Upper GI endoscopy

[TooPatient]

Anyone ever had one?

I've had stomach issues (severe heart burn sort of pain) for the last year and finally mentioned it to a doctor (finally have insurance ). She had me do some lab test where I breathed into a bag, drank stuff, then breathed into another bag. The test came back negative so I don't have ulcers. I was thrilled to hear that until I got the message from her saying that she thinks I need to have an Upper GI endoscopy...

In this great age of computers, I (of course!) Googled to see what on earth she was sending me for. EEeek! It sounds absolutely awful. I'm debating whether I should even bother with the test. I am trying to justify skipping the test by figuring that my mom and both of her parents have the same issue so it isn't likely to be cancer or anything. But of course if there is something wrong, I'd like to know...


So....
Anyone ever had one?
How is it?
Is it as awful as it sounds?
Is it just a sedative or a full out anesthesia?
They say very low chances of problems (didn't the dentist say that too???). Is that true or are there actual risks I should be aware of?

 

[rainydaze]

I am conservative with medical procedures and medications. That being said, my very young daughter just had one with colonoscopy at the same time, and she came through it a-ok. She had serious stuff going on and we had elected to wait one cycle before having the procedures (the docs were on board with this) to be sure in our hearts and minds it was the right step to take. When it came time for it, I knew we had no choice and that it truly was in her best interest. Everything was explained to her in kid terms and she handled it like a champ; all she knew of it was some bloodwork beforehand. During the procedures, she was out of course (yes, full anesthesia). Afterward she slept all afternoon and through the night, and woke up no different than before she went in. I was sure to have some good lip balm on hand, which helped with a tiny bit of rawness on her lips. When it came down to it, what really worried me was the anesthesia.

A close family member has suffered from severe heartburn for over a decade, to the point he was on a daily prescription for it. His wife read the book 'Wheat Belly' and decided to try eliminating wheat/gluten from their diets.... within one week he was perfectly pain-free (heartburn free) without medication or even OTC tabs! They also have more energy, sleep soundly through the night (the wife had insomnia to some degree) and don't have the old-age aches and pains they used to think just came with, well, aging. He has had a little wheat item here and there, and while he can tolerate it much better than before, he still feels the effects right away. I started to read the book but got sidetracked - it is a amazing how wheat has been altered and how the body reacts to it now.

http://www.amazon.com/Wheat-Belly-Lose-Weight-Health/dp/1609611543/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343824162&sr=8-1&keywords=what+belly

Maybe you could try going wheat-free for a couple of weeks and see if it makes any difference for you? It's certainly a less invasive alternative that might be worth vetting out before moving forward with an endoscopy. Whatever path you end up on, I hope you find some answers and relief! Best wishes!

 

[Dandi]

If it were me, I'd just get the gastroscopy done, for peace of mind at least, and particularly if your physician recommends it. It's a straightforward and fairly quick procedure, lasting usually only a few minutes. The most the endoscopist would do in your case would be to nip a couple of gastric or oesophageal biopsies, which you wouldn't feel. It's sedation, not a GA, and the amnesic drug given to you means that it's highly unlikely you'd remember much, if anything at all. Recovery is pretty swift and you may have a bit of air left in your belly from the scope, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable. There is a very small risk of damage to your teeth from the mouth guard worn to allow the scope to pass in and out, but this would all be explained to you as a matter of course. If you are particularly concerned about risks etc, I'd have a chat to a gastroenterologist and they will tell you everything you need to know.

My husband has one earlier this year for reflux investigation, and he was a bit pipped when he arrived into the recovery room, thinking nothing had been done to him at all! He was in recovery for about 15 minutes, then into the daystay area where he was discharged. In all, from admission to theatre to heading home, including anaesthetic time and discharge procedures, it was about an hour.

Of course if there are other alternatives, do give them a go, but I wouldn't have too many qualms about having a gastroscopy done. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!

 

[TooPatient]

RD -- Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry your daughter had to go through something like this. I hope the Dr's were able to find and take care of whatever was causing her problems.

The wheat-free thing is an interesting idea. I've had it menioned in past by other people (not in relation to my stomach issues, just in general) but never really considered it because I usually approach food stuff with an "everyghing in moderation" sort of attitude.

I know someone who's actually gotten rid of wheat from their diet and really are much healthier. Given that the alternative is having someone shove a tube down my throat.... I think it is worth a try.

Life is crazy enough right now I don't have time for at least a couple of weeks to get seen anyway. NO wheat between now and then.


Keep the experiences and suggestions coming!

 

[TooPatient]

RD -- You may be on to something! I've been reading online about wheat-free to get some tips on avoiding. Lots of the places mention celiac disease. I only fit a couple of the symptoms, but my mom is right down the middle and it is a genetic thing. Her parents have also been having similar issues. No one has ever bothered to look at anything like this. They've all just been told it is IBS or excess stomach acid.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Your GI specialist should have explained all the "risks" to you before you signed the consent--it isn't informed otherwise.

I had one and it was uneventful--because I don't recall--the conscious sedation was effective. I vomited once I got home--probably b/c I normally do not eat jello and cookies! I felt fine for the most part--slept well that night from the lasting effects of the drugs!

cheers--Sharon

 

[TooPatient]

HI:

Your GI specialist should have explained all the "risks" to you before you signed the consent--it isn't informed otherwise.

I had one and it was uneventful--because I don't recall--the conscious sedation was effective. I vomited once I got home--probably b/c I normally do not eat jello and cookies! I felt fine for the most part--slept well that night from the lasting effects of the drugs!

cheers--Sharon

My GP stuck a note on my online chart telling me to contact some Dr's office and set up. I haven't gotten to speak with a specialist yet. Presumably they'll want a consultation first? Hmmm.... I should call them later today and see what to expect from their office.

 

[ame]

You'll be put under (you better be!) so you won't know any better. It was over so fast. I think my mom said I was under for like 20 min max. They wheel you back after starting you on the anesthesia stuff, get you in the little bed, turn you on your left side, have you bite on this plastic thing to keep your mouth open, and then you're like...out! I had no real pain afterwards, just a little bit of a sore throat from them having the camera thing in there.

 

[rainydaze]

RD -- Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry your daughter had to go through something like this. I hope the Dr's were able to find and take care of whatever was causing her problems.

The wheat-free thing is an interesting idea. I've had it menioned in past by other people (not in relation to my stomach issues, just in general) but never really considered it because I usually approach food stuff with an "everyghing in moderation" sort of attitude.

I know someone who's actually gotten rid of wheat from their diet and really are much healthier. Given that the alternative is having someone shove a tube down my throat.... I think it is worth a try.

Life is crazy enough right now I don't have time for at least a couple of weeks to get seen anyway. NO wheat between now and then.


Keep the experiences and suggestions coming!

Thank you for your kind words regarding my daughter. They were able to confirm what was going on with her; sadly there's no fix but now we can manage what is going on better.

I have also always applied the 'everything in moderation' philosophy also, as did/does the wheat-free couple. It surprised me that they could actually accomplish any better health than they already had - they are early 60s, not overweight in the least, very active and in great shape (they think nothing of taking a 50 mile bike ride on any given Saturday), have always had healthy diets and take in appropriate portions, never eat out, drink alcohol rarely, never smoked, sweets in moderation, etc. etc.

I'm so happy to hear you are looking into this wheat thing more - I would be so thrilled for you if it helps you! I'll cross my fingers!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

RD -- You may be on to something! I've been reading online about wheat-free to get some tips on avoiding. Lots of the places mention celiac disease. I only fit a couple of the symptoms, but my mom is right down the middle and it is a genetic thing. Her parents have also been having similar issues. No one has ever bothered to look at anything like this. They've all just been told it is IBS or excess stomach acid.

Hi,

Best is to eliminate all gluten - it's actually gluten that is the problem, so you'd have to take out other grains, but not all of them. Rice, corn, & quinoa are all good. Also, wild rice. Make sure to read ingredient lists because there are hidden sources of gluten.

I'm possibly going to try gluten free for a few weeks. I'm going to be getting tested for fibro in a few months (long story as to why not now) but have read that gluten-free helps with body aches from fibro so it will be a test run. Well see!

 

[ame]

Dont do ANYTHING different til AFTER the endoscopy. Don't change diet, don't do anything. You want a full picture of what's causing it now with your current life. Then you can backoff when you know what's going on

 

[Amber St. Clare]

I had one. The Dr. used Fentanyl {sp??}, I was sort of awake but I couldn't feel a thing except I kept telling him I wanted a few samples of this to take home with me {yes, I was really embarassed afterward}. The procedure didn't last long, I was able to speak normally afterward and I didn't get sick.

Good luck.

 

[Munchkin]

It's a super easy procedure. My son had 2 with 8 biopsies each time by the time he was 1. I had one as an adolescent the same day as a colonoscopy. The worst part for me was the colonoscopy prep.

I second all the other recommendations to not change anything prior to the testing. Changes in diet/lifestyle can alter biopsies in misleading ways.

Talk to your provider. Find out why they suggest it, what they are looking for and how those results could benefit you.

 

[Missy]

TooPatient, I think you should go ahead and have the procedure done. As the others have said it is a relatively straightforward procedure and it might be invaluable in providing info and relief for you as to what is going on and what you can do about it. I agree with Ame- don't change anything till after the endoscopy so you can get a true picture as to what is happening.

Rainydaze- I hope your daughter is doing well now!

Good luck TP!

 

[ksinger]

It's a super easy procedure. My son had 2 with 8 biopsies each time by the time he was 1. I had one as an adolescent the same day as a colonoscopy. The worst part for me was the colonoscopy prep.

I second all the other recommendations to not change anything prior to the testing. Changes in diet/lifestyle can alter biopsies in misleading ways.

Talk to your provider. Find out why they suggest it, what they are looking for and how those results could benefit you.

This. As someone who has bucked doctors more than once on their recommendations for invasive procedures (they do love ordering procedures), I'd be asking why. Make them tell you. That's not too much to ask when it's your body. Does he/she want to check for esophogeal changes? That seems to be the one they like to check for, but you've not had this condition terribly long, so I don't know that those changes would start so quickly.

I had reflux of one degree or another for years. When I finally told the doc about it, he tested me and found that I was slightly anemic, and so ordered not only an upper endo, but a colonscopy too. I was like, OK, I understand the upper, but the lower? Why? Well, you're 47 and we need to make sure you don't have colon cancer. At no time was the OTHER rather obvious 900-lb cause of blood loss in females of a certain age even discussed. When I called to schedule the upper endo, his office staff asked when I wanted to do the colonoscopy. I said I didn't. His nurse chirpily replied, "Well, you have to have it.", to which I equally chirpily replied, "No, I DON'T." And I didn't. When I got to the gastro, we discussed it and even HE said he thought the colonoscopy was not required. It's 3 years later, and I'm still here.

That said, (and I need to take my own advice) lose weight if you need to, change your diet if you feel you should, but remember, if nothing is overtly wrong, he's just going to put you on a proton pump inhibitor and send you out the door, and those can be darn hard to get off of once you start them. There is a bit of evidence too that THEY can exacerbate anemia by reducing acid and thus the absorption of iron in the gut.

I'll echo the others though, the upper endo , if you choose to have it, is easy peasy. Do NOT fret it if you feel you need to have it done.

 

[TooPatient]

Just wanted to post an update.

My Dr gave the go-ahead to try gluten free diet. The first few days after stopping the Omeprazole were MISERABLE, but once I'd gotten all the wheat out of my system I felt pretty good. Things improved over the next week or two as I stuck to gluten free. It got to where I could eat anything without any problems (lemonade, peppers, apples, etc). Once I had been feeling great for a bit, I forgot myself and had a hamburger on wheat bun..... oops. I was SOOOoo miserable.

Anyway, as long as I don't eat wheat I do just fine. I'm feeling better than I have in a long time.

I went in for a re-check with my Dr and she says that she agrees that it was the wheat causing the problems. She said I don't need to do any of the additional testing unless I start having problems on a gluten free diet.


Thank you all so much for your reassurances and advice!

 

[sonnyjane]

Just wanted to post an update.

My Dr gave the go-ahead to try gluten free diet. The first few days after stopping the Omeprazole were MISERABLE, but once I'd gotten all the wheat out of my system I felt pretty good. Things improved over the next week or two as I stuck to gluten free. It got to where I could eat anything without any problems (lemonade, peppers, apples, etc). Once I had been feeling great for a bit, I forgot myself and had a hamburger on wheat bun..... oops. I was SOOOoo miserable.

Anyway, as long as I don't eat wheat I do just fine. I'm feeling better than I have in a long time.

I went in for a re-check with my Dr and she says that she agrees that it was the wheat causing the problems. She said I don't need to do any of the additional testing unless I start having problems on a gluten free diet.


Thank you all so much for your reassurances and advice!

I'm glad the GF diet is working so well for you! I have a friend who went in this morning for allergy testing and they are recommending a GF diet for her, so hopefully she has similar success!

 

[TooPatient]

Just wanted to post an update.

My Dr gave the go-ahead to try gluten free diet. The first few days after stopping the Omeprazole were MISERABLE, but once I'd gotten all the wheat out of my system I felt pretty good. Things improved over the next week or two as I stuck to gluten free. It got to where I could eat anything without any problems (lemonade, peppers, apples, etc). Once I had been feeling great for a bit, I forgot myself and had a hamburger on wheat bun..... oops. I was SOOOoo miserable.

Anyway, as long as I don't eat wheat I do just fine. I'm feeling better than I have in a long time.

I went in for a re-check with my Dr and she says that she agrees that it was the wheat causing the problems. She said I don't need to do any of the additional testing unless I start having problems on a gluten free diet.


Thank you all so much for your reassurances and advice!

I'm glad the GF diet is working so well for you! I have a friend who went in this morning for allergy testing and they are recommending a GF diet for her, so hopefully she has similar success!

I hope it goes well for her.

The GF diet isn't as bad as I'd thought it would be. It is taking some adjustments though as I still haven't found good GF alternatives to some of my favorite foods. There is a great GF pasta available at Whole Foods (the one in the bright yellow box is the good one. The teal colored box with quinoa is ). I'm still on the hunt for good GF breads.

 

[sonnyjane]

Just wanted to post an update.

My Dr gave the go-ahead to try gluten free diet. The first few days after stopping the Omeprazole were MISERABLE, but once I'd gotten all the wheat out of my system I felt pretty good. Things improved over the next week or two as I stuck to gluten free. It got to where I could eat anything without any problems (lemonade, peppers, apples, etc). Once I had been feeling great for a bit, I forgot myself and had a hamburger on wheat bun..... oops. I was SOOOoo miserable.

Anyway, as long as I don't eat wheat I do just fine. I'm feeling better than I have in a long time.

I went in for a re-check with my Dr and she says that she agrees that it was the wheat causing the problems. She said I don't need to do any of the additional testing unless I start having problems on a gluten free diet.


Thank you all so much for your reassurances and advice!

I'm glad the GF diet is working so well for you! I have a friend who went in this morning for allergy testing and they are recommending a GF diet for her, so hopefully she has similar success!

I hope it goes well for her.

The GF diet isn't as bad as I'd thought it would be. It is taking some adjustments though as I still haven't found good GF alternatives to some of my favorite foods. There is a great GF pasta available at Whole Foods (the one in the bright yellow box is the good one. The teal colored box with quinoa is ). I'm still on the hunt for good GF breads.

All I know is that PF Changs has a delicious GF menu hehe.

 

[JewelFreak]

So glad the diet change worked out for you! Hope you continue to feel great & better & better.

They also have more energy, sleep soundly through the night (the wife had insomnia to some degree) and don't have the old-age aches and pains they used to think just came with, well, aging.

Have heard several similar stories. I'm considering trying GF for those reasons -- no specific ailments, but I wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. & that's it for the night. Don't mind -- I get a lot done in that time, but spend part of the day making up for lost sleep, waste of time. Also getting arthritis in my thumbs which is increasingly painful. If anything would reduce those aches & pains, I'm for it!

--- Laurie