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how to prepare for the endoscopy

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/14/2006 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I am confused about the endoscopy that I have so far refused!!  Do I have to get put under for this? My doc says I have to have the i.v. with the versad and I will not remember the procedure.  I have read that some people go in and just have their throats sprayed and swallow the tube.  My g.i. doctor charges $2500.00 for this test and my insurance will not cover one cent!!  I have to think the fee is connected to the i.v. and meds.  It is only a 5 minute test!!  My own doctor has said not to worry about the test because they will prescribe nexium no matter what.  I just got off the nexium after taking it for 5 months because I just don't believe they are good for you.  I would pay the big bucks if I thought it would help but I am not convinced.  Anyone know exactly what they will tell me based on the test?  How do they PROVE it is gerd?!

I have also been reading that this could all be caused by being constipated....the stomach not emptying quickly enough and the vapors coming up the esophagus.  I just started fiber and am hoping that will help.  I am at my wit's end cause I just want to be normal.  I watch this doctor on t.v. and he is convinced heartburn is caused by constipation in 98% of people....he says even if you have a daily b.m. you could still be constipated!!! Wouldn't a barium x-ray show this?  I had this test done and was told it was negative....so what did it prove I don't have?  Doctors tell you so little.

Any help from you guys would be appreciated.  I hate dealing with this pain.  I woke up this morning throwing up in my mouth....hello...it had been HOURS since I ate....where did the throw up come from?  Makes no sense to me!!

Hearty

Posted 2/14/2006 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Did nexium help? If it did maybe you should consider start taking it again.

Posted 2/14/2006 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Hearty,

The endoscopy is nothing to worry about. You don't remember anything from the procedure...the only side effect is a sore throat for a few days. My view is that the test is the only definitive way to tell what's going on. In fact, doctors shouldn't prescribe Nexium until they do the endoscopy! It's true that they can find acid reflux, but they can also find clues to many other conditions...

In my particular case, I was diagnosed with "acid reflux" from the Upper GI Series. The prescription was Nexium...at first I felt ok, and then with time, I started feeling worse and worse. I was convinced that the Nexium was exacerbating my symptoms. In any case, the endoscopy showed bile to be the cause, not acid. If bile is the problem, PPI's will actually do DAMAGE to your system. The reason for this is that the stomach produces hydrochloric acid to counteract the alkaline bile...then if you were take Nexium, imagine the pain!

So I would say definitely do the test. At the very least, you'll feel better finding out what's wrong with you.

-Jason
Posted 2/14/2006 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Jason,

How did an endoscopy show that bile was the cause of your problems? I've wondered about this but never thought to ask my gastro doctor if he could determine this by the endoscopy.

Hearty -- I would NOT want to have an endoscopy without the iv & meds. I was improperly dosed during one endoscopy and became more conscious during the procedure. I felt like I was choking and started to want to fight what was in my throat. I read somewhere that someone came to during their procedure and did move. The esophagus was damaged when the tube was yanked out.

I wouldn't put too much faith in the belief that constipation causes heartburn. It just doesn't sound right to me. There's a definite difference between correlation and causation.

mlp
Posted 2/14/2006 11:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I had my endoscopy without the iv treatment. For one thing, I am six foot tall and therefore my throat is pretty big. For another thing, I am very relaxed and don't freak out with the medical stuff. They did numb up my throat with three sprays of novacaine-type-stuff. They also put a camera down my nostril, again using a spray in my nose. That's what actually showed the problem. I am doing better with nexium but hope somehow to find out about something else I can do.
The fact that your insurance won't cover this is a shame. Maybe the doctor could write them a letter and tell them it is necessary. Can you fight it or have a review of it. Think about contacting the media and maybe they will be shamed into helping you. Best of luck
Posted 2/15/2006 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for all your replies. I have actually felt better today. I took 2 zantac and I have eaten mexican food and some pizza without the toppings. Too weird. I really don't want to be on the nexium. I don't like meds at all and my pharmacist thinks I can wean myself by taking zantac for a while and then nothing. I just can't see paying all that money unless my doc is sure I need it and he isn't!! $2500.00 could buy a cheap car.... an amazing new computer.....lots and lots and lots of clothes....the list goes on. Wonder why the doctor told me the only reason for the test was to see if I had acid reflux....he never mentioned bile or anything else the test could show!! I totally don't get why most doctors are so vague. I have a friend who is a doctor and he is actually "real" but most give you your minus five minutes and disappear! Anyway....I feel fine right now. Maybe the 5 months on the nexium worked. I guess I am convinced not to have the test without the meds...after reading most the posts.....I can imagine how people would freak out.

Thanks everyone....Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
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