Ever had an upper endoscopy?

[lstrl]

I've never had an endoscopy before, but I was working in an operating room until MS took that away from me. I've been in on some endoscopies, and a few of those were done with the patient sedated instead of under general anesthesia. Every endoscopy I've seen went perfectly. The patient was not in any pain, and they tolerated the procedure very well.

Like it has been mentioned before, you won't remember a thing due to the drugs they give you. I once had to take my mom in for an endoscopy, and on my end, it was actually quite comical. She clearly did not remember a thing from the procedure, and she kept telling me the same stories over and over again without realizing it. This probably went on for about a half hour after we left the hospital. She didn't complain of any pain, and I could tell by how happy she was that she wasn't feeling any either.

It is totally normal to be nervous, and that is okay. Just the thought of someone sticking a scope down your throat is kinda freaky, but once it is all over, you may wonder why you were ever afraid at all.

[Debby]

Finally saw the gastro doc yesterday....and they think I have an ulcer or two, so the endoscopy is scheduled for next Monday. They were going to wait, but I really pushed to have it ASAP, because knowing I have to do it causes great anxiety and I don't want to wait any longer than necessary.

They told me I will be put out.....thank heavens! And thank heavens for all of you who have reassured me, calmed me, and helped me see the reality, instead of some of the things I'd read that scared me to death.

So....I have the endoscopy Monday, two weeks later a colonoscopy (based on the colitis I was dxed with in the ER), then the week after I have a mammogram and have to see the retinal specialist (vision loss).....right now I feel so overwhelmed....I don't even want to go to the dentist and get a cavity filled! It's just too much, too close together, but unfortunately I have no choice.....so I've got to suck it up and try real hard to be brave, even though I'm the biggest baby ever when it comes to anything medical!

[ttmont416]

How do they know you have an ulcer? The only way to tell you that is when they take a look during your endoscopy. Also, why are they making you twice, for an endoscopy and then a colonoscopy? Why not just give you anesthesia once and do both the same day? That's odd.. Either way, glad your at ease. And your moving forward with figuring out what is going on...

[Debby]

Well, I have taken HUGE amounts of Advil and Aleve over the years for my fibromyalgia, and that's why the thoughts of an ulcer.....and because I've been vomiting most days, have nausea and unbelievable heartburn.

They also said they wouldn't do both procedures at the same time because it was "too much". I wouldn't have minded, being under anesthesia just once and getting them both overwith, but they have their "policies". I'm too overwhelmed to fight it, so I'm just going with the program...

[Debby]

Has the endoscopy today...you were all right, it was not bad although I had stomach cramping all morning from nerves, and was teary off/on until the moment they wheeled me in.

They didn't find anything....no ulcers which is what they thought was the issue. So the doc was concerned enough to schedule an ultra-sound at the hospital in 2 days (Wednesday)....and I have another doctor appt that afternoon. It seems like one round of doctor after doctor, test after test right now.

Thanks again...all your words of encouragement and support really helped me through the morning. I just kept remembering everything you'd all shared, and it gave me lots of peace.