upper gi series results

[gastro uh oh]

Hi, 29/male here. For a few months I've had upper middle abdominal discomfort, best described as a nagging tenderness, bloated feeling that is not significantly effected by eating, and has not been helped my Prilosec.  I had a normal abdominal ultrasound however regarding my upper gi series, the nurse called and reported something about "inflamation (inflammation)" and something else about a "small hiatel hernia" and "maybe an ulcer" that I would need an upper gi endoscopy, but she told me do not worry and it's not an emergency.  

I am not generally one to panic, However I admit I am slightly worried due to all the "maybe's" the nurse mentioned.  Bluntly speaking, is there any chance at all it could be something ominous (cancer, etc) and she just didn't want me to worry too much, or is the upper gi/barium test extremely accurate for differentiating cancer versus "other things"?    

I know that worrying will not help ones situation, however I really must know the honest truth about the accuracy of the test I had in differentiating cancer or other bad stuff versus benign conditions...



Lastly, when I have the upper gi endoscopy done, will I be okay to have the test done without sedation?  I don't like to be sedated, so I'm wondering if it's reasonable to ask them to do it without sedation?


Those are my 2 questions, the first question is much more important to me for you to answer, please focus on that one more,  thank you for your time

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the recommendation for the upper endoscopy.  The upper GI would pick up larger masses and cancer, but may miss smaller ones - hence the need for the endoscopy.

Normally an upper endoscopy is done with conscious sedation - meaning you won't be totally unconscious, but drowsy.  It is the most comprehensive test to look for upper GI cancers, as well as confirming any diagnosis of inflammation or an ulcer.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[gastro uh oh]

BY the way, I forgot to mention, I have had symptoms of having a hard time taking a deep breath for several years, and was given breathing tests and chest xrays back then which were normal...could whatever is going on in my upper abdomen cause this, potentially?

[lizziecee]

I would seriously re-think your thoughts on the sedation procedure for an upper endoscopy. I have had Crohn's for some 37 yrs and in the early days the endoscopies were horrendous without sedation. I was conscious the whole time they put tubes up my nose, down my throat and not only gagged, but had nasty stuff from my nose spilling out. It was gross and very painful trying to get the tube down into my small intestine.  I had an upper endoscopy 2 months ago, with light sedation, and I am happy to report I didn't feel or know a thing after they put an injection into my hand. Next thing I knew I was woken up with a cup of tea and a cookie. Way to go - and I have had more endoscopies...and colonoscopies, than I have had hot dinners. What is your fear? I don't understand it.  
Hope all goes well for you in your further investigations.
Liz.  

[marky1956]

Agreed Liz. You DO NOT want to do the endoscopy without sedation. I can't see how that gets done. I had some level of discomfort last time WITH sedation, I couldn't imagine doing it without it.  By the way - I'm going for one today at 11:30 am............ oh boy, can't wait! LOL!!

[lizziecee]

Hi - yeah, you gotta believe it! Then, when I think back to my early years with Crohn's I also had to suffer the absolute indignity of barium enemas.Ever had one? They weren't nearly so painful as endoscopies without sedation. I am grateful for the small mercies of colonoscopy and endoscopy with sedation now - although my elder sister just had a colonoscopy and she was awake the whole time. Imagine it is up to the gastro doing the procedure how much sedation they give you.
Take care,
Liz.