EGD - what to expect

[Nancy Rivers 24]

On Friday I will have the EGD done. I know the doctor will "knock me out" for it, but what else should I expect? For some reason, I'm getting nervous about this. I think they will just stick a scope down my throat and take a look at things. It doesn't sound scary or any reason to be nervous, but yet, I'm getting that way.

When I had my back surgery 4 years ago, I wasn't this nervous.

[wondering1 103]

Nancy,

I just had mine done yesterday and the worst part was not having anything to eat or drink before it. My procedure was scheduled for 2:00pm and I wasn't allowed to even drink Water all day. When I got to the hospital, I checked in and was taken to a room to remove my clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. They also had me remove my shoes and wear hospital booties and put my hair in a cap. I was sitting in a big chair most of the time. The nurse came in and gave me an IV with saline solution. I started to feel better after that because I think I was dehydrated. The anastesiologist came in and told me exactly what he was going to give me in the procedure room. Then another nurse came and got me and walked me into the procedure room. When I got in there I laid down on the table and a make nurse put this bite block in my mouth that had a hole in it. And tubes in my nose to breathe oxygen through. Then they both told me to relax and breathe normally. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery. The doc had come in and inserted that long scope into my stomach while I was out. He came to the recovery room and told me I did great and he didn't see any ulcers or hernias. My throat was a little scratchy today but not too bad. I hope this helps. I think you'll do fine.

Let me know how it goes. Hugs and smiles!!!

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's helpful. I'm lucky in that mine is scheduled for 9:30am. I have to be at the hospital at 8am.

[lunarose 97]

My experience was similar to Debbie's I wasn't completely out I drifted in and out because I had been having problems they took small samples of my stomach lining it didn't hurt just felt odd. The worst part was my nose kept itching and they would not let me scratch it! Afterwards we went to a movie and out to eat and I was just fine. Oh and before they started they made me swallow this awful gunk to numb my throat so I won't gag.

[a change is comin 3]

My experience was like Debbie's except I was there at 7am, so I didn't have worry about being too hungry. I also had to change into a gown and sat in a big chair while the nurse went over some info, than another nurse came and got me. I went into the room and had the iv put in, they put the bit in my mouth and oxygen in my nose and the dr started to talk, but I only remember hearing he name. Next thing I knew I was in recovery. I was really sleepy once I "woke" up and than I was moved to the big chair again and they gave me some Snacks and water/juice. I fell asleep for a bit and then my ride came in and I left. I was extremely nervous also because I never been "under" before, but it was ok, my throat wasn't even sore. You'll be fine!!

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Thanks. It's good to hear what to expect. I'm meeting my ride at 7am and have to be at the hospital at 8am. So glad that it is a morning appointment!

[Nancy Rivers 24]

So I had the EGD done today and it was a piece of cake. (oops - bad analogy, can't have cake... lol)

I got to the hospital and they did a urine test (pregnancy), blood test (glucose) and an EKG. Then I was taken back to prep for the surgery - get the saline IV and talk to the docs and nurses. They wheeled me into the room, the nurse anesthesiologist said "I just gave you something to relax". I know they put the oxygen thing on, but then the next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery 1/2 hour later. My throat isn't even sore from the scope.

What really bugged me though was while I was sitting in the surgical waiting room before they took me back to prep, there were two people who came out of the surgical prep/recovery area. One was in a wheel chair, the other was pushing her. Both were very obese (each one was about 2 of me!) and were carrying McDonald's bags and large sodas. They proceeded to sit in the surgical waiting area and eat their large breakfasts. I was never so glad to be taken back into the prep area. It was a good reminder of WHY I am doing this surgery - I do NOT want to be like those 2 anymore.

[a change is comin 3]

glad everything went well!!