Endoscopy

I read a article recently on-line Which said that the Endoscopy was a expensive test that is not helpful in diagnosis for GERD . the Upper G.I. is more conclusive for Chronic GERD,Heartburn sufferers.
Interesting:   http://mathemedics.com/demos/diagnoses/ulc.html
With a heart condition I must say this test is not what I want next week. But when drugs don't help and one can't eat it is tough. Would appreciate your intake?
Thanks,

[Wilson]

I think endoscopy may be helpful in diagnosing possible complications or associated conditions with GERD, such as esophagitis. If there is some risk due to you having a heart condition I'm sure your doctor will discuss it with you and take the necessary precautions. I have a sister with mvp who's had endoscopies without any problem, if that helps you. If you're worried about the procedure in general, it's really not that bad ... you will be in a haze and won't feel much of anything, and it'll be over before you know it! Good luck.

[karizmaflip]

i had an rgd done to diagnose gerd and it was fine.it is very helpful in diagnosing gerd.

[frazier]

Hi! I had an endoscopy done in August.  I dreaded the procedure so much that I almost canceled it. My husband talked me into going, and I will say that the dreading the procedure was so much worse than the actual procedure. I did ask the nurse to play some soft music for me beforehand to help me relax. I then went into the room and the next thing I know I am awake in the recovery room eating ice chips. I think it is even easier than an upper GI because I hate that barium! I wish you all the luck and may God bless!

[trisha1234]

Do you think the test is worse than a liver biopsy?  Please let me know.  Thanks. Trisha

[toy drive]

no it's not worse that that. it is a very easy test. you won't even know what is giong on. i had 2 of them . it is nothing. I aslo had a 24hr ph not that great. endoscopy is nothing

[Baseball_Mom]

I've had 4 endoscopys and I really dreaded the first one.  But all I can tell you I remember about any of them is they take you back and start and IV.  When its your turn they wheel you into the exam room.  You see all the tubes and monitors, etc...  They give you a shot in your IV to relax you and then the give you the stuff to make you forget what they have done.  Next thing you know you are waking up in the recovery room.  It's a cake walk compared to other things they could do to you.  And the good news is you don't have to drink any of that disgusting barium stuff. If I had to chose between a test where I had to drink the barium and an endoscopy, I'd chose an endoscopy hands down.  Best of luck to you.  Nothing to be afraid of.  Take care.

[karie]

Thanks so much for all the input on the test.
I have had stress treadmills, wore the cardio beeper for a month, Catscan w/iodine, MRI, Upper G.I. w/Barrium, Tilt Table test,ultrasound
Having Mvp : with pvc'spac's,chest pain and the O.I. reading after passing out on the tilt table was not a breeze.
Honestly my concern is as always the way I react to drugs and Darvon is a no-no and that they use during endoscopy.
Also the antibiotics needed before: Yuk
Anyone find out why there GERD started and was diet or weight a factor ? Mine was not and I continue to loose.
Thanks Much

[fyreflye]

I was awake during my Endoscopy. I was a nervous wreck before the test. It was all I could think about. When it was time for the test I got the IV drip (sugar water) and that really relaxed me because when a person gets anxious the body goes into the panic mode and the sugar water drip really, really helps to calm you down. Then, they wheeled me into the procedure room. They gave me Fetanyl because I am allergic to codeine so Demerol was out, and I felt soooo relaxed. The doc put this black thing in my mouth then inserted the tube and then......
Nothing! It was over, that fast. Didn't hurt and I remembered it all! When I got out of the procedure room I had to stay about 20 minutes and they told me not to sign any contracts within the next 24 hours- ha ha! Then, I felt like a million bucks-I had done it and it was behind me.  Piece of cake! Just make sure your Doc is good and has years of experience!

[NancyH]

I had endoscopy done a year ago, being paranoid of new procedures drugs etc I was freaked for weeks. When I went in I felt so relaxed with the IV fentanyl/versed that nothing bothered me, when I got out of the office with the picture(I have esophagitis)my hubby and I went out shopping, only residue was a slight sore throat.