Question:
How bad is the upper endoscopy?

How bad is the upper endoscopy? Does everyone have to have one? Why do they require you to have the endoscopy and the upper GI? Doesn't it show the same thing basically? How long does it take? Can you drive yourself home from the endoscopy? Thanks in advance for any info.    — thumpiez (posted on August 26, 2002)

August 26, 2002
Hi, My Endoscopy was NOT bad at all. I went home and ate lunch afterwards, lol. Can you drive yourself home? NO way! The meds they give you won't allow it. The only thing I remember about that day is getting my IV pout in and my Gastro Doctor giving me some wonderful medication. Next thing I remember is waking up, being put in the car and pulling up in my driveway, my husband driving ofcourse. He fixed me lunch, I ate it and then fell alseep the rest of the day. Its really not bad at all. I was scared to death to, afraid of choking and all that yucky stuff. I didn't have a problem.
   — lesleeloo

August 26, 2002
I just had one a few days ago! No a bad experience at all. You get an IV and then those lovely sleepy meds. I remember being told to turn over on my side and I was chatting with the doc. Then I remember sitting up in bed in another room and drinking juice and munching on a cracker. It's kind of cool. Can you drive home? No Way! You will be very sleepy. Take care!
   — Sheila T.

August 26, 2002
Hi. Exact experience as Leslie word for word! (except change "husband" to "pastor's wife") Piece of cake. I felt good enough when got home that I couldn't believe that I actually fell asleep for 6 hours when I got home. And I thought I was gonna go back to work that day - silly me. I did not have an upper GI...and, yes, I thought they accomplished the same thing....
   — Debby M.

August 26, 2002
I have had two endoscopies done and it's not big deal. Like the other posters said, they start an IV and you go to sleep. My gastro doctor assured me that I would remember nothing about the procedure and he was right. The Upper GI and endoscopy don't show exactly the same thing - The upper GI shows any blockages or leaks and shows the travel route of the barium (if you are post-op, it's fascinating to watch the barium fill the pouch and then empty). The endoscpoy lets the doctor see just what might be causing the problem. I had a stitch that had worked its way into the pouch and was causing a blockage and severe nausea. No, you cannot drive. In fact, the hospital had me sign papers promising not to do any business deals the day of the procedure. The medication is quite strong and you really aren't yourself. I was in recovery for an hour after the procedure (the actual endoscopy only takes about 3 -5 minutes but the prep takes a little time). The I was released. I went to the house, puttered around a bit and the took a 2 hour nap. Late that afternoon, I drove to WalMart and did some shopping. Good luck.
   — Patty_Butler

August 26, 2002
I'm an old pro at upper endoscopies....I've had 5 of them..4 since my sugery in April. They are a piece of cake! The worst part for me is getting the IV (I'm a really tough stick!) Make sure that you see a specialist and that they give you Versed or something similar so you are completely oblivient to what is going on. I have heard of people being semi-aware of what was going on, but that never happened to me. The worst part is the painful gas that you will most likely have afterwards. Other than that...it's truly a breeze. Good Luck!
   — pam29922

August 26, 2002
Upper Endoscopy? Just had mine done and it was a breeze. Ditto to what the other folks said.
   — Karen K.