Hey, any of you GI nurses know about cautery?

[ZZTopRN, BSN, RN]

I started becoming anemic because of UGI bleeding, I guess from taking too much Motrin. Have had the transfusions, on Carafate and iron, and finallly my doc talked to me about cauterizing my stomach. I had it done a few weeks ago and the doc told me that I would need any more. I was hoping this first one would help somewhat. But it hasn't. I'm hoping the next 2 will fix healing the bleeding. I know it is the doc I should be talking to, but the only appointment I have is for my next one. So hard to get a regular appointment. I know he is responsible for the info but just wondered if you had any knowledge of the success of these GI cauteries. I know how hard it must be to try and get all the bleeders. Thanks for any info. Hoping to get an appointment with him sometime soon after the next procedure.

[debliv]

Did you have bleeding ulcers, AVM's, Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) sometimes called watermelon stomach? There are other methods to control bleeding besides cautery. There are injection techniques with different sclerosing medication, laser treatments. You should stop all nsaids, asprin and be on a PPI like prilosec, protonix or H2 blockers like tagamet, pepcid. Are you having a gastroentrologist or surgeon treat you? You could also take iron supplement and eat foods high in iron to combat the anemia.

[ZZTopRN, BSN, RN]

Did you have bleeding ulcers, AVM's, Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) sometimes called watermelon stomach? There are other methods to control bleeding besides cautery. There are injection techniques with different sclerosing medication, laser treatments. You should stop all nsaids, asprin and be on a PPI like prilosec, protonix or H2 blockers like tagamet, pepcid. Are you having a gastroentrologist or surgeon treat you? You could also take iron supplement and eat foods high in iron to combat the anemia.

I am being treated by a gastroenterologist. Endoscopy originally showed hundreds of tiny teleangectasias. I am certainly not taking any NSAIDS. They are what caused the condition in the first place. I take Carafate and iron supplements which control the condition well, if I take my medication. If you will note, my original questions was about CAUTERY of the tiny bleeders.