Test for Endo-cinch tomorrow

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2000
Test for Endo-cinch tomorrow
3
Tue, 08-29-2006 - 12:29am

I'm seeing a GI specialist tomorrow in Boston so he can do an endoscopy to see if he thinks I'm a good candidate for the BARD procedure.  I do have a hiatal hernia, and according to his assistant, the entire thing will depend on how large that hiatal hernia is - too big and they can't do the procedure at all.  But my current regular GI had told me yes, I do have that but in his opinion it's not enough to preclude the BARD procedure.  Hope this specialist agrees!  If he does, he'll do a second test I don't quite understand just yet - if I'm a "go" during the endoscopy, apparently he implants a capsule in my stomach or somewhere and I'll wear a monitor for a couple of days to see how much acid is in my stomach, apparently he needs to know that prior to doing the BARD.  He won't actually do the procedure itself tomorrow, though, sure wish he would, sheesh!  My insurance has paid for this procedure for quite a few of its patients, so I know it's covered.  Hope to high heavens all of this turns out well tomorrow.  I have had to go without Nexium since late last Wednesday, and boy, obviously the reflux/heartburn trouble I have has worsened considerably over the years.  Nexium has worked so well I wouldn't have known that.  But the past 5 days have been horrid, and for about 3 days now, no matter what I have eaten, within minutes I have horrible heartburn that won't stop until I swallow about a gallon of Maalox or Mylanta, and I can't lie down at all.  Would be nice to get this procedure before I get old and to not need meds for the rest of my life.  Anybody done this procedure?  I have had reflux for about 50 years now, it sure would be nice to NOT have it in the future, I can't even imagine what that's like.

~~Joannaran near Boston, with Jessie and Jake~~


 


 

 


~~joannaran~~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 08-29-2006 - 8:33am

I wasn't able to find much information about the procedure, but here is a good site...http://www.endocinch.com/pat_bard.cfm


Having to stop any medication can be uncomfortable, but you are finding out how well it was working for you. Hopefully the procedure can be done and you won't need to continue taking pills, or at least you might be able to take less.


Let us know what the outcome of the testing determines!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2000
Wed, 08-30-2006 - 1:01am
I didn't get a chance to talk to the doctor himself today, but I'm assuming I am a good candidate since he went ahead with BOTH tests - no need to do the second one if the first had not had positive results.

 


~~joannaran~~

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Wed, 08-30-2006 - 8:16am

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By the time you read this, you'll be even closer to taking your Nexium! I hope you hear something soon; those tests that were done should give the doctor a better idea of what can be done. Let us know as soon as you've heard more, OK?

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