Trouble swallowing - question about having a scope....

That's too bad, onmom, that you had to have the scope done without benefit of being asleep - ouch! They usually never have any problems with my veins so I sure hope that I don't have to stay awake for it. As I said, my doctor has no idea that I'm having this problem - I assumed that it was indigestion, but it's lasting too long. I'm seeing my doctor on Thursday & I'm going to ask her to order a scope for me, but I wanted to hear from others what their experiences were like. Thanks for giving me the view from the other side.

Deb

Hey Deb; I have had lots of scopes for another reason but its not as bad as you think. Tell them that you gag easily and they will give extra freezing for your throat. The stuff they use tastes really really bad but can work well. The scope is narrower than a small garden hose and they also give you some short lasting sedation so you aren't totally aware but are still awake. When you have reflux, the acid can irritate your esophagus and over time it can cause it to narrow. This is usally fixed by dilating th esophagus while you are having the scope. Cancer of the esophagus is really rare but narrowing is more common. Stress can cause the acid in your stomach to increase which will irritate it more and so on.  Think positive! I will think good thoughts for you. Better to get all these things taken care of before the surgery then after. Take care Dawn

Thank you for that info, Dawn - I feel better knowing that they will give me extra freezing if I need it. I'll definitely ask for it. Thanks also for giving me some suggestions of what it might be. Funny how we tend to think "worst case scenario", huh?

Deb

Hi Deb,

I've had this procedure many times.  The first 2 times was without sedation...just the spray to numb the throat.  I didn't do well.  Apparently, I needed to ASK for sedation, which I have done about 4 or 5 times since.  Check with the doctor's office to see if they have you scheduled for sedation or not.  It requires a different medical setup.  With sedation, it's a breeze, but you must have someone drive you home.  They won't even allow you to take a taxi by yourself.

Esophageal cancer takes a long time to develop.  I had acid reflux for 25 years without developing any cancer cells.  Try to relax and let the Doctor do his procedure. 

I must say that it's disappointing that you don't have your surgery date yet.  I remember you were expecting to hear something last fall.  It's got to be almost 2 years since you started this journey!!  If you get fed up waiting here in Ontario, I know a good doctor in Mexico.  Who knows, they might even get you done by the end of this month.  Of course it's self pay.  That's the choice.  Wait or pay.

Cheers,  Stewart

Thanks Stewart - I just found out about the sedation & you can be sure that I will be asking for it!

Yes, I'm still waiting for my surgery. They "lost" my file for 3 months in Toronto & just got things going again recently. I've met with one of the surgeons but I have to have more tests in Toronto this month & meet with another surgeon, due to some heart & sleep apnea issues. It's frustrating but since I've already waited this long, I keep telling myself that what's a few more months? I have to just suck it up & wait as self pay is just not an option for me.

Deb

 Don't panic, Deb! Hope you'll be fine.

Hugs, Alla.

Thanks, Alla, for your good wishes!

Deb