Esophageal Cancer Support Group

Hey My name is Tanya. I'm a registered nurse works ER. I don't have cancer but I have a very big problem that I think someone in this community may be able to help.I had lap gastric bypass 3 1/2 years ago. I was doing fairly well. I couldn't really complain. about 2 1/2 months ago I ended getting admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks and a continuous morphine drip because I had sudden sharp left upper quadrant abdominal pain. during the admission they found severe gastroparesis (basically my stomach completely stopped functioning), found ulcers. I then was referred to surgery to discuss total gastrectomy or a very radical revision ( pretty dang close to the gastrectomy.) (removal of my stomach) Then I've had on and off last year chest pain at then age 31. Was extensively worked up cardiology wise for chest pain with clean bill of health...stating it is esophageal spasms. I had a motility test last week and I have what they call "nutcracker esophagus" where the pressure in my chest is greater than 180mmhg of pressure. Just imagine a blood pressure cuff being pumped up that is what my chest feels like. The meds are not working. Nitroglycerin is working but only for few hours. I'm popping them like there candy. Which is not good. Now they are talking about esophagectomy and gastrectomy which will involve cardio thoracic surgery. I have just been terrified about this whole change in my life. I know my problem do not hold a candle to esophageal cancer but I thought this was the best venue to find. I'm only 32. I wanted to have another child and I'm just getting very scared. Thank you for your time.
Tanya, RN
Posted on 12/30/07, 03:12 pm