I will start at the beginning. In Oct. of 09 I had my first endoscopy. I was told that I had portal hypertension. I started taking Nadolol. (Cirrhosis was confirmed by a bioposy in Jan. 2010). In April of 2010 I had my first esophageal bleed. I had several large varices at that time. My doctor seemed very surprised that they had developed that quickly. I had three more banding sessions over the next few months. In Aug. of 2010 I had my last one and all varices were gone. This past Fri. I had a scheduled endoscopy (just a check up) and they discovered I had new small varices in my esophagus and had developed gastric varices. I am concerned about the development of the new varices, especially since I now have gastric varices. I know the gastic varcies are dangerous and usually can't be banded, but there is a procedure where they can shoot some type of glue into them. I can't take a higher does of the Nadolol because my B/P is already low and my pluse rate runs about 57. They have tried a highter dose but it causes too many side effects. My GI doctor did not do this endoscopy because he is on vacation, his partner did it. I don't have a appt. with my doctor until the end of April. Is it normal for varices to keep developing? Although I have discovered there is no "normal" for this disease. After the fist bleed in April of last year my doctor had discussed doing a TIPS procedure if the varices continued to be a problem. But after the banding all all seemed well he felt comfortable not doing it. I guess I just need some input from you guys and your experiences with this complication.

Thank-you,
God Bless