EGD Not GED

Tomorrow I have a redo of the EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) (stick a small camera down my gullet and biopsy some “interesting” cells).  The doc didn’t gather sufficient cells last time and needs a second look.  There was no indication of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells just some areas he wanted to get a better sample of.  I read up on the EGD and it is difficult to get sufficient biopsy material when the cells that are wanted can only be seen with a microscope.  So he’s going back in to gather more cells to make sure what’s going on is only interesting and needs to be monitored versus something warranting some sort of medical treatment.

I definitely have Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a complication called Barrett's esophagus.  That condition does warrant monitoring because it can lead to cancer (only a small number of people develop cancer from this).

The fun part is all the foods and activities I am supposed to avoid:

To prevent heartburn, avoid foods and beverages that may trigger your symptoms. For many people, these include:

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

• Carbonated beverages

• Chocolate

• Citrus fruits and juices

• Tomatoes

• Tomato sauces

• Spicy or fatty foods

• Full-fat dairy products

• Peppermint

• Spearmint

If other foods regularly give you heartburn, avoid those foods, too.

Also, try the following changes to your eating habits and lifestyle:

• Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating

• Avoid garments or belts that fit tightly around your waist

• Do not lie down with a full stomach. For example, avoid eating within 2 - 3 hours of bedtime.

• Do not smoke.

• Eat smaller meals.

• Lose weight if you are overweight.

• Reduce stress.

• Sleep with your head raised about 6 inches. Do this by tilting your entire bed, or by using a wedge under your body, not just with normal pillows.

Tomorrow Penny will once again get to see my post anesthesia silly sense of humor and I won’t remember anything about my morning after I am sedated.