UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY

Hi angel,
Because a lot of symptoms can affect both upper and lower GI tracts, your doc probably wants to rule everything out. Did he mention scheduling a colonoscopy also? Most docs that I know of will just do both procedures in one shot since they have you sedated, its also less money on your insurance for both at one time so they like that better as well. I would definitely bring that up. I'm concerned about the swelling because thats not a normal symptom of IBS. Did he say what he thinks might be causing this also?

If he wants to go with the upper too I say let him IMO. If not just for peace of mind.

Take Care

IMO, you really need to question the route this doctor is going in. An infection in your stomach is not IBS. If an infection in your stomach is what he is thinking then yes an upper endoscope is appropriate since your stomach is viewed with this type of test. I think that maybe he is taking these symptoms seperately and saying that the symptoms you listed (minus the swelling) are the cause of IBS and the swelling is caused by an infection. If you don't have any other symptoms that would suggest an inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, UC) then maybe he is thinking that a colonoscopy is not necessary (note: some docs dx on symptoms only). The main thing though is to ask him about everything. I know its kind of hard to question doctors but its a total necessity. If they don't like it then you need to find another one, a good doc will always be open to many questions and take the time to explain.

Just wanted to let you know in the past 6 months my white blood count has been elevated from 12.5 to 18 and my RBC have been running low, and my blood pressure for years stayed at 117/70 and for the past few months it has been 145/88 to 98. 

I have been staying really tired and sleepy most of the time with could be due to the LOW RBC. 

The increased WBC count could be to this infection in your stomach. I would also suggest that you see your primary doc too about getting any autoimmune tests done. Your WBC could be elevated by inflammation caused by these disorders. Your swelling does definitely sound like an infection and you need to get down to the cause of that because letting an infection run in your body for too long can cause problems. JMHO, keep in mind I have no medical training.

These are blood tests that check for autoimmune antibodies. These are usually tested if inflammation is suspected (since your WBC count is high). Usually a sed rate blood test is taken to see the amount of inflammation in your body and based on your symptoms they will do these tests to rule it out. Keep in mind other things can cause a high WBC (infections) so if your doc suspects an infection, than he may not find it necessary to do the other tests. I was just curious in your case.

Sure anytime. :) Just to clarify though since I just read my response and it can be a little confusing, the inflammation is what can cause the increase in WBC not necessarily to autoimmuntiy itself, in fact an autoimmune disease can cause a decrease in WBC count.

Enoscopy is a very simple procedure. They give you a sedative that some people refer to a "conscious sleep" because you don't remember anything (although some lighter sedated people remember bits and pieces, like a dream) but you're still conscious enough they can give you instructions like "open your mouth" and you'll do it. They put a scope down your throat and into the stomach. They may take a sample of your stomach acid. I don't know if they can take a tissue sample in there like they do for a colonoscopy, but they might. I don't think you have to do any prep but to avoid food for several hours beforehand. I had my colonoscopy and endoscopy done at the same time, so I had to fast and drink laxatives, but there's no reason for you to have to do that too. They sedated me so heavily I couldn't wake up for like 12 hours afterwards, except to stumble out of the hospital, but I have heard others say that they woke up right afterwards and were fit to drive (although all the literature they will give you says not to drive yourself). Depends, too, I guess, on how you react. You'll need to arrange to have someone to pick you up (or in my case, my mother had to dress me because I kept falling back asleep, lol).

Yes, they can take tissue biopsies in an endo and will check for various bacteria, h. pylori, giardia,etc. I am always out by the time the dr. comes in so I don't remember any spray. They say turn on left side, be quiet and that is all I know. I usually wake up in the same room quickly and the Dr. is already gone. My dr. will not do both together as he doesn't like to keep people sedated that long and because of pumping in the air both ways it can get uncomfortable. I asked about it since it seemed like it would save a trip. He said as far as he knew now that only Kaiser was doing them together, no one at this hospital.

Since I slept about 12 hours during and after my scopes, I don't remember my throat spray either. If, God forbid, I ever have to have both again, I'm going to tell them that I seem to be easily sedated, so don't drug me up too much. I thought I was never going to be able to open my eyes again!

Canyon, my Stanford doc went to O'Connors Hospital (in Santa Clara) to do it.  I saw 2 GI's and neither of them hesitated on suggesting both procedures.  I was mildly sedated for the upper and then more so for the lower.  I didn't mind because it meant only starving once and only taking 1 day off of work. 

Interesting cause I suggested it to both my gastro Drs. and neither said they would do it that way. Guess it is not the way it is done in Fremont except at Kaiser. I have to endo every year but colonscopy every 2 to 3 years.

I agree, Angel, you really need a second opinion.