Varices & Beta-blocker

[Guest guest]

Hello again,

Last week I had my first EGD. This is an invasive procedure where you

swallow a small camera (ha ha ha), and the MD looks at the inside of

your esophagus for 'varices', which apparently are like varicose

veins. I believe the issue is that these bulging veins may bleed, so

it is important to monitor them.

(Actually the procedure was no where as hard as an ERCP; it was very

fast and only mildly uncomfortable).

I havent had my follow-up appointment yet, but the MD gave me a script

for a Beta-blocker then left while I was recovering from sedation, so

I wasnt able to ask my usual list of questions (which I will do at my

next appt). I know he found some varicies- but I had thought they

were small, so dont know how risky this is.

How many folks are taking Beta-blockers? How do these fit in with the

other Rx for PSC? Any issue of side-effects, and are they actually

beneficial long term?

How do beta blockers affect your energy level & ability to exercise?

(It would seem to me that before starting a beta-blocker that some

baseline blood pressure measurements should be taken, so that one

knows that the Rx is doing & can possibly adjust the dose?)

I havent had time to research this yet, and hope the group can provide

some pointers.

Thank-you for your time.

Best Regards,

DJ

PSC '93

Urso 2.5g/day; DHA (fishoil) 1.6 g/day

[Guest guest]

Beta Blockers have been proven to reduce bleeding from varices.

The side effects and tolarability vary with most people getting along

with them well. They work by lowering the portal vein pressure which

is the cause of varicose formation and bleeding. There are optimal

doses that your doctor may individualize. It might be worthwhile to

invest in a home blood pressure monitor if you are interested in

monitoring it. INHO the omron 700 series is great. They run $40-50 on

ebay and $80 in stores. You could work with your doctor on setting

parameters based on readings and symptoms.

You may want to ask your GI how big the varices are. They get rated on

a 1+, 2+,3+,4+ scale. The lower numbers are better.

Von