So you’ve got really bad reflux and you’re having a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy!
As with other procedures I’ve had since starting this blog, I looked to the web for some firsthand patient accounts of EGDs** and found nothing. So, I decided to add my experience.
**Please note that this procedure is also called an Upper GI endoscopy. What’s interesting is that when I asked my Gastroenterologist if that’s what an EGD was he said “No” but thanks to reader Aviva and web searching, it appears they are interchangeable. I wonder if the difference is merely technology. Ask your doctor.
What is a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy? Firstly, no one is going to call it an
You will see your Gastreoenterologist holding something like this before you fall asleep.
Esophagastro, uh, scope. They will call it an EGD. It’s one of many minimally invasive diagnostic procedures Gastroenterologists (stomach and colon docs) use. Essentially, it involves the doctor putting a scope with camera attached down your esophagus into your stomach and duodenum. Yay!
Why get an EGD?
In my case, I was referred to the Gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy and when I mentioned that my GERD is so severe that my 40mg of Protonix is supplemented with OTC Zantac and I’ve been avoiding tomatoes and tomato sauce for seven months or so…I landed myself an EGD as well.
I have had reflux since I was 19 years old. The severity has fluctuated through the years and with having it for so long, I’m pretty use to more mild symptoms. For example, I have had doctors ask, “Do you have reflux?” because they could see the acid in the back of my throat (I guess the pharynx) yet I was not treating the reflux at the time. I suppose it has always been GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Where do you go for an EGD?
In my case, I went to the outpatient surgery center at my local hospital. I understand that some Gastroenterologists are set up to do this procedure in their office.
How do you prepare for an EGD?
I was asked not to take blood thinners, which includes aspirin and Ibuprofen for 5 days before the procedure. I was also asked to discontinue all supplements including those that are prescribed. So, no Iron, Vitamin D, Potassium, B-12, or multivitamin for me. Being anemic and going off of Iron has made me a bit tired.
No liquids permitted after midnight.
Upon arrival for the EGD
I had to report to the surgery center 1.5 hours before my procedure. I entered a private room, changed into a gown, and rested in a hospital bed. I received an IV and met several nurses as well as an Anesthesiologist. Surprise! I’ve had so many procedures this year that I knew my Anesthesiologist from my muscle biopsy.
As a 36 year old, I was told by multiple nurses that I was “so young” to have this procedure to which I promptly replied, “I’m okay”. I mean, seriously, I am 36, I am not that young. It’s not like when I was 22 and my Gastroenterologist counseled me about how sad it was for me to be sick while so young, blah, blah, blah.
The EGD (10 minutes)
I was wheeled to the surgery room and was greeted by one of the nurses I met while waiting. I was able to stay in the hospital bed I arrived in which was nice. No switcheroo to an operating table when your gown shifts and you get a freezy bottom!
The nurse had me lie on my left side. She strapped a mouth opener (not a technical term) on – a plastic oval that forced my mouth open, sort of like what my dentist would use when I was young. As soon as the mouth opener got uncomfortable, I fell asleep from the anesthesia. Next thing I recall is waking up, asking whether I was a good patient, and asking if it was already over. I was told that “it looked good” but that they took a couple of biopsies. As I reported in this post, all of my follow-up is with my PCP.
Why biopsy?
It’s my understanding that a biopsy during the EGD can be used to diagnose various conditions including Barrett’s Esophagitis and Celiac Disease.
Recovery
I was told I may have a sore throat but I didn’t seem to have much of one. I did have gas and stomach distention. I also felt slightly nauseated into the night. This could also be attributed to the fact that I have a colonoscopy on Monday or that my son lost his lunch the same day!
There you have it! An EGD, not so bad.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, patient point of view
Hey there! Just fyi, if you’re interested in other people’s experiences, you’ll find more hits if you search endoscopy or upper endoscopy or upper GI endoscopy.
I actually had to look up the definition of EGD to confirm that yes, that’s what I’ve had too.
My doc does them in his office with a combination of versad and … I’m blanking on the other drug. I have a sore throat for a couple days and no other problems, even when I’ve had numerous biopsies. (I think 14 was the max taken at a single endoscopy.)
Bummer that they couldn’t do the colonoscopy at the same time and saved you from anesthetic twice (and shortened the amount of time you had to be off your supplements like iron). You should ask for frequent flyer miles when you go back on Monday!
Fwiw, I LOVE your detailed descriptions of both the technical stuff AND the subjective experience. I always learn something new, even when it’s something I’ve gone through myself.
xoxo
I’m glad it went well for you and wasn’t too terribly uncomfortable. I have a dreadful gag reflex, too, and would be horribly nervous before one of these!
Thanks for the detailed description for those of us who have never experienced this.
Hmmph. After having read your post about your colonoscopy — which I will comment on very soon — I’m think your Dr. Gastroenterologist is a major a**hat.
I’m seriously bugged he specifically told you that your procedure was different from a “normal” endoscopy when you asked pre-procedure.
Grrrr.
I have to have an esophagogastroduodenoscopy on Monday and I am really frightened. I want to opt for a sedation, but when looking at other people’s reactions online, it made them feel MORE anxious! I’ve been told that even with sedation I will be awake through the procedure. I am really scared of it feeling like I am choking and not able to breath. Did you have something more than sedation?