Question:
How can I tell if I need an endoscope to have my stoma opened?

I'm having trouble eating anything but cheese without throwing up. Is my stomach just not ready for other food at 2 months post-op, or could my stoma be closing? If I need to see my doctor, what does the endoscope procedure entail?    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 14, 2001)

August 14, 2001
Since each of us are different, I would recommend that you contact your Doctor. I have had the scope twice once at 4 weeks and then again at 8 weeks....am now at 11 and so far so good!! My GI Doctor gives his patients some demerol to relax us....and numbing agent sprayed on the throat. He then guides a small tube/hose with a scope on the end down your throat ( you are in a twilight sleep) and I never felt a thing!! Once he checks, he then uses a balloon on the end of the scope, inflates it and opens up my stoma. It really is a walk in the park. I was SOOOO paranoid prior to the first time.....and it was nothing. Good Luck!!
   — chance2lv

July 11, 2002
I have similar symptoms and the doctor thinks it may well be the stoma closing up. Apparently if this is going to happen it usually takes place between week 3 and week 12. I was eating fine until week 4. Then, it was like my stomach was getting smaller. I threw up all solid food except soft cheese. Now I even throw up water! The gas is constant and worse when there is no food in the stomach. I was to have an endoscopy tomorrow but my primary care doctor's staff messed up my paperwork. They said the insurance person was on vacation and nobody could figure out how to get a Blue Cross approval. Well, without the approval the staff of the endo doctor canceled my proceedure. So, I can't sleep, can't eat, and can't take fluids. I guess I have to go to emergency now. This stinks.
   — Thomas M.