Heartburn Signals Unusual Disease in Retired Grandfather
Life was going well for a retired grandfather, filled with time spent with his grandchildren, regular church visits, and enjoying simple pleasures like a good sandwich or a bowl of pasta. However, an unexpected health scare turned his life upside down. He started experiencing severe heartburn after every meal, even after consuming small amounts of food. He found himself unable to eat a sandwich without feeling uncomfortably full, leading to significant weight loss.
"I was in a bad state, barely holding on," the grandfather confessed. Spending most of his days resting on a couch, he feared that his days were numbered.
Struggling to Find Answers
Despite undergoing numerous tests, his doctor found nothing wrong with his liver or pancreas. It wasn't until he underwent a stomach scan that he discovered he had a rare condition known as mesenteric ischemia. This was a completely unknown disease to him, and the information he found online about it was terrifying.
"I made the mistake of googling this disease, and the information I found made me think I had only a few years left," he recalled. However, his specialist reassured him, telling him not to believe everything he read online.
Understanding Mesenteric Ischemia
Mesenteric ischemia is a condition where the arteries that provide blood to the small intestine become narrow or blocked. It comes in two forms: acute and chronic. The acute form occurs suddenly, often due to a blood clot. The chronic form develops gradually, typically due to fatty deposits in the arteries. If untreated, chronic mesenteric ischemia can turn into the acute form. This disease can lead to severe pain, malnutrition, and even life-threatening issues like organ failure and intestinal damage.
The grandfather's case was severe. According to his surgeon, patients like him tend to be in extreme discomfort by the time they are diagnosed. They lose weight, become malnourished, and the condition takes a psychological toll on them.
Treatment for Mesenteric Ischemia
Despite the severity of the disease, it is treatable. His surgeon performed a minimally invasive procedure to place a stent in the artery to keep it open and allow normal blood flow. The procedure took less than an hour, and he was able to return home the same day. Post-surgery, he was put on antiplatelet medication.
Two weeks after the procedure, he was able to enjoy a whole sandwich without any discomfort. For a year, he lived comfortably. However, he started experiencing discomfort after meals again. Further examination revealed that scarring from the first surgery was compressing the stent. His surgeon performed a second procedure to extend the stent. He will continue to receive regular check-ups to manage his condition.
Returning to Normal Life
Now, six months after his follow-up surgery, the grandfather is back to his normal life. He is able to enjoy his favorite foods again and has regained most of the weight he lost. He is making the most of his time with his grandchildren and is planning a trip to Rome with his wife.
"I'm doing really well. I feel like myself again," he shared.
He hopes his journey will inspire others to advocate for their health. "Don't ever give up. If a doctor gives up on you, find another one. But, never give up on yourself," he advises.