflux issues.
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