Upper GI exam advice?

[disfan07]

I just found out on friday that my GI doc. wants to order an upper GI.
I have had this done a 3 times (or at last tried to have it done...lol)

The first time was about 10 years ago and it went fine. The 2nd time, I made it about halfway thorugh before I became very very nauseous and just could not handle anymore. The 3rd time (about 3 years ago)....I kind of threw up on the tech....it doesn't help that my gag reflex seems to be getting more and more sensitive as well

We already know that I have a hiatal hernia but he thinks it might be getting worse (I've been having horrendous reflux) and they think I might have an ulcer as well. There are also a couple of other GI issues as well but the reflux adn heartburn is the main issue right now.

Does anyone have any advice on how to make this test more bearable or am I just going to have to suck it up and cross my fingers that I dont puke on anyone this time around

I just dont want to end up having another endoscopy if they can find the problem doing this instead

 

[Christine]

I don't have any tips because both times it went very well for me.

It seems to me that you need to explain all this to the anesthesiologist that is in the room with you and make sure that they put you under enough so that you are not conscious.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

. I, too, have had too many upper (and lower) GIs. One thing is try to relax. If you are worried you will throw-up, you will. I’ve thrown up on poor nurses too.

I just found out on friday that my GI doc. wants to order an upper GI.
I have had this done a 3 times (or at last tried to have it done...lol)

The first time was about 10 years ago and it went fine. The 2nd time, I made it about halfway thorugh before I became very very nauseous and just could not handle anymore. The 3rd time (about 3 years ago)....I kind of threw up on the tech....it doesn't help that my gag reflex seems to be getting more and more sensitive as well

We already know that I have a hiatal hernia but he thinks it might be getting worse (I've been having horrendous reflux) and they think I might have an ulcer as well. There are also a couple of other GI issues as well but the reflux adn heartburn is the main issue right now.

Does anyone have any advice on how to make this test more bearable or am I just going to have to suck it up and cross my fingers that I dont puke on anyone this time around

I just dont want to end up having another endoscopy if they can find the problem doing this instead

The bolding is mine

Were you sedated? I know they have several different levels of sedation that they use. The common one is where they put you in a light sleep, but this sounds like you were basically awake. If that's the case, could you ask your doctor/the anethesiologist (sp) to up your sedation?

 

[disfan07]

ooops....I guess I didnt explain it well.

I am supposed to be having the Upper GI series with the barium done. So no sedation.

Are you guys talking about upper endoscopies? I've had 2 of those done also and that is what we are trying to avoid because those can no longer be done outpatient for me.

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

ooops....I guess I didnt explain it well.

I am supposed to be having the Upper GI series with the barium done. So no sedation.

Are you guys talking about upper endoscopies? I've had 2 of those done also and that is what we are trying to avoid because those can no longer be done outpatient for me.

Are you talking about the gi follow through where you drink the disgusting "berry-yum!" and they take pictures?

In that case, have the stuff chilled, and drink slowly but consitently. I watch the clock and tell myself "I will drink this much by x time" If you start to feel nauseas (sp) stop, take several breaths through the nose and think happy thoughts, then continue. Do not rush! If you can, have someone chat with you, keep you calm.
This has helped me get through that exam many times.
(though you have to admit, the vomit is a pretty color)

Alos, I can't drink certain flavors (berry and banana come to mind). Some people do better with certain flavors. Good luck!

 

[disfan07]

Are you talking about the gi follow through where you drink the disgusting "berry-yum!" and they take pictures?

In that case, have the stuff chilled, and drink slowly but consitently. I watch the clock and tell myself "I will drink this much by x time" If you start to feel nauseas (sp) stop, take several breaths through the nose and think happy thoughts, then continue. Do not rush! If you can, have someone chat with you, keep you calm.
This has helped me get through that exam many times.
(though you have to admit, the vomit is a pretty color)

Alos, I can't drink certain flavors (berry and banana come to mind). Some people do better with certain flavors. Good luck!

Okay...I almost spit out my coke onto my computer reading that.
Seriously....who would come up with such a disgusting exam?????

I've never had it flavored. Its always just white chalky crap. I'm hoping that maybe it will be better at the hospital I am getting it done at this time. The place where I got my last 3 done was not wonderful and not very patient

This is the first time I'm having it done since moving and the staff at this hospital have always been wonderful so maybe that will make a difference as well.

 

[marcyinPA]

ooops....I guess I didnt explain it well.

I am supposed to be having the Upper GI series with the barium done. So no sedation.

Are you guys talking about upper endoscopies? I've had 2 of those done also and that is what we are trying to avoid because those can no longer be done outpatient for me.

I had one of these a few years ago...a barium swallow, right? Then they put you on that machine and basically turn you upside down, to see if you have reflux? Yeah, it wasn't pleasant, but I just talked myself into it. Seriously...it was a mental game for me. I remember not being able to burp, and that was the worst part. I WANTED to burp! But the technician told me I would have to repeat the test if I let the gas out, so I just talked myself into not burping and I made it.

I ended up also needing an endoscopy, which in many ways, was easier. They put me into twilight sleep, and I really don't remember a thing!