What do they do for pre-OP tests...How bad is endoscopy?

I am assuming that they take blood.  Do they do anything else for the pre-op tests?  How bad is the endoscopy....what do they use to numb your throat or sedate you some? 

Thanks!
Denise RNY 1/28/09

Mine was done "open sedation"> They sprayed the back of my throat with a numbing spray. Then they administered IV sedation. Next thing I know I was waking up and it was over.
I am having a revision surgery so I had to have the whole arsenal. Colonoscopy, Endo, barium enema,heart stress test,  andblood. They also require a psych exam.
Hope this helps
Mz JoJo

Denise,

Piece of cake!  If you haven't had your colonoscopy, do it at the same time as the endoscopy, then you don't have to do it for another 10 or so year.

Barb

My surgeon never mentioned anything ever about a colonoscopy.  I am positive that I do not need one for my RNY.  I am only 31 though and a lighter weight (and as healthy as I can be at my weight)...so maybe that is why?

I was put under general anesthesia for the endoscapy. 

Unfortunately I also had a motility done the same week (they put a tube up my nose and down the back of my throat to test the strength of my esaphagus).

These two irritants on my esophagus caused a lot of pain after my endoscapy. 

My advice is to make sure that is the only test you are doing that week, and stay away from solid foods right after.  My surgeon did not tell me that and hours after I ate my esophagus (already irritated) started to swell and I had to go to the ER for chest x-rays.

For most I've heard that the test is a piece of cake.  The pain meds were quite fantastic.

It is nothing to worry yourself about. You will not remember it or feel anything.  I was worried about it also and after it was over I felt stupid for worrying...lol  Don't worry you will be fine I promise!