Ashley,
Good Morning! I am glad you are going to be seeing a GI and the Endoscopy is a great thing.
Here is a general idea re the procedure:
Upper GI endoscopy can be done in either a hospital or outpatient office. You’ll be asked to sign a form that verifies that you consent to having the procedure and that you understand what is involved.
If there is anything you don’t understand, ask for more information! During the procedure, everything will be done to help you be as comfortable as possible. Your blood pressure, pulse, and the oxygen level in your blood will be carefully monitored. Your doctor may give you a sedative medication; the drug will make you relaxed and drowsy, but you will remain awake enough to cooperate.
You may also have your throat sprayed or be asked to gargle with a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable as the endoscope is passed. A supportive mouthpiece will be placed to help you keep your mouth open during the endoscopy. Once you are fully prepared, your doctor will gently maneuver the endoscope into position.
As the endoscope is slowly and carefully inserted, air is introduced through it to help your doctor see better. During the procedure, you should feel no pain and it will not interfere with your breathing.
Your doctor will use the endoscope to look closely for any problems that may require evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take a sample of tissue, called a biopsy, for later examination under the microscope. This, too, is a painless procedure. In other cases, this endoscope can be used to treat a problem such as active bleeding from an ulcer.
When your endoscopy is completed you’ll be cared for in a recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off.
You will be given post-procedure instructions regarding how soon you can eat and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal activity.
This is just a general over-view and I know the facility you go to will provide you with detailed information prior to the procedure.
I actually had two scopes in one day and found it to be extremely tolerable. I had the meds but for me that is important. I have heard of others who have had very little medication. To each his own.
Gentle Hugs to you,
Kitt