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My Barrett's Oesophagus experience

Posted , 6 users are following.

Maria_MAJ
Maria_MAJ

I am taking Lansoprazole for my excess acidity and reflux, due to being on other medications which are known to affect stomach acids. However, if I stop, as in the case of pre hospital visits, the symptoms come back with avengance causing me to suffer the rising heartburn feeling and regurgitation of my food because I cannot swallow properly, which is not a pleasant experience. I also now control my eating habits to avoid symptoms occuring; tomatoes and spices are off my list!

I am overweight, and also have high blood pressure. My personal experiences with the endoscopy procedure been horrible and very uncomfortable, with me gagging during the process, and I am now petrified of my next appointment. This may be uncommon, and I don't want to put people off going because it is necessary and important, but I shudder each time I have to go and just wish I could be put under general anaesthetic for the procedure. I hope someone reads this who can put this suggestion forward.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • stupat22
    stupat22

    Posted

    HI,JUST THOUGHT I WOULD RECOUNT MY EXPERIENCE OF MY ENDOSCOPY.I WAS INITIALY WORRIED BUT AFTER HAVING TREATMENT I FOUND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT.MY THROAT WAS NUMBED AND I COULD FEEL THE TUBE AS IT WORMED ITS WAY DOWN,ALSO A SLIGHT TWINGE AS THE BIOPSIES WERE TAKEN,THE PROFFESIONAL TEAM MADE THE EXPERENCES AS EASY AS THEY COULD.I KNOW I WILL HAVE MANY MORE TO ENDURE IN THE FUTURE,BUT I WILL NOT WORRY AS ALL I HAD WAS A SLIGHT DISCOMFORT WITHOUT PAIN.
  • Gemini
    Gemini

    Posted

    I too put off being referred for treatment as I had heard the horror stories.

    I had sedation, needle in the arm, and I knew very little about the procedure. Another consultant told me that if you are really afraid they can give a General Anaesthetic. It is best to go ahead. They found hiatus hernia and Barrett's in me. Also referred for an ultra scan which showed up gallstones, for which I have recently had my gallbladder out.

  • cdog
    cdog

    Posted

    Hi...Have had endoscopy's done for many years now. Probably six or seven times, most recent yesterday (now also hiatus hernia present). Usually performed a couple of years apart. Done to monitor Barretts......... When I first started, I recall seeing others present getting intravenous sedation.............watching them 'recover' after the procedure, and coming out of the sedation was not pleasant, or to my liking!..........So I have always had the endoscopy done with just the local throat spray, and then 'swallowing' at the correct time as directed. No problems at all, and really not that bad!! No undressing, changing into 'gowns' and lying in beds! .........Other advantages of taking the 'mild' local anaethestic are that the 'Doctors' can talk to you throughout, and show you what is going on, with the cameras.........As soon as the procedure is finished (about 10-15mins) you just go to the waiting room feeling fine, and can then go home almost immediately. .......Really nothing to worry about!

  • anthony93
    anthony93

    Posted

    Had enough sense to so my GP after coughing up a black substance within 3 weeks had my oesophagus

    Checked via tube and camera,

    I found this procedures fine without sedative just the throat spray thus was talked through the procedures.

    It's just a touch uncomfortable and over before you know it.

    Next if needed not a problem wonderful staff and doctor with you all the time.

  • melanie26657
    melanie26657

    Posted

    Hi i have recently had the endoscopy and was lucky enough to be given the throat spray and sedation ,i cant remember a thing ,please tell the doctor how you feel !
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