oscopys

Capt, welcome. I think the most important factor here is that your wife is being seen by a competent GI and that she is being checked.

A colonoscopy and an endoscopy or EGD are procedures where the Dr. can visually inspect both the colon and the esophagus, stomach and deuodenum. She will be given specific instructions for the colon prep and honestly, the prep is the worst part of it!. It is important to follow those instructions so that the colon is clean and empty so that the Dr. can completely see any abnormalities (if there are any) or any other problems.

The EGD does not require any prep, with the exception of the nothing to eat or drink thing for 8 hours before. Your wife will be given something via IV to relax her and for light sedation, most people remember little or nothing; if she has concerns about this, make sure she lets the Dr. know.

Prior to the EGD they will put a block of sorts into your wife's mouth, this is to hold her mouth open so that the Dr. can insert the scope. As he/she inserts the scope they will be looking and inspecting the lining of the esophagus, the esophageal sphincter, the stomach lining and finally the pyloric sphincter. On the way out they look again and during this time, if necessary, they may remove small bits of tissue for biopsy.

The Dr. will generally speak to you both in the recovery room; it is important that you are there to ask and listen because your wife will most likely not remember all that is being said. If there are any findings, they generally know right away, but biopsy results generally take a few days. Most often, they even give you pictures.

In the scheme of things the scopes are relatively benign procedures to go through; the prep for the colonoscopy is the worst part of it and you generally have some good information relatively quickly. It is not unusual for the Dr. to want to do some follow-up tests such as a barium swallow as well. A complete GI work-up is important to get to the bottom of these issues.

I'm glad she's getting checked and I hope you get some answers soon! Check back in with us to let us know how she's doing, there are so many good people here who can help you with good information.
Janice

Bry,

I have never had the UGI endoscopy but the colonoscoy is a pretty easy test, it is the Bowel prep that is the most bothersome.  My hubby just had a colonoscopy and the meds they use help you deal with the procedure well.

I wish your wife the best.

Kitt

Thank you Kitt. Best wishes to you and hubby.
Bry

Thank you Bea, and I will.