hello, as part of early tests on my upper digestive system I’m to have a gastroscopy in the few weeks to look for damage or cancer, is a gastroscopy the same as the endoscopy?
I will be having a colonoscopy in four weeks so quite close together.
Reading the info I’m required to lie on my side but I have a chronic rheumatic Disease, Adult Onset Stills Disease, which limits my mobility and which side I can lie on so I’m a bit worried about this.
Hello I can understand your concerns about the endoscopy, but try not to worry too much. I have had more gastroscopes than I can count!
I have Spina bifida & lying down is also one of my concerns.
They will offer you a very light sedative, doesn't knock you out! You will lie on your left side & they will spray your throat with an anaesthetic. Then they place something into your mouth & ask you to bite down on it (it's just to keep your mouth open during the procedure) then they'll pass the endoscope which is a very thin tube down your oesophagus, ask you to keep swallowing until the camera is in position.
The whole procedure is relatively quick, anything from 5 to ten minutes.
I personally have never had any problems during the procedure & I am certain that the nurses will make you as comfortable as possible regarding your own health problems.
Hope that this helps & I send you my best wishes for both the procedures.
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