Has anyone had to have an Upper GI scope done?
#1969 - 03/05/03 02:45 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Nugget
Reged: 02/10/03
Posts: 2167
|
|
|
I just found out this morning that I may have to have an upper GI scope done sometime soon. I have been having recurrent chest pains and my doc thinks it could have something to do with my esophogus(sp?). All the tests on my heart have come back fairly normal..just some minor valve leakage. I am nervous about any testing. He also wants to do a CAT scan on my abdomon and chest. What is the prep for an upper GI scope like? Is it as rough as a colonoscopy? I sure hope not! What is the test like? I'm not sure I want to do this!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had an upper endoscopy done in October. I had no prep, just no food or water after midnight the night before. I think the worst part of mine was when they spray your throat right before. It numbs your throat to control your gag reflex. And really that was nothing. Then, you bite on this plastic thing that they slide the tube through, and I vaguely remember that. Those drugs work fast. Next thing I knew, I woke up, and didn't remember anything. I had a sore throat for a day or so afterward. Actually, I thought the whole procedure was kind of neat. (Yes, my doctor thought I was weird when I told him that at my follow up visit.  ) They even gave me pictures to take home with me.
Trust me-if I survived, you'll be fine, because I hate tests, and I was really nervous about it. I had to have a colonoscopy in January, and that was a lot worse. The prep was horrible. I ended up throwing some of it up. I'm glad I had the upper done first, so I wasn't discouraged. Not that I wouldn't do it again. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be (originally way back before I had the upper), but I guess the upper spoiled me since it was a breeze, and I thought it would have been easier. I hope that made sense! 
Anyway, I also found out last year that I have a trace of tricuspid valve regurgitation and I think that is kind of the same as a leaky valve. I had to take antibiotics for the colonoscopy. I think I maybe should have had to take them for the upper too, but I'm not sure, because I'm still new at that. Basically, my doc told me to let any other doctors know that I need antibiotics if I need dental work, and they'll know if I need it for any procedures. Do you have to take them for your leaky valve? You may want to check that out.
Hope this helps to ease your mind!
Mags
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had to have the upper GI done, but not with a scope. I drank the nasty nasty shake, but the up side was that I got to watch my stomach slowly appear on the tv screen as I swallowed.
My husband had the Upper GI scope done. I think it was just like Mags described... he was out pretty much the whole time and even got photos of his stomach to take home and show the family.
The only bad effect he had was that the doctor told him to go home afterwards, eat soft foods and generally take it easy for the afternoon. My husband instead went out to eat and shopping at the mall (because of course doctors don't know what they are talking about) and regretted it later!
In a nutshell, it didn't seem so bad, just make a little time to relax and pamper yourself afterwards. Good luck!
--------------------
-h2
"Soluble fiber not included."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks Mags! It does help, believe me.
I asked about the antibiotics today and I do have to take them before dental work.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks, H2. It helps to talk with people who have gone through this. I haven't mentioned it to my husband yet, because I just found out today and the doc hasn't called me back yet to schedule anything. I'm not looking forward to the cost either. I have insurance, but will have to meet my large deductible first. I met it in one trip to the emergency room last year with kidney stones. Even though my husband is very understanding about these things...I'm not looking forward to telling him. It seems like I'm always sick with something it seems and he is never sick...or at least doesn't let on that he is. He hasn't been to the doc in probably 2 years. I've been trying to get him to go for a physical, but you know how that goes with guys. It's like pulling teeth! Speaking of teeth...he has no problem with going to the dentist, but forget it when it comes to doctors. He doesn't trust them. That's why I'm not looking forward to telling him I may have to have more tests. Is this making sense?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Isn't it great to have people to talk to about this? Before I found this board, I was actually seeing a psychologist because I thought my symptoms were from "restaurant phobia." The psychologist even tried hypnotizing me to see if a traumatic event occurred while I was in a restaurant. Looking back I would have to say that is true... eating would be the traumatic event.
I understand about not looking forward to telling the husband. Mine dosen't trust doctors at all either. It used to be that I felt like a hypochondriac next to him. He was always fine and I never feel great. Lately he hasn't been feeling so good though. Although he was understanding before, he is much more sympathetic now that he has been sick quite a bit.
I have to schedule an appt with my doctor and see if he is willing to run the tests for me to see if I really am ibs... I'm not looking forward to it. I have a feeling it is going to be an invasive spring.
I see on your profile that you are a graphic designer... me too. I think on my freelance invoices, instead of charging a dollar amt, I will just write the name of the procedure the freelance job is going to pay for.
--------------------
-h2
"Soluble fiber not included."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Nugget - my husband had this done (it's called EGD...esophagogastrodoudonoscopy--ess-offa-go-gastro-doo-don-oscopy--I think is how it's pronounced)a few months ago and it's not as bad as the colonoscopy. I think the only prep, as far as I can remember, is not being able to eat after midnight the night before. Also, if you take aspirin or anti-inflammatory meds on a usual schedule, you have to stop taking them 5 days prior to the procedure. He didn't have to drink any yukky stuff and they put you in "lala" land so you don't remember much, if anything. That's how they found his linear ulcer in his stomach. He kept getting an upset stomach and nobody could figure out why until he had it done. So don't be hesitant about doing it.
I just found the paperwork for the procedure and for the EGD presurgery instructions:
1. Do not eat any food, drink any liquids, or chew gum or mints including tobacco after midnight. Abstain from alcohol for 24 hrs prior to admission.
2. Continue to take all prescription meds the morning of your surgery with a SIP of water unless specifically told differently by the surgeon or your anesthesiologist.
3. Take a responsible adult with you because you won't be able to drive.
Good Luck.
Sharon
--------------------
Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Nugget - I just came across the doc's bill for my husband's EGD. Ready?
Office consult $171
Upper GI endoscopy, biopsy $559
Office/outpatient visit $62
Haven't run across the hospital bill yet. When I do, I'll post that, too.
Sharon
--------------------
Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have had two and there was nothing to it as the others have said you get a sedative and there isn't any prep other than fasting for a short time.
Go for it!
Kerrie
--------------------
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you so much for all your information, Sharon. It sure helps ease the anxiety of it all. I don't even know if I will actually have to do this yet, but the doc said I probably will...nothing has been scheduled, though, and I am already nervous about it which isn't helping my IBS. Arrrggghhh! I won't tell my husband until it is a sure thing. He is supportive, but doesn't trust docs. It's a "guy thing" I think.
Thanks again! I'll keep you posted.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you sooooo much H2! I can't express enough how nice it is to have people to talk to who are going through the same things. And it's nice to have another graphic designer to talk with. I like the comment you made about putting on your invoices the cost of the next procedure you will be having.
I used to do freelance work in addition to my full-time design job. But, I got tired of "working" all the time. I wanted my evenings and weekends back. My husband is a workaholic, but I like to have "me time". You know what I mean? Plus all of my freelance earnings went to taxes. So it wasn't really worth it. I still design for all my freelance customers through the print shop I work for. So I still get to do the design work that I did on the side in addition to my work I do for my employer...I just don't get the extra paycheck. I now do "crafting" with polymer clay in my freetime.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Kerrie. I really appreciate it. It helps to talk with others who have gone through the same things.
Thanks again!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I used to do the full time design job plus freelance, but I agree, there is no "me" time. I quit the full time job a year and a half ago to try to work on my thesis, so I do the freelance to try to make ends meet. I don't have much free time, but I have taken up knitting. I am getting pretty good, I can knit anything as long as it is rectangular and a scarf.
Let me know when you get the scope scheduled. I am getting ready to call my dr right now, to make an appointment. *sigh*
--------------------
-h2
"Soluble fiber not included."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Good luck with your appointment.
I know what you mean when you said sometimes you feel like a hypochondriac around your husband because he is rarely sick. That's how I feel! I'm not saying I go to the doctor for every ache and pain, but I go way more than my husband does. I know he probably doesn't think this, but I feel as if somethimes he and others think all these "problems" I am having are in my head. And maybe I'm just thinking they think that. You know what I mean?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
H2....I just visited your Web site. VERY IMPRESSIVE!!! I am very limited here with creative resources, budgets, etc., etc., I'm bookmarking your page for creative inspirations. Wonderful work!
I went to the Colorado Institute of Art and have an Associates Degree in Visual Communications. From there I moved back to my hometown here in Wyoming and worked for an Advertising Agency as Art Director/Peeon for 5 years. Got tired of the ridicule I received from my boss so I went to work for his best friend and have been the Grapic Designer for a print shop for the past 7 1/2 years. It's an OK job and I like the people I work with, but I don't feel as if I get to use my creativity to it's full potential. Design jobs in this shop are few and far between so inbetween design jobs I have to work on general typesetting jobs like forms, etc. Plus our customers don't have a great big budget. They think their "awesome" design hopes can be created with a few dollars. It's very frustrating. So I curb my creative appetite with crafting in polymer clay, writing poetry, drawing, etc., etc.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I think my husband knows its not all in my head, but he dosen't realize how much it affects life EVERY DAY. It dosen't always occur to him that every time I leave the house it is a decision I have to weigh pretty carefully, even if I am feeling fine. I know he gets disappointed when he has an exciting idea for a vacation, and my first reaction is hesitation instead of sharing the enthusiasm. Must be frustrating for him.
Do you have Heather's book "First Year IBS"? There is a great illustration near the beginning that I find handy for people who think it is all in our heads. There is a line chart of a normal person's bowel before and after eating, and one of an IBS's bowel before and after eating. I find it a great teaching aid.
--------------------
-h2
"Soluble fiber not included."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
No, I don't have "The First Year". I do have her recipe book, though and have been thinking about getting "The First Year".
My doctors office just called me and said they would like to do a CAT scan of my chest and abdomon. I told them that the chest pains seem to occur during my period...so they also want me to make an appointment during my next period and possible do the upper GI scope then. Not looking forward to more tests and am hoping there is no nasty "Prep" for this CAT scan. The nurse said that they inject a contrasting dye so they do need to do lab work before hand to make sure my kidneys can handle the dye. I'm so scared about it.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Nothing like a Colonoscopy. Have it and don't worry. I've had it all ... brain scan, too, due to migraines. Best to do and find out that it's just your  IBS.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks Judi....I think my biggest fear is the bill and them not finding anything...or finding something very bad.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
the upper endoscopy is by the far easiest test i ever had! the worst part is the IV(i hate needles) but it hurts alot less than a blood test. i didnt remember a hting. they put on music and told me to relax, the next i knew, they were wheeling me into the next room and i didnt even know that they were finished with the whole thing. the prep is mad easy too! you just cant eat or drink anything after midnight. its alot better than the upper gi with the yucky barium :P. anyway, i hope your test was as easy as mine. (they found i had an inflammed esophageous, and i was put on prevacid)
--------------------
-Angela
Healed in Jesus' Name 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I am sure the doctors and nurses will take good care of you. Let me know how it goes...
--------------------
-h2
"Soluble fiber not included."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Upper GI Scan
#8624 - 05/08/03 12:19 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Kris
Reged: 02/23/03
Posts: 75
Loc: Vancouver Island, BC
|
|
|
Hi
Can you or anyone out there tell me more about this upper GI procedure where you have to drink a glowing liquid/barium, and get X-Ray's of the small intestine as the liquid travels down? I have to have it done soon, and would like to know what I am in for. Like does it really take two hours? Does it cause discomfort or digestive complaints?
Thanks
Kris
PS- I already had the upper GI scope done, where they take photos and samples of your stomach and the duodenum, it was a breeze during the procedure, though nerve-wracking before-hand.
--------------------
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi,
I had this done a while back. It's really not too bad. You drink barium (which is the worst part of it b/c it tastes gross) and then they take x-rays. As to how long it takes - that depends. Mine was really quick. I first took some alka-seltzer type stuff with water (it foams up in your mouth and you have to swallow quickly) and then drank the barium then they x-rayed me right away. The whole process took about 15 minutes. If you don't have the alka-setlzer stuff, they make you wait around for a couple of hours until the barium goes through your system then they x-ray you.
Drinking the barium is the worst part because it tastes like slime, but the process really isn't that bad. It's not very invasive at all.
Good luck!
--------------------
Lorna
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Lorna, did you find the barium to be really that bad? My barium was strawberry flavored. at first, i actually liked it, but then after like the 3red glass full, i just wanted to puke it all up! 
--------------------
-Angela
Healed in Jesus' Name
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I couldn't stand it right from the beginning. I didn't have it flavored either though. I tried to drink it slowly so I wouldn't gag, but I was on the x-ray machine and the tech. kept saying "come on, drink up quick", so I had to guzzle it! I think it may have had something to do with the alka-seltzer stuff as well b/c that was supposed to "move everything around" and I felt like I was going to throw-up on the table!
All around - not a pleasant experience, but I just kept thinking "at least it's not a barium enema!" 
--------------------
Lorna
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yeah, when i had to drink it, the doc kept on going faster,faster,faster!!!I was drinking the fastest I could possibly, and felt more bloated then i ever did before. Oh well, at least its over with now. But, i dont think i can ever drink a strawberry flavored drink again...how tramatizing 
--------------------
-Angela
Healed in Jesus' Name
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Lorna is right... the worst part is drinking that awful stuff, it made me gag. (Mine wasn't flavored either, ConcreteAngel!) The actual X-ray didn't take long, and I got to watch my stomach on tv!
Now that I think about it, when I got home, drinking the Milk of Magnesia was awful too. (You have to drink it so the barium dosen't solidify in your system, that's what they told me.) What they didn't tell me was that it tastes nasty too! I gulped it down and threw it right up. I was able to keep the second dose down though, once I knew what to expect.
--------------------
-h2
"Soluble fiber not included."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I also had the upper GI or barium swallow done, it is really not that bad. The worst part is definitely drinking the barium, I wish I was given a flavour, mine just tasted like chalk. I was out of there in about an hour and I had an abdominal ultrasound done first. As for after effects I wish that someone told me to take milk of magnesia or something, because I was C for about a week afterwards, if I only knew then what I know now. Oh well live and learn right.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Teg,
I agree with the C. Afterwards, the nurse told me that i will get c, and to simply drink alot of water.I got C for about a week and a half afterwards. It felt as if te barium turned into rocks inside me. I would get sharp cramp like pain on my sides that my mom told me was the hardened barium  Oh well, it eventually all came out
--------------------
-Angela
Healed in Jesus' Name
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
