I finally have some answers (stomach issues)

[BicycleBride]

Glad you finally have some answers. I’ve had the esophagus widening thing before and it’s NBD. They do a regular endoscopy and then use a balloon to stretch it. The experience is absolutely no different than a regular endoscopy and my narrowing was not significant (I had the endoscopy for other reasons, I only thought to mention the mild difficulty swallowing because esophagus narrowing seems to run in my family).

[bittybomb]

I’m glad you have at least a direction to go in. One of my partners was diagnosed crohn’s just a couple of years ago, and I know he has to avoid anything with seeds. Fruits, vegetables, rolls, any kinds of seeds. Hope you feel better soon!

[pumpkin]

Glad you finally have some answers which can head you in a direction for treatment and feeling better.

[janegold]

I’m really glad you have answers and I hope it leads to relief for you soon.

My mom was having a ton of pain higher up in her GI tract last year (esophagus) that turned out was also caused by a hiatal hernia. She has been largely able to manage the symptoms by some diet changes (what and when she eats - turns out seltzer/carbonated beverages were a huge trigger of inflammation for her), but it sounds like you have a bunch of other factors going on, too.

[sotally tober]

I am so glad you have answers - hopefully the medication and the changes you plan to make are helpful for you.

[textbookcase]

Glad you have some answers! My mom had the widening procedure done and she was terrified, but she said it really wasn't very bad at all.

[sparkythelawyer]

Glad you have answers! Did they give you any antibiotics for the diverticulitis? That's what they did with mine and at least that part cleared up right away.

[leshoequeen]

My dad had the procedure to widen his esophagus several years ago. It was outpatient (I took him) and we went for milkshakes right after. I don't think it was too bad at all and really helped with some of his reflux/gerd issues.

[cleo29]

Glad you got some answers! I had a hiatel hernia years ago that has resolved itself. Alcohol was the biggest trigger for my heartburn, but stress can definitely be a trigger too.

For the diverticulitis you can avoid foods that can irritate such as things with small seeds like strawberries and raspberries, popcorn and there are others. My mom has it and has had three episodes of diverticulosis, which were awful and scary.

[tacom]

Answers are good.

If it turns out to be crohn’s or UC there are some really great medications on the market that have completely changed my life.

Good luck!