My Endoscopy Experience (Endoscopy)

Member Name: Alli8

Product:	Endoscopy
Date:	28/06/02 (445 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick procedure, Short hospital stay, Quick diagnosis

Disadvantages: Uncomfortable

I have been suffering with heartburn and pain in the stomach and upper GI area for about ten years. A few months ago I awoke in the small hours in so much pain I seriously thought I was having a heart attack. After arriving at A&E I was put on a monitor and the heart attack ruled out.

It turned out I have gallstones and have been told I will need the gall bladder removed - that will be a story for another day when it's done.

My consultant was concerned with the upper GI pain as gallstones don't usually create those symptoms so sent me for an endoscopy.

I arrived at the hospital earlier today and was shown to a cubicle with a trolley. The nurse gave me a gown to wear and explained the procedure. It was up to me if I wanted the throat spray or a sedative. As the sedative causes amnesia and confusion and takes a few hours to sleep off I decided to be brave and try with the throat spray.

I was shown into the endoscopy room and sat on the trolley. The doctor sprayed my throat twice - yuck! It does not taste nice! I then had to lie on my side and a mouth guard was inserted. As the spray prevents you from swallowing your saliva, a drain was inserted - like you get at the dentist.

When I saw the size of the scope I thought 'Oh my God, give me the sedative!' It's about the girth of your little/ring finger. The doctor put a lubricant on it and began. Getting the scope down your throat is awful - I was constantly retching so much my eyes were streaming and when the doctor pumped air into my stomach to take a biopsy I was belching repeatedly. I give the doctor brownie points for speed though, it only takes about 3 minutes but it is very uncomfortable and unpleasant. When the doc pulled out the scope I thought I would be sick I retched so much.

Turns out I have a hiatus hernia too. This is when part of the stomach pushes up into the duodenum and causes reflux oesophagitis (heatburn). r>
I was shown back to my cubicle, dressed, and was advised I would be put on Zoton which is a lansoprazole proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach.

I would say to anyone to have the sedative - I would most certainly if I had to do this again. The only downside is the side effects a sedative may cause. I left the hospital half an hour after my procedure and I sit here typing with a very sore throat that is expected to be that way for 24-48 hours.

When I have the gall bladder op I'll let you know!