As I've posted before, I've been having a lot of pain lately. Sometimes so bad I can't even lie on my stomach at night. I suspect some of it is from the fact that I'm chronically very constipated as a result of the meds I need to take because of Nutcracker Esophagus. Funny name-- potentially dangerous condition. I did e-mail Dr. Ortiz with all this, and he was leaning toward removal...wants me to come down there, but...

Since my insurance changed to much lower out-of-network benefits, and since Dr. Ortiz's hospital charges are higher than I can pay, along w/transportation, hotel, etc., I was kind of dithering around...made 2 different doc appoints & didn't really know what to do or whom to see. (Amazing how lack of insurance coverage limits things.)

Yesterday the pain was so bad that I called my internist/gastro (whom I really trust & who diagnosed the nutcracker) & said "listen, I know you don't know what a band looks like, but you have to find me someone who does cause this really hurts". Turns out, he's started doing endos with a band doc, now knows what it looks like, and can share the pictures of an endo with him.

I had the endo today, he couldn't really see anything, but will consult w/the band doc. Meanwhile I called the band doc (Dr. Vohra, for anyone who's from Long Island) who got on the phone right away and confirmed what I've been feeling for a while now:

The meds for the nutcracker aren't agreeing with me; the nutcracker could very well resolve itself if I have the band removed; the nutcracker is potentially too dangerous to fool around with, and since I can't have more than a .5cc fill, the band has basically done its work. I have very mild restriction, but basically the band is just there and not very useful. Even if it doesn't resolve itself, the next step in treatment is definately not band-compatible, which is botox injected into the esophagus.

When I see Dr. Vohra on Wednesday, he will have seen the pix of the endoscopy & will be in a better position to tell me if there's any erosion, etc., but the point is still that both doctors feel strongly that it has to go. Oh yeah, he'll work around my insurance, admit me thru emergency, etc.

So that's my long story. Some of you have followed my journey; never easy because I couldn't keep my fills, only knowing why after the diagnosis. My first thought after speaking to the doctor, and EXACTLY what my husband said, was: "Don't ever think it wasn't worth it." And I don't.

More details to follow after I see Dr. Vohra on Wednesday.

The band can cause this? I guess with the band, there are potentially serious complications we are becoming aware of.

Did you have GERD or problems with your throat before banding?

I really do hope it's nothing permanent for you.

All I can say is ((( HUGS ))) and no matter what happens, we're with you.

Awwwww, Karen I am so sorry to hear this. Please keep us posted! Hugs!

Karen, you've been though a rough year, the sickness of your DH, your numerous problems with the band and now this. I'm so sorry the band is causing this, I wish you the best....Big Hugs Girl!

PS,

How's your daughter doing with her band?

Karen,

I just saw this (your) post

I'm so sorry to hear of your band troubles. First and foremost, take care of yourself. I would be devistated if I was told that my band had to come out, but if it meant a healthier me, then by all means, take it out.

Your update post sounded a little more positive. I'll pray that everything works out and you won't have to have your band removed and you can get the other problems under control soon.

Please take care!! Hope your daughter is doing well

Tricia

Karen, Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts!!! Band removal is not the end of the world....and just because "most" gain their weight back after band removal does not mean all!!!!! Take care!

Hey Karen,

Just waiting to hear what the doc says. Please keep us posted.

Hugs!

(( Hugs!! )) Hope all's going well with the doc appointment & that a miracle occurs & the pain (and Nutcracker) disappear!

Hey guys. Well, I went to the doc. He was pretty nice...a little puzzled that my pain has gone & he's sending me for another upper GI series (last one was several months ago) and ultrasound to rule out gallbladder. He was interested in gallbladder when I showed him where it hurt. Silly me, I thought that was where my band was, but I didn't even know where my stomach was! If the pain comes back, I'm to call him immediately, but he's pretty sure that a loose band & stopping the constipating meds did relieve my symptoms.

He did say that when a gastro. can't see the band on an endoscopy, that's a good sign. He's going to look at the films, cause they're @ the same hospital.

So, upper GI next week, ultrasound the week after.

Leenerbups, everyone's pretty certain that the band DID NOT cause my esoph. problems, but that in people who are either pre-disposed or just beginning esoph. issues, it can manifest sooner after being banded. It's like the plumbing just doesn't all work right. Also, BEFORE banding I had reflux big time, and Dr. Ortiz said that after banding, I wouldn't have it anymore. And I don't. Go figure!

That's it for now, I guess. I'm glad I don't seem to have to do anything this minute, hubby's having liver biopsy tomorrow & endoscopy next week (he's anemic, which men aren't supposed to be--seems if they are, they're losing blood somewhere internally) AND my mom's having back surgery in the next few weeks. Never a dull moment!

Thanks for all your kind works, I'll keep ya all posted!

Karen~

With all that you have going on, I'm amazed that you know which end is up! I wish you the best and will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Emily

Sorry to hear about the problems you are having. Just to let you know Dr Vohra did my band and he is an amazing Dr. I was very pleased with him

Karen, it almost sounds like the problems you were/are having may not be band related??? (crossing my fingers)

My goodness, you sure have a busy time ahead... all the doctor visits between you, hubby & mom.

Im really concerned about your husbands condition. Please keep us posted.

God bless!

(((Karen)))

Hopefully it's just the gallbladder! Glad you're feeling better - keep us posted.

xxoo

Kearen, so sorry to hear about all you have been going through. Hope you get to feeling better and that it is not your band. Prayers for you and hubby and mom.

Karen, it's great to hear an upbeat tone in your voice. How you're managing that with all of the stress you must be under right now, is beyond me. You and your loved ones will be in my prayers - I pray that you and hubby get great news on all counts and that your mom comes through surgery quickly and finds her life so much better for it. *hugs*