need advice ASAP

Hi all

I am scheduled for a scope in two days , however after reading that such a procedure is not recommended if one has diverticula of the esophagus ( pouches ) because of the danger that they could perforate  and because  I am afraid of having diverticula seing I regurgiate food in my mouth and hear gurgles after I drink , now I am petrified of having the scope , my doctor told me that the scope is done in a slow manner  where these pouches can be seen ,and missed by the scope  she is not unduly concerned , however everything I read on the net says not to get the scope done if you have such a condition as it is dangerous, I wanted her to send me for a barium swallow first where this condition would show up  but she still recommnend the scope , are there any other reason for undigested food to come back in the mouth besides diverticulia , I am very depressed between the pain , the worry and now this, I used to be braver , I don't know when I turned into such a wimp , can anyone address my concerns

Joy thank you so much for your time and reassurance !
Micheline

Joy I wonder if a weak LES could be caused by the fact that I also have fibro , my upper back muscles are always so sore .

Hi Freckle,
I'm sure your doctor will be extremely careful as she scopes you. As Joy said, the camera watches as the scope enters the esophagus, and if your doctor knows your concerns she will be even more cautious. She doesn't certainly open herself to being considered negligent.

If you're regurgitating food it's most likely caused by a weak LES, that is not able to hold the stomach contents in place. Many people have a weak LES without fibromyalgia, but it apparently can put you more at risk:
http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_gerd.html

Try not to worry about the scope. If you've discussed your concerns, your doctor knows it's important to you. I'm sure you can insist on a barium swallow, but because of your strong feelings I think your doctor must be extremely confident, or she wouldn't go forward with the scope.

Good luck, Freckle. Be sure to keep us informed!
We're here for you, so be sure to post your experiences and questions.
Take care!
Denise

Hi Freckle,
I've had two endosopies, probably about three or four years apart. The first one was under very light sedation--right after a colonoscopy. Of course it wasn't fun, but really, it doesn't take long, and wasn't a big deal.

In fact, that experience gave me the confidence to do the second one without any sedation. I had an IV in, in case I wanted something mid test, but when the doc offered that option to me, I accepted. There was a great nurse talking me through it. He took biopsies that time, too. It's not for everyone, but I didn't find it all that difficult. And the beauty was there was no recovery time at all. You just get up and go.

I believe there is an advantage to light sedation. You can help the doctor swallow the endoscope, so it doesn't just get pushed down. I never had a sore throat after either procedure.

Don't waste a minute worrying about the test. You'll get there, have it, it'll be over, you'll be on your way. Hey, if you do end up having celiac, it's not fun, but if you can get relief from your discomfort, it'll improve your quality of life. At least you'll have an answer!
Good luck, Freckle!
Denise

I've been sedated for both of my scopes. The first one I woke up quick from it. The second one they did a different sedative and I was light enough to fight the doctor. They gave me something stronger and I slept right through it. I did have some trouble waking up from that though.

The stuff they gave me for the surgery knocked me out for several hours. I couldn't wake up any.

Joy