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Donna L. 24 years ago

Wendy, I understand your fears with the results of your endoscopy. My brother just recently had successful (thank God) surgery for esophagael cancer and its a terrible thing. BUT, it is also exceedingly rare. My husband had an endoscopy that showed a hernia such as yours and also two areas that were heavily damaged by acid reflux. We had all the same fears that you are experiencing now. Further tested showed that his esophagus is ulcerated in those two place, a much, much more common outcome. He is being helped by taking Nexium daily and also another medication but I forget what it is called. Because his case is so severe, surgery may be a possibility in the future but the doctor said that although it would require a day or two in the hospital, within a week, he would be fully recovered. Sounds pretty easy compared to my open RNY lol. My point here isn't to scare you but to point out that the chances of this being cancer are extremely slim. Its probably highly unlikely that it will even be the severe damage my husband has. He let his symptoms go for years without checking them out. Like the previous poster wrote, biopsies are done routinely. In any case, its better to know. I'm sure you will be just fine and I will certainly pray for a positive outcome for you. Good luck on your journey.

Jane Wurzel 24 years ago

I read you concern about the endoscopy and biopsies. I am a nurse and can tell you the biopsies are routine with this exam. I have had this done many times and anytime there is an ulcer or erosion they biopsy to be sure of the cause. It shows things like inflammation, H.Pylori( an infection that causes ulcers), and chronic conditons like Barrett's esophagus, as well as malignant changes. This way there is no doubt what causes your problem. I had the exact same problem you have and they fixed the hiatal hernia with the gastric bypass and this method gives the best results. If it is repaired without the bypass, the pressure of the stomach against the diaphragm can cause the hernia to reoccur. All they do is pull the stomach down where it belongs and take a few stitches to hold it there. Then they do the stapling of your stomach. Likely it would mean an open RNY instead of a lap. This is what I had and the recovery takes a little longer but how wonderful to solve two problems at once. Do call the doctor for your peace of mind and reassurance. In the meantime , don't worry. It will be fine.

DivaDee 24 years ago

Aloha Wendy, I saw your post aoubt the insurance company and I wanted to write that you are well on your way!! At least you have them to fight with....I still havent gotten anything back on anything.... Well, I do hope others see this and post on your surgery page...its a little lonely!! Aloha