My first experience with a gastroenterologist

[Primer]

I started having intermittent unspecified abdominal pains, just up under the sternum, back about the second week of April. May 16, I mention it to my GP at my check up, and he immediately refers me to a gastoenterologist for an upper GI scope.

The gastro's office calls me to make the appointment, which was for the 23rd at 1:30 pm. I was told that I needed to be NPO after midnight, and to arrive about 30 minutes early to take care of any paperwork that could not be filled out online.

Dinner time is usually around 7pm. I normally eat a light supper, then go to bed about 9pm. So far, so good. The morning of the appointment, I am very careful about taking only necessary meds with the smallest sip of water first thing in the morning, and just rinsing my mouth without swallowing, otherwise.

1pm, we (DH is my designated driver, since I was to be sedated) get to the office and check in. The receptionist lets me know that, no, it's just for the office visit, not for the scoping. The scoping needs to be scheduled after the consult.

I don't make a big deal out of it in the office; I'm quite polite and understanding, but I've not had any food or drink for 18 hours.

I didn't say it, but I sure was thinking...."You don't do this to a fat chick!"


After talking to the doctor, he has scheduled me to be scoped from BOTH ends, plus he wants a full abdomen ultrasound. I get the first part of that done on Thursday. This time the appointment is at 8am, so NPO will NOT be a problem!

Oh the joys of surviving to "middle" age!

[Shalom]

That reminds me, I have to make another appointment for the gastroenterologist. I had one for a couple months ago, but there was 3 inches of snow and they cancelled on me.

Buncha woosses. I used to live in Buffalo. For three inches I wouldn't even bother to put my boots on.

[Tsiyeria]

Oof. Don't make any plans for the night before the lower end scope. Also, splurge on some extra super duper nice toilet paper. You deserve it. Trust me.

[AccountingDrone]

Oof. Don't make any plans for the night before the lower end scope. Also, splurge on some extra super duper nice toilet paper. You deserve it. Trust me.

And baby wipes. Nice soft fluffy baby wipes. And a tub of tucks, or a bottle of witch hazel.

[ArcticChicken]

For three inches I wouldn't even bother to put my boots on.

I would, but only because snowy socks get cold.

[Cookie]

Oof. Don't make any plans for the night before the lower end scope. Also, splurge on some extra super duper nice toilet paper. You deserve it. Trust me.

Agreed. I've done the both ends scope thing. I was still a teenager, so you may joke about "middle" age, but it's not exactly age specific. Your throat will be scratchy, though, when you're done so your first foods will likely be cold and soft!

[lilnizzie]

I just had this test done. Both directions. Literally 2 days ago. I agree, for the prep for the bottom scope, don't make ANY plans the day before :P

The test itself is easy, cause the meds they give you to sedate you put 90% of people to sleep. I thought I had just closed my eyes for a minute, and they had already been done for 10 minutes!

[Rapscallion]

I took a day off before for the fasting part, the day itself, and took the day off after to make sure I could recuperate. I didn't need the day off after, but the stuff they gave me was a relative of rohypnol (began with M) and I can see why it's something to be feared at parties. Very, very effective. For the day before, the cleansing gear is also effective. Adult ... diapers you call them? Suggest them. Seriously suggest them.

I've had down the neck as well. Stock up on ice cream - your throat will be tickly. Just remember to relax into the table you're on. It's not fun, but it's best over with and knowing.

Rapscallion

[Eisa]

I had the endoscopy before...it wasn't too bad. Your throat is a little sore afterward. And I had a bit of a time sleeping off the anesthesia. But other than that, it was fine.

[MoonCat]

That reminds me, I have to make another appointment for the gastroenterologist. I had one for a couple months ago, but there was 3 inches of snow and they cancelled on me.

Buncha woosses. I used to live in Buffalo. For three inches I wouldn't even bother to put my boots on.

Ah, you know us well, don't you?

Hell, people start wearing shorts & flip flops in Feb. or March and don't stop until....well, some of them never stop wearing shorts & flip flops!

[ohsobitter]

I've had too many scopes to count. Best thing, start eating light a few days before and something that you know will help to cleanse you. My secret weapon is lentils and a romaine lettuce.

[morgana]

Oooh, been there, done that, I think I starred in the video . . . Here's wishing you a clean bill of health!

[PepperElf]

Buncha woosses. I used to live in Buffalo. For three inches I wouldn't even bother to put my boots on.

ROFL. Yeah one of my BIL's friends drove to work in 2 inches of snow only to be told "Why are you here?" ... they offered him time & a half to drive people home.


And back to the topic... BLEH. Not having to eat for 18 hours just because they couldn't get their shit straight. That's not funny.

[Tama]

It's not too bad, the scope from the bottom. You will want nice soft toilet paper...

I remember when I woke up from mine...the only thing I remember immediately there after was when they offered me a soda and I was happy.

[Primer]

The process itself was a lot less unpleasant than I was expecting, as they DID knock me out completely before they started. It was a good thing that I went ahead and wore a "skid plate," though.

The doctor found one small polyp, which he removed and sent to pathology. I should be getting the results of that about next Friday. Otherwise, everything looked perfectly normal--both ends. He did impress upon me to keep the appointment for the ultrasound. The "clean" scope along with the pain just under the sternum is pointing more and more to gall stones. whoopie.