Recently had my esophagus dilated

[BunnyBrown]

I recently had my esophagus dilated due to food getting stuck halfway in my chest. They also took some biopsies (I had an EGD years ago for my celiac disease diagnosis, but no dilation only biopsy) I remember my throat being sore for like a day, but then it went back to normal. 

However, this time is different. It’s been a little over a week and I am still struggling to drink liquids and I am too afraid to even try anything solid at this point. It’s painful to swallow and the pain radiates down to my chest.

I have already been to hospital where they did a CT scan, and everything looks fine, they gave me a little lidocaine. I just take small sips of water and broth for a week or so now. Anyone else have this kind of pain after dilation? Or biopsies? 

My sister had an EGD a few months ago too and had biopsies taken, she said she felt perfectly fine afterwards. I am bit concerned about how long it’s taking me to recover. Did any of you guys have pain, if you were diagnosed through endoscopies?

I also don't know if this is an important detail, but I am a woman in her 20s. 

[knitty kitty]

Welcome to the forum, @BunnyBrown!

Many people with Celiac Disease become deficient in vitamins and minerals even if following a strict gluten free diet for years.

Thiamine deficiency disorders can present with dysphagia, difficulty swallowing.  I had developed nutritional deficiencies and experienced dysphagia.  High doses of Thiamine are administered to correct it.  Thiamine deficiency disorders present differently than Thiamine deficiency in Alcoholism, so my doctors didn't recognize my symptoms as a Thiamine deficiency disorder.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses, so it doesn't hurt to try it.   I took over-the-counter thiamine hydrochloride, benfotiamine and Allithiamine (Tetrahydrofurfuryl Disulfide) to correct it.  My symptoms started improving within an hour.  A B Complex and magnesium malate glycinate should be taken as well since all the B vitamins work with Thiamine.  

References:

Wernicke Encephalopathy Presenting with Dysphagia: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9788281/

 

Thiamine deficiency disorders: a clinical perspective

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8451766/

 

Nutritional Imbalances in Adult Celiac Patients Following a Gluten-Free Diet

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8398893/

 

[Scott Adams]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. It's not uncommon to have some discomfort or pain after an esophageal dilation procedure, especially if biopsies were taken. The fact that you're still struggling to drink liquids and experiencing pain a week later is concerning, though. Since you've already been to the hospital and had a CT scan that came back fine, it's good that they provided you with lidocaine for some relief.

It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider and let them know about your ongoing symptoms. They may need to evaluate you further or adjust your treatment plan. Every person's body reacts differently to medical procedures, so it's possible that your experience may be different from your sister's or others'.

In the meantime, continue taking small sips of water and broth as you've been doing, and avoid solid foods until you're able to swallow more comfortably. Keep track of your symptoms and any changes you notice, and communicate openly with your healthcare team. They'll be able to provide you with the best guidance and support during your recovery. Wishing you a speedy and comfortable recovery.

[cristiana]

Hello @BunnyBrown and welcome to the forum.

I cannot say that I have had the procedure you describe, but recently I did have general surgery and was routinely intubated.  That pain was what troubled me most after the operation, far more than the operation site.  It took a few days to really settle down, I was quite badly bruised.

It was taking so long I was a bit concerned so asked the question on another forum. A few patients came back to me and said they had suffered the same.  I imagine in my own case possibly the throat got bashed about a bit,  maybe they had difficult inserting the tube?  I've suffered with a painful throat post-endoscopy too, but never as long as the intubation pain.  

I hope you will be feeling better very soon.

 

PS BTW - love the name!  I saw this today in an Easter display in a shop and your name reminded me of it.🙂

 

Edited March 18, 2024 by cristiana