Endoscopy

[SophieC22]

Hi all,

Who here has had an endoscopy? No previous treatment has worked (even a small amount) and over the years my IBS has really gotten so much worse. I’ve finally been referred to have an endoscopy which I’m really relieved about but not sure what to expect and what they could be looking for?

Any advice/ knowledge would be really appreciated

[C2691]

Hi Sophie,

I was sedated for mine which I would highly recommend. So I don’t remember much about it. From mine they found a hernia. And also did some tests or biopsy’s or something.

I’m still going through all kinds of tests and appointments because my symptoms are not improving whatsoever.

Good luck getting answers to make you feel better. X

[Poorlypatient]

Hello.I have had two endoscopes over the years and it is nothing to fear.Nowhere near as bad as a colonoscopy.I had one with sedation and one without and if I had to have another I would opt for without as you can take in what you are being told and go home straightaway.They are looking for stomach ulcers and any inflammation or infections such as the h.pylori which can then all be treated.It is all over and done with very quickly and nothing to worry about.Good luck am sure you will be fine.

[Fergie53 in reply to Poorlypatient]

I’m afraid I found an endoscopy worse, I’ve had 2 or 3 with sedation which didn’t work in my case as I was conscious, I wouldn’t have another one! On the other hand I found the colonoscopy bearable!

[SophieC22 in reply to Fergie53]

Did they find anything?

[Fergie53 in reply to SophieC22]

Hi, I have some polyps I think but nothing major, one said small hiatus hernia but basically it’s gastric reflux, I have to take omeprazole ..

[Paulinnorthumberland]

Hi Sophie,

I've had a few over the years and they're not pleasant but seriously nothing to worry about. I always insist on sedation, I find I'm aware of what's going on I just don't care!

They were looking for infection, ulcers, hernias or inflammation I think and took biopsies too.

Someone drives me home but recovery is very quick.

Hope it goes well

[FRreedman]

They are generally looking for anything that could be causing you problems (pain or any other symptoms that may be indicating something is wrong). I would, personally, not for sedation, but have had without, as well.

[Ellie-Louise]

I had one last year, not knowing much about it I went for the throat spray. Agghh! you can’t swallow you are sooooo dried out, I thought I was going to choke.

Horrendous experience, I could feel the tube going down and my body went into reflex reaction trying to choke it up all the time it was happening.

If I ever, in my life need another I want to be knocked right out and know nothing about it until it’s all over.

[SophieC22 in reply to Ellie-Louise]

Did they find anything?

[Ellie-Louise in reply to SophieC22]

Yes, I have a hiatus hernia, stomach polyps and a narrowing in my (not sure which) pipe or other, they gave it a fancy name that my own doctor had never heard of.

[Sasical]

SophieC22 Hi Sophie

I' ve had 2. One without sedation, one with. Unless you're a very laid back person

I would recommend sedation, not because it's painful (which it isn't) but just because it's a strange feeling that in my case because of my anxiety made me nervous. Whereas with sedation it's over before you know it and then all you need is someone to drive you home because you'll be a little floaty (quite pleasant actually lol).