Having an endoscopy procedure for gallstone - are we more at risk with RA?

[Rockpool60]

[BossyBoots]

Would be interested to know about this as I too have gallstones which caused my liver blood results to go off the scale.

[helixhelix]

I'm no doctor, but I wouldn't have thought so if you're having a straightforward one through your throat as its not invasive or aggressive (even if downright unpleasant!) As I recall your problems have come about as a result if starting on DMARDS, so you're not on biologics which do have as lightly increased risk of infections with full on surgery I think. But otherwise I can't see that hAving RA would make any difference? Px

[sharlynn]

i have had RA for 18 years and had an endoscopy years ago and was fine. I even went on to have my Gall-bladder removed while i was 7 months pregnant and it turned out great, my RA never flared. Hope this helps.

[holly2812]

heya, iv got to have a endoscopy as well soon and im a student nurse and spent time in endoscopy and i think you will be fine, The only thing is making sure you are comfy on the bed during it.

[Rockpool60]

Thank you Holly. I am very nervous about getting it done..some people have lovely horror stories to tell me about the ERCP to remove a gallstone in my cystic duct...Is there anything I should ask for or know?

Take care x

[Hidden]

Hi,

Had an endoscopy, three weeks ago. All went fine, and the doctor and nurses were wonderful, made me at ease, when I was really, really nervous. You lay on your left side and you can elect to have a tranquilizer, which relaxes you and makes you forget everything, a bit like anaesthetic, but you can still respond. Wishing you the very best, take care.

Jennyx

[watson3]

If it is amn ERCP You are having you will be well sedated prior to the test. The scope is longer,so that it can reach the duct where the stones are they are then pulled into your intestIne. The test can last 30 to 40mins depending on the doctor . Usually done as an outpatient. I am an endo nurse and have assisted at over 250. I am sure you will be well looked after. Endo nurses are a breed of their own. Best wishes. Let me know how you get on. Carole

[watson3]

If it is amn ERCP You are having you will be well sedated prior to the test. The scope is longer,so that it can reach the duct where the stones are they are then pulled into your intestIne. The test can last 30 to 40mins depending on the doctor . Usually done as an outpatient. I am an endo nurse and have assisted at over 250. I am sure you will be well looked after. Endo nurses are a breed of their own. Best wishes. Let me know how you get on. Carole.

[Rockpool60]

Thank you Carole..you are a star..I have been so worried. My op for my gallbladder last year was a subtotal as my gallbladder ruptured and I had septicaemia and an abcess on my liver.

I have been told I was a very lucky lady. This stone 7mm is sitting beside my cystic duct..and I have been worried since I have found out. Thank you so much xxxx and take care

[Rockpool60]

Thank you for that tip...I hope they do sedate me well as the whole thought is horrid. Think it is a bit like childbirth..different experience for everyone. Took my MTX and Hydroxy and feel not too bad.Thank you again