endoscopy. Should I be worried?: Little bit of a... - IBS Network

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endoscopy. Should I be worried?

Flowers12 profile image
13 Replies

Little bit of a back story. I’ve been suffering with stomach issues since the birth of my son. I’ve had 3 stool tests. One normal and 2 borderline however the last one was only one point over what they would class as normal. I’ve had blood tests which have been fine I’ve been changed to famotidine which has made a massive difference I still have days where the feeling full and heavy feeling in my throat is at its worst but for the most part the symptoms are better

I’ve finally been referred for a endoscopy which I’m terrified for. I’m just worried what they may find although my doctor has only referred me to put my mind at ease as she wanted to do another stool test. As I have health anxiety they have referred me straight away but I’m worried should I be? Anyone experience anything similar

In terms of symptoms I experienced wind and burping. A heavy feeling in my throat sometimes and sometimes when burping I bring back up abit of food. I’ve also started having chest pains sometimes but not sure if it’s due to the excessive gas or due to an injury I had a few months back. The biggest symptom is feeling bloated and full. I’m hoping for some answers on Monday that won’t be so sinister.

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Flowers12 profile image
Flowers12
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13 Replies
Lou9 profile image
Lou9

Hello, sorry to hear how worried you’re feeling. I know from experience how all consuming it can be. I noticed from your other post that you suffer from health anxiety and I wondered if you are on any medication for this? I only ask because SSRI medications can cause a lot of the symptoms you are mentioning but they are not widely spoken or known about, especially by GPs. Really hope you get peace of mind from your appointment next week. 💞

Flowers12 profile image
Flowers12 in reply toLou9

Hi Lou,

Thank you for your message and well wishes. I’m not on any SSRI’s. I do suffer with health anxiety but only for the last 10 months since these symptoms had started. Prior to this I’m such a strong minded person. It’s just the unknown isn’t it. And it doesn’t help that I Google everything !

Lou9 profile image
Lou9 in reply toFlowers12

You’re still a strong-minded person, you’re just going through a hard time. I know the temptation of Googling, I used to do it myself but it made everything so much worse - the internet is full of worst case scenarios. Since I stopped Googling, I feel more in control of my anxiety.

Your symptoms could be caused by any number of things which can be easily treated - anxiety also worsens everything and I’m not saying that to be dismissive or minimise what you’re going through. I just know from my own experience that it makes my physical symptoms worse. I have had an endoscopy before, although it was 6 years ago so a bit of a distant memory - it was over with quite quickly.

I see you have a son. My health anxiety only started after having my daughter. I think being a mum adds a new layer of fear (along with all the love) and many mums feel similar. Sending you lots of strength to get through the next week. 💞

AMerchant profile image
AMerchant

Hello. No need to be scared of endoscopy. It is only a 15 min procedure at the most. You can choose to have sedation or only numb the throats. I have done 2 endoscopic both times only numb the throat

I have acid reflux issues and chronic gastritis associated with helicobacter so having 3 time antibiotics treatment

hopefully the endoscopy will get to the bottom of the issue and you will get the right treatment

Grish profile image
Grish

hi, I know what you're going through not knowing how this endescopy may effect you. I can assure you it's a fairly routine test to see what's going on with your stomach and eoesaphagus . I was diagnosed some 10 years ago as I suffered with similar symptoms including reflux and was given antibiotics for stomach and Pronton Pump Inhibitor for acid in my stomach. They may diagnose GERD which can cause symptoms. In layman's terms it's got to do with your digestive system including acid reflux and feeling full and bloated after a relatively small meal. These are common enough issues so I can assure you that it's nothing to worry about having the endescopy as I had several over the years. Best of luck.

AMerchant profile image
AMerchant in reply toGrish

Hi Grish

you mentioned antibiotics and ppi. Was this to treat helicobacter? How long was the treatment for and did your symptoms go away?

Docu20 profile image
Docu20

Hi

I have had three endoscopies none of them with sedation, a nurse usually holds your hand and talks to you so it takes your mind off it, and not once did it hurt or feel terrible, so please do not worry - at least you will know what is going on and get help if needed.

mad71 profile image
mad71

no don’t worry.. just tell them how you feel about it.. and breathe through your nose 👍🏻 You’ll be fine

Alpaca20 profile image
Alpaca20

hi how are you doing have you had endoscopy ? I’ve had similar to you and I just wanted to say I’m the same and totally terrified of these tests and their findings … I really hope you got some reassurance and everything is ok x

Flowers12 profile image
Flowers12 in reply toAlpaca20

hey Alpaca.

I’ve not had it yet. It’s meant to be this morning but I haven’t been confirmed a time yet so I have a suspicion it may be another day now as I’ve not heard anything since.

How have you been? Have you had a diagnosis? Can I ask what your symptoms are. I’m going out of my mind now..naturally thinking the worst but I’m trying to remain positive. My doctor keeps reminding me that there are so many things that it could be x

Flowers12 profile image
Flowers12 in reply toAlpaca20

Endoscopy was fine. I had throat spray and was in and out in 10 mins. Results came back fine. Perfectly healthy gut. Still no answers but grateful for the results.

Flowers12 profile image
Flowers12

hello. No it’s on Thursday now as I had it rescheduled. Please keep me on your prayers. How are you doing.

Flowers12 profile image
Flowers12

Endoscopy was fine. I had throat spray and was in and out in 10 mins. Results came back fine. Perfectly healthy gut. Still no answers but grateful for the results.

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