Heart Burn+ Endoscopy | Arthritis Information

 

I went and saw my Dr. last Tue. for heart burn problems. He gave me a proscription for Protonox, and he wants me to have a Endoscopy to check out my stomack. I would like to know if anybody had this done? Myself I do not want to have the Endoscopy. I think it is a waste of my time and money.   Take Care! Paul

Hi Paul.

I know a few members have had that procedure and was recently discussed.  Someone will drop by to advise, I'm sure.  You may want to copy and post your question at the new board, too, for additional exposure.   www.rafriends.com  (if you haven't already)

I make sure I never mention any stomach problems to my dr, as afraid they will immediately want me to have those tests. I hate tests.  I hate going to dr.  Not saying this is the right thing to do.  That's just how I am.  Good luck to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had both and endoscopy and colonoscopy done about 3 years ago. It was completely painless. I was nicely sedated, and out by noon.

The endoscopy showed some erosions in my esophogus. I was on protonix at the time, but now am on  nexium. The erosions need to be watched, as if not treated they can become a norrowing of the esophogus or even turn cancerous.

Get it done.

Hey Paul, I'm an endoscopy nurse so this is an easy question!  You are hooked up to a blood pressure cuff, finger oxygen monitor, maybe ekg leads and an IV inserted.  They spray your mouth with a numbing spray, give you good drugs thru the IV line(usually Versed and fentanyl)  You roll onto your side. A mouth piece is inserted so you don't bite the scope.  The scope is smaller than your pinky finger.  It slide down and they watch the tv screen to see your esophagus, stomach and top part of your small intestine.  Usually taking a biopsy for a bacteria called HPylori.  Many people have it but it will make ulcers when it can, such as when you are on NSAID and other arthritis meds.  Usually takes 10-15 minutes and you usually don't remember a thing.  Good luck. SusanOh. Well you don't make it sound bad at all, Susan.  If I ever have to have one, I'll remember this.  Thanks.  Ok Paul....you can go now. Bump To Top.   PaulHula,   Is that pain in the S????????? [QUOTE=Hulagirl]Oh. Well you don't make it sound bad at all, Susan.  If I ever have to have one, I'll remember this.  Thanks.  Ok Paul....you can go now.
LOL@Hulagirl...you can go now Paul
Really, the way Susan explains it, it doesn't sound bad..more easier to absorb that way! 
 

As if he needs my approval. 

 

I think a little approval helps with all this scarey stuff.

I'm greatful to all the folks who supported me when I had an arthoscopic knee surgery Aug 24. I was really scared. Turned out to be both easy and helpful. 

Thank you again!  

ps I'm having acid reflux problems I don't feel like reporting either.

I used to get really bad acid refulx so where I wouldn't want to eat and would sometimes throw up. I noticed that once I started humira I didn't get acid reflux much if at all anymore. i don't think humira has anything to do with it, just found it odd. Hi! My acid reflux was never so bad that I'd have a hard time swaolling, just a burning in my throut and sometimes my upper chest. I do not see why I need a endoscopy for that. I am afraid if I had it done, the Dr. would find something and take me off my good Ra. meds. that are working, like Mtx + Arava. I do not think I need the test. Take Care! Paul

Paul,

You wouldn't have to stop the MTX because it comes in injection form which bypasses the stomach. The reason for doing the endoscopy is to see if there have been changes in the cells lining the esophagus. If ignored these changes could possibly turn into cancer. This is not a good cancer to have! I hate going to the Dr. as much as the next person. I have acid reflux disease and am taking 2 protonix daily. This seems to be working for me, but I'm scheduled to see a gastroenterologist and then an endoscopy to check for scarring and cell changes. In the meantime there are things you can do. I have the head of my bed elevated 6", avoid acidic foods, eat smaller meals throughout the day. These things have helped me. You might give them a try. Good luck and don't be afraid of an endoscopy.

Barb
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