My doomed endoscopy

Near the end of last year I underwent an endoscopy, I have chosen not to take any form of sedation, so I was fully awake and I remember everything, during the endoscopy procedures" there was incredibly loud sounds were coming out of my mouth like an explosions, to the point that some of the staff were laughing; it seems that the nurse whom was doing the endoscopy procedures kept on pumping an excessive amount of air inside me, at the end of the endoscopy, I remember the nurse saying to me (I'm getting out now, all is done) and she then made a banter remarks saying "I better release out that air otherwise you will be floating" and as soon as she done something, there were more several very loud explosive sounds were coming out of my mouth, it sounded like if was farting of my mouth, I was rather embarrassed; again I heard some of the staff were laughing, I must say it did actually sounded funny at the time" not knowing the critical condition that nurse has caused me. Few months before the endoscopy procedures I was seen by 2 different specialist consultants on two separate occasions, both doctors were adamant that my stomach looks completely normal. Since this doomed endoscopy my condition is deteriorated severely, my acid reflux symptoms is constant, almost all day and all night, I'm terrified of falling to sleep, as soon as I sleep I wake up with severe burning in my chest, terribly smelly breath, difficulties with breathing, and horrible offensive taste in my mouth, I have also developed this rather weird symptoms" noises coming out of the left side just behind my rib cage; the noise sounds like rumbling, crackling, "difficult to describe exactly" it sounds like a loose floor boards it happens when I ever change positions /turning during my sleeping and it also happens during the day when I ever change position" before the endoscopy I thought I was suffering from acid reflux symptoms (but my consultants were adamant that my condition was nothing serious, and they have descripte my reflux symptoms as a minimal and nothing serious); noting before the endoscopy procedures;" occasionally I used to have a lengthy period of remmision without suffering any acid reflux symptoms, sometimes lasted for up to 8-10 weeks, but since the endoscopy my symptoms became severe and constant, I now wake up every night about 6-8 times with acid reflux. I haven't had a good night sleep since last September, the burning in my chest keeps me awake all night, even when rarely fall asleep from exhaustion in my reclining chair -in almost a setting up position- for about an hour or so, I still woke up with severe burning in my chest, and that nasty taste in my mouth, and foul smelly breath.

I'm suffering in silence for the past 6-7 months, because I have always had that strong believe in the body ability to self healing, but sadly for me it appears that my condition is went far beyond any hopes in self healing. I strongly believe that the nurse has damaged and stretched my LES to the limit by pumping an excessive amount of air inside me!

I'm writing hoping that someone can give me answer to few questions that I have please!

- could the nurse has damaged my LES during the endoscopy by pumping "that"excessive amount of air inside me? Is that possible?

When the nurse performed the endoscopy on me she was solo" she was not supervised by endoscopist or Dr.

I'm asking these questions because of my suffering, and because when I have received the endoscopy results report, I have noticed that the name of this nurse whom performed my endoscopy is not shown anywhere on the report, the only names showing on my endoscopy result repor is a Doctor supervisor and the name of the leading specialist endoscopist (none of them were present or taken part during the actually endoscopy procedures).

[Mrtoad]

Tay, you don't say if you are taking any drugs-if not it sounds like you should be on ppi's of some description. You say that you have seen a consultant who says that your symptoms are minor and not a cause for concern, I would take more notice of him/her than any advice you receive on the internet. As for the nurses laughing and joking, this can be their way of dealing with what can be a pretty stressful job and their lightheartedness doesn't mean that they don't know what they are doing or are incompetent. I've had loads of endoscopies with just a throat spray and the atmosphere has always been relaxed-it's just the nurses way of dealing with. Go back to your GP or consultant and ask their advice.

[Hidden in reply to Mrtoad]

Thanks buddy and grateful for your advice. ☺

[Vmix350]

I had a endoscopy by a consultant no laughing etc but my symptoms were made worse afterwards and I am convinced it’s due to the procedure but I had to sign disclaimers and expect there is nothing I can do- your situation sounds far worse.

[Hidden in reply to Vmix350]

Thanks buddy.

[Npride]

Hi Tay15, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. I do not have any knowledge of the problems you are suffering, but did wonder if you were taking anything for the reflux /indigestion? My hubby had terrible issues (he always had suffered, prior to being ill and this made it worse). He took one x 30mg Lansoprozole in the morning and he 'had' to have it, he would suffer very quickly without and at certain times he had another (prescribed) in the evening. They made an immense difference to him. He also had times where he was on Gaviscon and other times Buscapan. You need to talk to your doctor about this, something is clearly causing you this discomfort, be it natural or otherwise. Seek some help please. Wishing you all the best, Carrie

[Hidden in reply to Npride]

Thank you Carrie. 😘

[Hidden]

It is possible for an endoscopy to stretch the lower oesophageal sphincter. Usually this is done consciously and to relieve tightness there to increase the ability to swallow food. But sometimes, depending on individual circumstances, it is possible for the endoscopy to alter the lower oesophageal sphincter. The endoscopists are sometimes nurses who have been trained in the procedure. Generally speaking, there is a lot of demand on endoscopy resources so increasing the number of nurse endoscopists is happening to meet that demand. There is an element of risk with all procedures, but the pumping of the air seems an unlikely cause of the problem, but that is a technical question that the GP may be able to answer. There is a natural stretching of the sphincter that happens anyway when you are swallowing food, so it is designed to stretch flexibly.

Sometimes there can be a 'pouch' in the oesophagus that collects saliva and air, and this can create peculiar noises, a bit like the drains.

I think you should consider taking Gaviscon Advance (from a pharmacist) at night, and to try sleeping with your head and shoulders raised. This may well make a difference to what you describe as happening at night - probably night time reflux. Then report back to your GP.

It sounds like you originally had your endoscopy to determine the cause of a digestive problem which may, or may not, still be present, and it is not clear whether the endoscopy report diagnosed the cause of the original problem. But long term reflux is an issue that needs to be addressed, regardless of whether it was caused or exacerbated by the endoscopy process.

[Rmichelle in reply to Hidden]

Hi alan you mentioned a pouch, i thought i could have had one of these a while back but i had a barium swallow but it was all clear-surely the pouch would be picked up on tays endoscopy? I dont know.😊

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alan, thanks so much for your insightful informations, suggestions, and advice. Tay

[Rmichelle]

Hi there when i had my endoscopy 7 years back it was only done by nurses, i did not see a consultant leading the procedure, i would not worry over this and would put my thoughts into getting better-you could always say you want it investigating further as you are still suffering as it could be a whole host of other things-fo you have any pain and discomfort around the back and shoulder-have you been investigated for gall stones as it can cause -heartburn-acid reflux-trapped wind-ab pain and back pain and cramping, what about food intolerences is something causing this? Its along road to go down. Ppis are a option but they can lead to other problems and should only really be used short term unless life threatening. But there are other things available out there like gaviscon and zamtac etc and even some good old fashion methods like aloe vera juice etc.good luck and please dont worry over the procedure just smile and move on, i think in many theaters alot of pranks and jokes are probably done and said when we are knocked out.xx

[Hidden in reply to Rmichelle]

Thanks buddy. X

[VictoriaOpenshaw57]

So sorry that your experience was so negative. Medical staff are only human. Some are wonderfully professional and compassionate and some, as occurs in any sector, are jobsworths. I underwent the same procedure and, whilst there was no laughter, there was a lack of candor. I was informed of the details of the procedure but the description, "You will experience an escape of air" was a gross understatement. I found it so humiliating that the "escape of air" was so loud and protracted and that so many people could hear it. It was shocking to me and I will not return for another endoscopy even though I have been advised to. My symptoms have also worsened since. Definitely eating before evening sets in and drinking more water and becoming vegetarian helps. Your problems, however, may worsen if the "burning" from the acid in your oesophagus continues as it can make the tissues not designed for coping with stomach acid vulnerable to cancer? Hope you find some competent medical advice soon.

[tallbear in reply to VictoriaOpenshaw57]

Hi Victoria,

Hope you don't mind me sneaking a quick comment in here.

Don't worry about embarrassment or loud noises with an endoscopy, the first time I had one all the patients were taken back to a sort of recovery ward for those who had had a sedative etc and there were all ages and mixed gender.

The procedure afterwards at that time was to give you a cup of tea and a couple of slices of toast to eat.

The noises coming from everyone were comical and we were all laughing at each other but not in a mean or nasty way because we were effectively all in the same boat so to speak.

If you need a further endoscopy have one and to hell with noises etc.

My endoscopy prior to the discovery of cancer was utterly horrendous and the operative was so uncaring I swore I would never have another endoscopy.

I am quite an oldish man and I was traumatised and in tears.

When I was told I had to have another one two weeks later I insisted on a strong sedative and it was OK even though it confirmed my cancer.

If I had refused to have it I probably wouldn't be typing this, so please if they say you need another one go for it and laugh at the embarrassment, that's the best way.

And best wishes from a fellow veggie

Richard

[VictoriaOpenshaw57 in reply to tallbear]

Thank you for your very kind words tallbear. You never know, they may make a difference. Perhaps a sedative may have helped. Thank you for taking the time. Vicky.

[Hidden in reply to VictoriaOpenshaw57]

Dear Victoria, thanks so much for your reply, I very good understand your comments, and I'm honestly not offended by the nurses and staff were laughing during my endoscopy, I actually thought myself it was rather funny that strange noises coming out of me! But my question is how can a nurse perform such complicated procedures solo without being supervised? furthermore if she was fully qualified, experienced and skillful and permitted to do this procedures solo without supervision why her identity/name is concealed from the endoscopy report? Having said that" If I knew for certain that the nurse was still under-training; I would have happily willing for her to practice on me solo as long as she is under supervision during the procedures!

Some years ago I have had given my consent for a student "dentist" to perform a surgery on me" at that time they reassured me that "she will be closely supervised" I had no regret then and all went well!

[VictoriaOpenshaw57 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I see your point there Tay15. You feel pretty helpless in that situation. Particularly when there is no clear pathway to redress. Hope things improve for you.

[grannyjogger]

Hi Tay. I have had a number of endoscopy procedures in the past year and will be having another this month. I don’t have any sedation. The noises you describe sound quite normal. I kept apologising for the loud noises after my first procedure and the nurses reassured me it was perfectly normal because they have to pump in air. I need to have regular monitoring because I have grade C oesophagitis, gastritis and a large hiatus hernia. I have suffered from severe acid reflux for about 30 years - PPI meds keep it at a manageable level. Since having my gallbladder removed I also have quite bad bile reflux. I am being monitored because at this point in time I have asked for the proposed Nissan Fundiplication surgery to be put on hold because I have an autoimmune disease which severely affects my ability to heal and recover from surgery. I will continue to have my condition monitored by endoscopy because it is the only way to get an accurate idea of whether there are any more serious developments in my GI tract.

Are you on any meds for the reflux? I have high doses of Lanzoprazole and Ranitidine. On days when this is not keeping it under control I take Gaviscon. The meds (and trying to eat foods that don’t make it worse!!!) give me a reasonable quality of life at the moment.

I just wanted to reassure you that the noises are normal, nurses often try to lighten the mood, if they see anything of concern they will follow it up and sometimes there can be discomfort afterwards because of trapped air. Trapped ‘gas’ is always an issue for me so I cannot drink fizzy drinks and I have to avoid many ‘healthy’ foods such as broccoli, whole meal bread etc.

If you still have symptoms and are in discomfort it might be a good idea to go back to your doctor and discuss it.

Hope you get an answer to your concerns.