No. Go Endoscopy

[Mumso]

No go Endoscopy!

Hi BKart,

Very good to hear from you before I went for the endoscopy yesterday.

After several hours in the hospital ( they insisted on a COVID test first) They were unable to sedate me, because they couldn’t find a vein to accommodate a cannula!

I had read the booklet sent to me before the visit, and it said ‘ a quick injection into the back of the hand’, I was surprised that they needed to insert a cannula.

I have big trouble with my apparently non existent veins, so I understood the difficulty I presented.

I was then offered the chance to leave, or allow them to have a go after spraying my throat.

I allowed them to make three attempts following the spray, but then gave up.

I have had a lot of tests, and extensive surgery, but I couldn’t manage the big swallow, however much I was told to breath through my nose!

I did manage with only a spray a few years ago, but my condition has worsened, and I am older, so younger people should not rule the procedure out.

Those fortunate enough to have veins, should consider sedation.

My visit ended with the endoscopist saying he couldn’t understand why my GP had referred someone of my age (91) with such a complex history.

Even if he discovered something sinister, was I really going to consider major surgery?

No, I wouldn’t, but I pointed out that there were different shades of ‘sinister’, and as a medic he should be interested in offering some relief, rather than giving up on me!

He then said he would arrange for me to have an X-ray, which was another test, and he couldn’t understand why my GP hadn’t requested that, rather than the endoscopy.

I came home with a very sore and painful throat, and feel absolutely wiped out today, but I’ll go for the X-ray,because I’m sure there are some solutions available,

and I intend to fight for them!

Love,

Mumso

[Bluemoon47]

So sorry to hear of your awful experience regarding the endoscopy. I am due to have another in 3 weeks with RFA. I used to have brilliant veins but they seem to be shrinking somewhat. I do hope they manage to find an alternative way to diagnose your problem. Good luck.

[Hidden]

So sorry for your negative experience. PCR result permitting I’m having an endoscopy on Friday. I wonder about veins - mine are getting harder to get into all the time. I have one good one in arm but even then my blood test came back as “slightly haemolysed” last time from that vein and it was a sore kinda draw! I get Iloprost 3 monthly so guessing this is why they are getting worse but don’t think it’s just age as plenty older than me on the infusion suite no problems. My old GP said he loved it when I was pregnant as my veins were easier to find so must have been quite tricky even then. I don’t anticipate having an easy ride on Friday. Barium swallow was much easier 5 years ago but I pushed for this endoscopy as things they are a-changing. X