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.

Thanks everyone for your good wishes & prayers...we certainly need them right now.

Thank you Sparkling, the endorsement of Dr. Vorha is comforting. Not much in the personality dept, right? But I sensed a hidden one in there. His staff just raved about him, the all swear up & down he's one of the best lap-band surgeone around.

I still haven't had pain--I'm almost 100% positive it's not my gallbladder, but was related to the medication I was taking. Buy I'm glad he's checking all posibilities & the barium swallow should be very telling.

I'm more worried about my husband than myself--he has a fever today which comes & goes. We're waiting for the results of his liver biopsy, which, strangely enough, checks for other things besides cancer. He's having an endoscopy Wed. a.m. because of the internal bleeding. But the worst part is that I keep snapping at him. I'm all screwed up right now, but we should have some answers this week.

That really got off the subject.

Talk to you guys soon.

Karen, I am only just catching up with this thread. My word, young lady, you have TOO much going on! Please accept some big, strong healing vibes to you and your DH and your mom. Take care of yourself; hard as that is most of the time, I know it's even harder when people you love are not well. :hug:

Thanks, Alex, I needed that. Going for barium swallow/upper GI tomorrow; I'll let you know.

Hey Karen,

I'm so sorry I've been out of touch lately as my own life has had some big bumps lately too.

Much love and prayers going your way my friend!

Keep in touch.

Karen,

Good Luck tomorrow. Your whole family is in my prayers. Please keep in touch.

Chris

Fingers crossed the barium goes where it's supposed to go, and when it's supposed to go there!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Thoughts and prayers for you and your husband.

Your on my mind.

Karen, please keep us updated on your results and your husbands.

Looks like the barium went where it's supposed to go. I have to take the pix to the Dr. As for my hubby, I guess wife knows best. We knew he had hep.c as a result of blood transfusions over 20 yrs. ago. Even tho his blood work looked decent, the liver biopsy shows it's advanced. He'll have to start treatment (interferon therapy?) in a few weeks. If anyone has experience with this, please PM me.

I'll keep these posts on the topic & let you know after I've seen the doc. I think I can keep my band for the time being. Two HUGE cups of barium; yuk!

Karen, I'm SO with you on the barium! I just had to drink a pint of the stuff for my endoscopy recently. BLECH.

But I'm glad you have good news on keeping your band, even if it is "for now." That's one less thing you have to worry about for the moment. I'm sorry your husband's news wasn't as bright. Please wish him the best for me and I hope very much the treatment works and isn't too awful.

Peace, pretty lady. :hug:

He'll have to start treatment (interferon therapy?)

don't know much

A Brother had treatment years ago, he dosen't smoke or drink any more. works out all the time now...his energy will come and go.

Karen,

Good news on your band - even if it IS only temporary. One less worry for the moment.

Im not sure if I remember reading if you are on any meds?

Healing prayers for your enitre family!

That's good news Karen! Keep us posted! Hugs!

Aw sorry to hear that!! Stay with us for the love and support and we will help get you through!!

Karen How did your problems with the band and the esophagus nutcracker turn out? Are you keeping the band? I too have problems , I am waiting on the motility manometry test results,I have weak mucles pushing the food down. Did you do the tube down the nose test? I am really nervous about loosing my band. I have been emptied since March and I am doing my best to not regain weight, My smaller clothes still fit but are getting tighter. Thanks Becky