EGD produced results

Beth and I talked with the GI doctor this morning. We both were very impressed and pleased with him from his knowledge and patience to his bedside manner. We talked through the various symptoms and possibilities and discussed the procedure. We also talked through other tests which may be used in order to diagnose some problems. We did speak to him about following up with him about other GI related issues which Beth seems to have.

She did have the procedure at around 12:30 or so. He did conclude three things: #1 - basically acid reflux disease, which is nothing we didn't know already; #2 - spasms of the esophagus; and #3 - a hiatal hernia. The hiatal hernia is a pouch of the stomach that slides through a hole (hiatus) in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through. This is basically where the stomach protrudes through the hole in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It is associated with acid reflux. He did take some pictures of the various parts of her esophagus, stomach, and intestines. I may attempt to place them on the blog for your viewing pleasure at some point. I think they are so cool.

Anyway, we are soooo thankful for both of our doctors and the potential answers to all this pain. They do have a method of treatment which include giving this pill to put under the tongue before eating and increase the dosage of nexium to twice a day. The doctor did indicate that the pain in Beth's neck and jaw definitely could be related to the acid reflux. We will keep praying and hoping that this is the answer we are looking for. If it isn't there aren't too many other tests that they can do.

Beth is doing well. She is very hungry and in good spirits at this point. We thank you all for your prayers, support, encouragement, flowers, visits, calls, emails, and so many other ways you have and are caring for us in this time. Thank you! May God bless you as you meet with him in prayer. Take care.