Endoscopy

[Guest guest]

Barbara Ann,

You've never had an endoscopy because you didn't waste time with the

in-between stuff. You just jumped right in there and had a transplant!

(And what a trauma that must have been - to be healthy then suddenly find

yourself in a hospital with a new liver.)

I used to get exasperated at my Mom for refusing various invasive

diagnostic tests and now I find myself doing the same thing. I feel like

I've been poked, probed, penetrated and prodded as much as I want to for

awhile. I want to regain some of my dignity at least for awhile. I figure

that if I get sick again, I won't care what they do to me or what view they

have when they do it. For now, though, they can stick things down my

throat and that's all they get to do. And then, only if I don't have to

look 'em in the eye when they do it! General anesthetics used to scare the

heck out of me, but the new generation is so much safer, so I'm looking at

this as an opportunity to have a good nap that day.

Geri

[Guest guest]

Geri,

I have had endoscopy and two colonoscopies and was " out " for all of them.

They put something in my iv that made me sleepy and I felt myself peacefully

going to sleep. Then they give you versed which has an anesthetic effect

and also allow you to move around during procedure, but you forget all about

it when you wake up. I had no problem with either of them. Also had a

bronchoscopy and that was another story all together - not asleep with that

one while they stuck tube down into my lungs -- REAL NASTY!

Hope this helps

J

By the way, tomorrow I go for my laparoscopic biopsy. Have to be at

hospital by 6:30 am. Will have to be up by 5 am. Maybe I wont even go to

bed.

SJ

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: [ ] Endoscopy

>Date: Mon, 26 Jul 1999 16:20:59 -0700

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>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>I'm supposed to have an endoscopy on Wednesday (rescheduled from Tuesday)

>to check for esophogeal varices. I'm curious. My doctor told me that I

>would be " out " when the procedure is done but I just did an Internet search

>and it looked to me like the procedure is done while the patient is awake,

>but sedated with local anesthetic to repress the gag reflex. Has anyone

>had an endoscopy while under a general anesthetic? I was told that I'd be

>in the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is completed. My

>doctor knows that I'm reluctant about invasive procedures (a current

>quality of life issue for me) so I'm wondering if he's hedged a bit about

>what is actually going to go on.

>Help!

>Geri

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri,

My last endoscopy, in March 1999, was not done in general anesthetic although

my doctor said I would be " out " . Basically, I was out. He gave me valium

which knocked me out. I went out during the procedure and was out for

several hours afterwards. You might want to ask him what he plans on giving

you. Then you would know more about what he is planning.

[Guest guest]

I had an endoscopy and because I was worried about the procedure they put me

out completely! Don't remember anything about it.

Good luck with it though - hope all goes well

Eileen

[ ] Endoscopy

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>I'm supposed to have an endoscopy on Wednesday (rescheduled from Tuesday)

>to check for esophogeal varices. I'm curious. My doctor told me that I

>would be " out " when the procedure is done but I just did an Internet search

>and it looked to me like the procedure is done while the patient is awake,

>but sedated with local anesthetic to repress the gag reflex. Has anyone

>had an endoscopy while under a general anesthetic? I was told that I'd be

>in the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is completed. My

>doctor knows that I'm reluctant about invasive procedures (a current

>quality of life issue for me) so I'm wondering if he's hedged a bit about

>what is actually going to go on.

>Help!

>Geri

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

I've had many of them. You are not awake. they give you enough to put you

under and you wakeup in recovery. Tell them when you go in, that you don't

want to know or feel anything. They'll keep you lightly sedated. It is one of

the least invasive tests. They watch you until they know that you can drink

something, eat toast and go to the bathroom. Then just go home and sleep it

off.

Good luck. Glenda

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri -

I've had at least 30 endoscopy's. Depending on the medication used and how

much you are given will determine if you are " out " or not. I'm usually

mostly awake during my procedures, however, during my last one that was

performed in July, I was knocked out cold. It's really nothing to worry

about. And it's really not invasive at all. Better to be safe than sorry.

Why wait for an esophageal bleed to determine whether or not you have

varices.

Debbie

AIH

Michigan

[ ] Endoscopy

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>I'm supposed to have an endoscopy on Wednesday (rescheduled from Tuesday)

>to check for esophogeal varices. I'm curious. My doctor told me that I

>would be " out " when the procedure is done but I just did an Internet search

>and it looked to me like the procedure is done while the patient is awake,

>but sedated with local anesthetic to repress the gag reflex. Has anyone

>had an endoscopy while under a general anesthetic? I was told that I'd be

>in the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is completed. My

>doctor knows that I'm reluctant about invasive procedures (a current

>quality of life issue for me) so I'm wondering if he's hedged a bit about

>what is actually going to go on.

>Help!

>Geri

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri, I had the endoscopy on an out-patient basis. I was given Demoral and I

also had a colonoscopy at the same time to check for varices and any

internal bleeding. I vaguely woke up for a few seconds when they were

finishing up with the colonoscopy and I don't hardly remember a thing after

that. I would have it done again that way. They make sure you are real

comfortable. Don't put yourself through general anesthesia if you don't have

to.

Lori C. AIH~ transplant 3~11~97

[ ] Endoscopy

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>I'm supposed to have an endoscopy on Wednesday (rescheduled from Tuesday)

>to check for esophogeal varices. I'm curious. My doctor told me that I

>would be " out " when the procedure is done but I just did an Internet search

>and it looked to me like the procedure is done while the patient is awake,

>but sedated with local anesthetic to repress the gag reflex. Has anyone

>had an endoscopy while under a general anesthetic? I was told that I'd be

>in the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is completed. My

>doctor knows that I'm reluctant about invasive procedures (a current

>quality of life issue for me) so I'm wondering if he's hedged a bit about

>what is actually going to go on.

>Help!

>Geri

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri

I just had an endoscopy a few weeks ago (along with the dreaded colonoscopy).

They gave me Versed and Fentanyl IV and the last thing I remember of the

endoscopy part was spraying my throat with that stuff. So, apparently I was

conscious but unaware.

Don't worry!

Dianne A.

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

Thanks for the encouragement. My doctor did tell me that I would be " out "

for the procedure. I've never told him that I've had my fill of procedures

for awhile but I think he's figured it out. I went along with a lung

biopsy (negative for anything at all) with subsequent lung collapse last

year, and since then I've stubbornly refused to have either a colonoscopy

or angiogram despite constant urgings from an amazing number of doctors.

(Nice to know they care, I guess.)

Anyhow, I've been reassured and I'm going ahead with the endoscopy at 6:00

AM Wednesday morning. Strange hour, no? Then I'll come home and probably

catch up with my sleep and even do some reading.

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

,

When I saw my doctor about 3 weeks ago, he said that it was time to do an

endoscopy to check for varices. He commented that I'd be " out " for the

procedure. I've cancelled three scheduled colonoscopies so far so he has a

good idea of how I feel about these procedures.

Geri

[Guest guest]

Lori,

Hmm. I wonder if my doctor is going to " sneak " a colonoscopy? Better not!

Just joking. I got the insurance authorization in the mail and it says

" endoscopy " .

I'm also going in as an out-patient. They said to expect to remain in the

hospital for 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is completed, so it doesn't

sound like there are any complicated plans. Just a quick peek, I hope.

I'm not anxious for general anesthetic but I don't want to be aware of

what's going on either. I had a lithotripsy a few years ago, to remove a

kidney stone. They dip your nekkid body in a huge vat of water and run a

kind of shock wave through your kidneys to disintegrate the stone. I woke

up just after they were done and heard the nurses or whoever asking each

other why I was dripping wet. Weird. I didn't feel any pain, but when I

had my hysterectomy I woke up too soon and the pain was incredible. My

husband was almost climbing the walls with panic when he saw me in the

recovery room and he ran out and nailed someone to come do something about

it. I've had six children and my family was always amazed that I could go

through long labors without a moan or groan - it takes a LOT to make me

react to pain.

But, I realize that an endoscopy isn't basically painful anyhow. However,

my gag reflex is so strong that thinking about someone else gagging makes

me gag. That's something I worry about. And, claustrophobia, from feeling

I can't breathe.

Lord, I do sound like a big chicken, don't I?

Geri

[Guest guest]

Glenda,

Good suggestion. What can they find out through endoscopy besides possible

varices? I'm wondering if any upper GI ulcers, etc., would show up that

way? Or do they have to be looking for them specifically? I've had this

left-sided pain for months and rebelled at a colonoscopy, partly because

the idea of taking the long route to get to upper part of the colon really

turned me off. The endoscopy is only going to show the esophagus, isn't

it? Boy, it's time for me to have some anatomy lessons.

Take care,

Geri

[Guest guest]

Geri,

I have had a couple of endoscopies, not under general though. The

procedure I had I cannot remember a thing. They told me that the drug that

is given keeps you awake to the extent they need you to be, but you will

neither feel or remember anything.

It is a breeze, you can do it.

Good luck with it. Don't stress.

SueB.

----------

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

> onelist

> Subject: [ ] Endoscopy

> Date: Tuesday, 27 July 1999 9:20

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> I'm supposed to have an endoscopy on Wednesday (rescheduled from Tuesday)

> to check for esophogeal varices. I'm curious. My doctor told me that I

> would be " out " when the procedure is done but I just did an Internet

search

> and it looked to me like the procedure is done while the patient is

awake,

> but sedated with local anesthetic to repress the gag reflex. Has anyone

> had an endoscopy while under a general anesthetic? I was told that I'd

be

> in the hospital about 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is completed. My

> doctor knows that I'm reluctant about invasive procedures (a current

> quality of life issue for me) so I'm wondering if he's hedged a bit about

> what is actually going to go on.

> Help!

> Geri

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri,

What causes varices? Is it from the disease or the medicine?

J

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] Endoscopy

>Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 03:14:40 -0700

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>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>,

>When I saw my doctor about 3 weeks ago, he said that it was time to do an

>endoscopy to check for varices. He commented that I'd be " out " for the

>procedure. I've cancelled three scheduled colonoscopies so far so he has a

>good idea of how I feel about these procedures.

>Geri

>

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri,

Endoscopy goes to upper part of small intestine, so anything in those areas

will be seen.

J

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] Endoscopy

>Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 04:11:21 -0700

>MIME-Version: 1.0

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>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>Glenda,

>Good suggestion. What can they find out through endoscopy besides possible

>varices? I'm wondering if any upper GI ulcers, etc., would show up that

>way? Or do they have to be looking for them specifically? I've had this

>left-sided pain for months and rebelled at a colonoscopy, partly because

>the idea of taking the long route to get to upper part of the colon really

>turned me off. The endoscopy is only going to show the esophagus, isn't

>it? Boy, it's time for me to have some anatomy lessons.

>Take care,

>Geri

>

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri:

Sleep yes .. reading --- probably not LOL. I usually sleep when I come home

until the following day. Pretty powerful drugs. But it's the best sleep I

ever get. And 6:00 A.M. is not really a strange hour. I usually have mine

done at 7:00 A.M. It takes them awhile to prep you. You will be just fine

: )

Debbie

Re: [ ] Endoscopy

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>Debbie,

>Thanks for the encouragement. My doctor did tell me that I would be " out "

>for the procedure. I've never told him that I've had my fill of procedures

>for awhile but I think he's figured it out. I went along with a lung

>biopsy (negative for anything at all) with subsequent lung collapse last

>year, and since then I've stubbornly refused to have either a colonoscopy

>or angiogram despite constant urgings from an amazing number of doctors.

>(Nice to know they care, I guess.)

>

>Anyhow, I've been reassured and I'm going ahead with the endoscopy at 6:00

>AM Wednesday morning. Strange hour, no? Then I'll come home and probably

>catch up with my sleep and even do some reading.

>

>Take care,

>Geri

>

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri:

Through my EGD's they found that I have stomach erosion, ulcers, a hiatel

hernia, varices and gastritis. I will forward a copy of the pamphlet I

always receive which explains the procedure in a separate email.

Debbie

Re: [ ] Endoscopy

>From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

>Glenda,

>Good suggestion. What can they find out through endoscopy besides possible

>varices? I'm wondering if any upper GI ulcers, etc., would show up that

>way? Or do they have to be looking for them specifically? I've had this

>left-sided pain for months and rebelled at a colonoscopy, partly because

>the idea of taking the long route to get to upper part of the colon really

>turned me off. The endoscopy is only going to show the esophagus, isn't

>it? Boy, it's time for me to have some anatomy lessons.

>Take care,

>Geri

>

>

>---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri, You've probably heard this already but I will

give you the facts as I understand them for upper

endoscopy. They see the esophagus, stomach and the

duodenum. The colonoscopy looks at the ascending,

transverse and descending colon along with the

sigmoid colon.

the small intestines are viewed with a GI studies

with the barium stuff..eewwww..

so there ya have it

Jody

===

ISO B-family

DOB 5-23-61

b-name: Compton

*VOTE TO RE-ESTABLISH ADOPTEES RIGHTS TO KNOW THEIR

FAMILIES**

---Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote:

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Glenda,

> Good suggestion. What can they find out through

endoscopy besides possible

> varices? I'm wondering if any upper GI ulcers,

etc., would show up that

> way? Or do they have to be looking for them

specifically? I've had this

> left-sided pain for months and rebelled at a

colonoscopy, partly because

> the idea of taking the long route to get to upper

part of the colon really

> turned me off. The endoscopy is only going to show

the esophagus, isn't

> it? Boy, it's time for me to have some anatomy

lessons.

> Take care,

> Geri

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri, You've probably heard this already but I will

give you the facts as I understand them for upper

endoscopy. They see the esophagus, stomach and the

duodenum. The colonoscopy looks at the ascending,

transverse and descending colon along with the

sigmoid colon.

the small intestines are viewed with a GI studies

with the barium stuff..eewwww..

so there ya have it

Jody

===

ISO B-family

DOB 5-23-61

b-name: Compton

*VOTE TO RE-ESTABLISH ADOPTEES RIGHTS TO KNOW THEIR

FAMILIES**

---Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote:

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Glenda,

> Good suggestion. What can they find out through

endoscopy besides possible

> varices? I'm wondering if any upper GI ulcers,

etc., would show up that

> way? Or do they have to be looking for them

specifically? I've had this

> left-sided pain for months and rebelled at a

colonoscopy, partly because

> the idea of taking the long route to get to upper

part of the colon really

> turned me off. The endoscopy is only going to show

the esophagus, isn't

> it? Boy, it's time for me to have some anatomy

lessons.

> Take care,

> Geri

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Oh YEA>>the curve from the ascending colon to the

transverse colon sits right under the liver..that may

be why the want a colonoscopy..

Jody

===

ISO B-family

DOB 5-23-61

b-name: Compton

*VOTE TO RE-ESTABLISH ADOPTEES RIGHTS TO KNOW THEIR

FAMILIES**

---Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote:

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Glenda,

> Good suggestion. What can they find out through

endoscopy besides possible

> varices? I'm wondering if any upper GI ulcers,

etc., would show up that

> way? Or do they have to be looking for them

specifically? I've had this

> left-sided pain for months and rebelled at a

colonoscopy, partly because

> the idea of taking the long route to get to upper

part of the colon really

> turned me off. The endoscopy is only going to show

the esophagus, isn't

> it? Boy, it's time for me to have some anatomy

lessons.

> Take care,

> Geri

>

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri, Have you had an ERCP? its exactly the same

scope they use for that..Ive had 2 or 3 endoscopies

and I too have problems with gag and clausterphobia.

They gave me drugs but I remember no pain just this

thing in my throat that i wanted out..It will be

over quick..a lot faster than the ERCP..

Good luck and I will keep you in my thoughts

Jody

===

ISO B-family

DOB 5-23-61

b-name: Compton

*VOTE TO RE-ESTABLISH ADOPTEES RIGHTS TO KNOW THEIR

FAMILIES**

---Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote:

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Lori,

> Hmm. I wonder if my doctor is going to " sneak " a

colonoscopy? Better not!

> Just joking. I got the insurance authorization in

the mail and it says

> " endoscopy " .

>

> I'm also going in as an out-patient. They said to

expect to remain in the

> hospital for 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is

completed, so it doesn't

> sound like there are any complicated plans. Just a

quick peek, I hope.

>

> I'm not anxious for general anesthetic but I don't

want to be aware of

> what's going on either. I had a lithotripsy a few

years ago, to remove a

> kidney stone. They dip your nekkid body in a huge

vat of water and run a

> kind of shock wave through your kidneys to

disintegrate the stone. I woke

> up just after they were done and heard the nurses

or whoever asking each

> other why I was dripping wet. Weird. I didn't feel

any pain, but when I

> had my hysterectomy I woke up too soon and the pain

was incredible. My

> husband was almost climbing the walls with panic

when he saw me in the

> recovery room and he ran out and nailed someone to

come do something about

> it. I've had six children and my family was always

amazed that I could go

> through long labors without a moan or groan - it

takes a LOT to make me

> react to pain.

>

> But, I realize that an endoscopy isn't basically

painful anyhow. However,

> my gag reflex is so strong that thinking about

someone else gagging makes

> me gag. That's something I worry about. And,

claustrophobia, from feeling

> I can't breathe.

>

> Lord, I do sound like a big chicken, don't I?

> Geri

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Geri, Have you had an ERCP? its exactly the same

scope they use for that..Ive had 2 or 3 endoscopies

and I too have problems with gag and clausterphobia.

They gave me drugs but I remember no pain just this

thing in my throat that i wanted out..It will be

over quick..a lot faster than the ERCP..

Good luck and I will keep you in my thoughts

Jody

===

ISO B-family

DOB 5-23-61

b-name: Compton

*VOTE TO RE-ESTABLISH ADOPTEES RIGHTS TO KNOW THEIR

FAMILIES**

---Geri Spang <spangs@...> wrote:

>

> From: Geri Spang <spangs@...>

>

> Lori,

> Hmm. I wonder if my doctor is going to " sneak " a

colonoscopy? Better not!

> Just joking. I got the insurance authorization in

the mail and it says

> " endoscopy " .

>

> I'm also going in as an out-patient. They said to

expect to remain in the

> hospital for 1 1/2 hours after the procedure is

completed, so it doesn't

> sound like there are any complicated plans. Just a

quick peek, I hope.

>

> I'm not anxious for general anesthetic but I don't

want to be aware of

> what's going on either. I had a lithotripsy a few

years ago, to remove a

> kidney stone. They dip your nekkid body in a huge

vat of water and run a

> kind of shock wave through your kidneys to

disintegrate the stone. I woke

> up just after they were done and heard the nurses

or whoever asking each

> other why I was dripping wet. Weird. I didn't feel

any pain, but when I

> had my hysterectomy I woke up too soon and the pain

was incredible. My

> husband was almost climbing the walls with panic

when he saw me in the

> recovery room and he ran out and nailed someone to

come do something about

> it. I've had six children and my family was always

amazed that I could go

> through long labors without a moan or groan - it

takes a LOT to make me

> react to pain.

>

> But, I realize that an endoscopy isn't basically

painful anyhow. However,

> my gag reflex is so strong that thinking about

someone else gagging makes

> me gag. That's something I worry about. And,

claustrophobia, from feeling

> I can't breathe.

>

> Lord, I do sound like a big chicken, don't I?

> Geri

>

> ---------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Geri

Both of my boys have had this...Ty remembers being asleep...The only thing

that my other son remembered was the removal of the tube form his

throat...Just unpleasant...but not painful...Good luck tomorrow...will be

thinking of you.

Luanne Ty's mom

[Guest guest]

Geri...

Tyler just let me know that he was given verset(sp) and demerol...He said

that he thinks verset is the best thing ever made...They used that with his

liver biopsy also..Hope this makes you feel better...I think if the doc knows

that you are nervous about these things he should know the best thing to

do....

[Guest guest]

>

> What causes varices? Is it from the disease or the medicine?

>

Esophogeal varices are caused by the disease. My dad has primary sclerosing

cholangitis, and has had varices for some time now. Normally, blood flows

through the portal vein from the intestines into the liver. As the liver

fails, not as much blood can flow into it, so the blood " backs up " in the

portal vein. But the blood is still *trying* to go where it normally goes,

so pressure builds up, and varices, or alternative vessels, form. They're

mostly in the esophagus, but they can be in the stomach, small intestine, or

colon.

If you want more information, this article is old (1994) but it's pretty

good: http://pages.prodigy.com/hepc/hepc13.htm

Regards,

Charli