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I'll have a scope

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 11/26/2013 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
My nurse said there would be no other way to find out to see if I have gerd. They'll put me to sleep and that's fine.

But I'm scared. They'll put the scope through my mouth. I'm supposed to breath through my nose. I don't have any problems but my nose is often stuffy. Will they watch if I'm breathing? If I have difficulty that day what will they do? I know it doesn't make sense to panic about that. I also hate the oxygen hose. It makes me feel I cannot breath.

Will I lay down for the scope or sit up?

I have had many coloscopes and they are no problem but that's the first time they scope my stomach.

Thanks
Posted 11/27/2013 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Andrina,

Your nurse is dead wrong about scope being the only way of seeing if you have GERD. The doc can only see the inside of the esophagus and stomach and can't see what goes on when you're awake and things are moving. Still, it's a necessary test because they can see if there's any damage.

Frankly, I prefer the barium swallow. It does show if the valves are working and if there is any reflux happening when you swallow

You don't have to be asleep for scope if you don't want to. It's not a lot of fun, but awake is the way they do it in lots of centers in the US and most places in UK. I did it once, but I'm a bad gagger and move a lot, so it was tough for doc to see much.

If you are asleep you won't be able to sit up. It's just like the other end scope. You need a driver if you get put to sleep. Insist on only Propofol, no other meds. You wake up feeling normal, not dizzy like when they give midazolam, which just makes you forget the procedure and sometimes more.
Posted Yesterday 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Well I'm horrified by the thought of having the scope done while awake. I'm better off sleeping. Maybe I'll cancel the appointment.
Posted Yesterday 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
I do not understand all this talk about being awake during an endoscopy. I was sedated. I was very nervous, but, it all went smoothly.
Posted Today 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I have had 4 EGDs. Two awake and two under anethesia. I will take the anethesia any day. You will not remember a thing, just like a screening colonoscopy. The awake version is not pleasant.

An EGD is by far the best way to determine what is going wrong down there. Plus they can take biopsies if necessary and even look into your stomach and duodenum for problems. Plus stretch any esophageal strictures in necessary.

I have had all this done. Only after effect is a mild sore throat.

Just go for it. Its your best chance to find any problems with the least fuss.

Gunner
Posted Today 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your response Gunner. I hope the sore throat doesn't last too long because I need to be able to swallow my meds :-)
Posted 12/2/2013 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I think I will cancel it. First I'm way to anxious about swallowing problems afterwards and secondly, my symptoms subsided.
Posted 12/3/2013 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having a scope on Thursday and the only thing I'm nervous about is what they will find. I never had a problem with taking medicine after a scope . There is really nothing to it. Your sedated and you will wake up in the recovery room and the doctor will come in and talk to you.. Please don't chicken out. The doctor can see what's going on.
Posted 12/4/2013 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Andrina,
Nofun is right...there's nothing to the scope...they'll put you out and you won't even know it was done. The way they put you out is different...they can still get your cooperation, but you don't remember a thing.

I've had three scopes...2 awake and one "put out". I have never had a sore throat afterward, so it's not a sure thing that you will.

Don't chicken out! It's not bad at all!
Best wishes,
Denise
Posted 12/4/2013 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
i'll cancel it. i was diagnosed with serositis.
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