Endoscopy Without Sedation

Hi Everybody,

             Some of you have probably read some of my past postings. My mama was diagnosed with EC in Dec 06. She is fine cancer wise but her COPD is taking a toll on her She has been in the hospital 4 times this year. That is why I just don't have as much time to devote to the board. I promise I still pray for everybody and I still check in.

   I have a question. My Dr wants to do an endoscopy on me. I am a huge chicken and do not like the thoughts of anesthesia ( not sure if I spelled that right). He said he could run a thin scope through my nose and I would not have to be sedated and it would only take 5 min. I am wondering if anyone else has chosen this route and how bad is it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks and God Bless.

                          Pat

 

On 5/9/2008 Patty5 wrote:

Hi Everybody,

             Some of you have probably read some of my past postings. My mama was diagnosed with EC in Dec 06. She is fine cancer wise but her COPD is taking a toll on her She has been in the hospital 4 times this year. That is why I just don't have as much time to devote to the board. I promise I still pray for everybody and I still check in.

   I have a question. My Dr wants to do an endoscopy on me. I am a huge chicken and do not like the thoughts of anesthesia ( not sure if I spelled that right). He said he could run a thin scope through my nose and I would not have to be sedated and it would only take 5 min. I am wondering if anyone else has chosen this route and how bad is it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks and God Bless.

                          Pat

Pat,

I had this done about 2 months after my esophagogastrectomy. I was having some slight problems swallowing. It turned out to be nothing and went away on its own. The procedure was very easy and painless. I didn't know they could check the entire esophagus that way. Go for it.

I hope your Mom starts doing better.

Good Luck and KEEP MOVING,

Steve 

 

I didn't have the endoscopy this way, but I did have this done 3 times to look at my voice box.  They insert a small tube through your nose down the throat and it has some kind of camera on it because I could see what the doctor was looking at on a monitor nearby.  Actually, it is quite interesting.  I agree with the other lady, it is no big thing.  No pain, no problem.  Yes, go for it!

I feel better already Steve. Thank you ! It is really embarrassing to admitt what a chicken I am when so many of you, including you and my mom have endured so, so much.

I remember reading another posting of yours about the way people take heartburn meds and never find out what is causing the problem. I have only been taking meds for about 3 months but I went to the digestive Dr and since I have had symptoms for over 5 years he wants to check things out. So I am going on my birthday this Wed. I will post the results. Thank you for your support and I plan to keep moving. I enjoy running but have not done it in a few weeks because of my mom but I plan to start back. It keeps me sane.

                                            Pat

To doing fine,

       Thank you so much. I trust all the fine people on this site !

Hi Pat,

You are smart to have the endoscopy. I have had 8 since being diagnosed with stage 4 EC on January 10th 2007. I would be too chicken to have it done without anesthesia. They also do dilations to stretch my esophagus, which was damaged during chemo and radiation. They give me a drug called propophal, which has worked for me. Like your Mom, I also have COPD. I wish I could be of more help. I am happy to have found this group today.

Best wishes for you and your Mom,

Allie

Hi Pat - Did  you think  you could sneak by  me  by posting on the board :-)   ??  My neighbor did it that way too, but, she didn't know if the throat and the very bottom of the esophagus could actually be seen.  My question would be that and the other question would be, if they see an area they think should be biopsied, then what?  Can they do it then (which I don't think they can) - or do they have to schedule another time and sedate you anyway?  Also, young lady - I am assuming you have not had a colonoscopy yet - being a great big pistol packin' chicken and all - so, if you have any inclination to have a colonoscopy (let's not forget my experience - being a breath away from colon cancer at only 47), I don't think you'd want to do the colonoscopy awake :-)  Most people schedule them at the same time and are put out and both are done and biopsies taken if necessary, etc.   Girl - with all you've been through over the past year or so, anethesia is nothing - actually, you could use the nap!!!!!  Love you - now, I have to add "sneaky" to "pistol, packin',  etc. ,etc."   karen

 

On 5/9/2008 Patty5 wrote:

I feel better already Steve. Thank you ! It is really embarrassing to admitt what a chicken I am when so many of you, including you and my mom have endured so, so much.

I remember reading another posting of yours about the way people take heartburn meds and never find out what is causing the problem. I have only been taking meds for about 3 months but I went to the digestive Dr and since I have had symptoms for over 5 years he wants to check things out. So I am going on my birthday this Wed. I will post the results. Thank you for your support and I plan to keep moving. I enjoy running but have not done it in a few weeks because of my mom but I plan to start back. It keeps me sane.

                                            Pat

 

Pat,

I think Worried Sick's response is much better than mine. It's a good thing she tracked you down. Looks like you can't hide from her? Getting checked out completely is a much better idea. I've also done that lots of times with absolutely no problems. The anethesia they use now is great. You wake up quicker, without the grogginess older drugs caused. Follow her advice unless you are truly "too chicken" (your words, remember), then do the simpler procedure. It would be better than doing nothing because of "chickeness". In any case, I wish you luck. Yes, tell us how it goes.

Get back to running - no excuses. Then, when you come to your senses and realize that running is no fun and too much like work, buy yourself a decent bicycle and ride. You'll thank me after you are addicted to biking. I would say it is what keeps me sane, like running does for you, but my wife would probably say I started to late - 30 years ago.

Good Luck and KEEP MOVING,

Steve

Karen,

        I knew you would find me out girl !!! You and my husband. Can't hide from either one of you.I know you are right, but I don't have to like it.

 Steve,

       You are right too on all counts except the running deal. I may add the bike but I can't ditch the running. I am looking forward to getting back.It may be a  little while. Mama almost died Friday night. She collapsed at home and is now in ICU. Anybody that reads this please say prayers for us. I will update later.

Hi Alllie,

      I am glad you found this board but so sorry you have reason to be here. The people here are WONDERFUL ! Thank you for your wishes for my mom and me. I will keep you in my prayers and please keep us informed.

                            Pat