Question: Upper GI?

Hello. I am scheduled for my upper GI in the morning. I have never had this done before and I am nervous. What exactly do they do? I gag really easy and don't know if I will be able to do it. Do they give you anything to relax you? If you have had this done before please let me know what to expect. As always.. much thanks! Bonnie

An upper GI is only an x-ray, and you have to drink the contrast that shows up on the flouroscope. It doesn't hurt, and they don't put any tubes down your throat or anything. Just resign yourself to be able to drink down the contrast and you should be fine. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-253-155

Thanks for responding. I thought it was when they put a camera down your throat. I am so glad to hear that it is only an x-ray! Take care, Bonnie

Hi Bonnie.... The light & camera they use to scope you is called an endoscopy. For that they would do what they call twilight you.... I had one of those back in May, and it wasn't bad.... I always tell anyone who is gonna do a test like that on me to make sure they knock me out good, as it is much easier than fighting me. I always have thought that 'whimp' should have been my middle name, and that God wouldn't have created good meds to knock me out if he didn't want folks using them on me. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-253-155

Be sure to drink a ton of water after the Upper GI. I had mine done the 1st of December and ended up back in the emergency room because my bowel got impacted (lovely huh?!) I suggest a high fiber something after this procedure. This is definitely not the norm but better safe than sorry. The procedure was easy and goes quickly.