Doc thinks I may have some GERD issues related to some recent health issues I've had and scheduled me with a GI doc who is going to do an endoscopy on Feb 12th.

I've had it up the other end with a colonoscopy and that went very well but I'm a little anxious with this end of things. I have obstructive sleep apnea and also have never been able to breathe well for years through my nose due to a severely deviated septum. Just nervous about gagging or choking in the middle of this and not being able to breathe. I told the GI doc this and he said they can do it at the nearby hospital if I'd like but he felt like it would be fine at the regular center where they do them.

Please help me not be nervous!

Well, I was completely sedated when I got my colonoscopy/endoscopy, so zero issues. I too have problems with GERD and used to have OSA as well (no longer). Maybe just ask if you can be asleep for the procedure.

Incidentally, the endo was how they discovered I had esophageal cancer, which was caused by the acid reflux. So getting one would be highly recommended in your similar case.

Had one done for the exact same reason. You will be unconscious, riding the Propofol and getting THE BEST Sleep you've EVER had. Trust me when I say, you wont have a worry in the world, so definitely NO need to be nervous.

Dont worry, ive had several, also have deviated septum. Take a 15 minute nap. And all done.

Been there, done that, no worries like the others have said.
Enjoy the nap!

I had one about twelve years ago.
Easier than a colonoscopy. I felt nothing at all after the procedure.

I have had two. Number one when I was a college student and number two about 13 months ago. I have sleep apnea and have slept with the CPAP since 2007. Zero issues with the endoscopy.

Don't worry, they clean the scope up real well and you can't even taste that it was used previously on a colonoscopy

No worries. Asleep you go and that’s it until you wake up.

I've had several.

If you have GERD, there is a high chance you have Barrett's esophagus like I did. If left untreated it can lead to esophageal cancer.

I did have Barrett's and with the use of Omeprazole, it's been non-detectible for 30 years now.

Had one 20 some years ago for the same reasons. Other than becoming conscious out in the woods riding a 4-wheeler a few hours later, no problems.

I don't sleep walk, talk, or do other crazy shit. Give me good drugs & stories are born.

I had one about twenty five years ago. Nurse says she is going to give me something to knock me out. I'm like - there is no one here to drive me home and I need to be back at work in an hour. I was totally awake for it. Linda Lovelace would have been proud. Serious mind over gag reflex required.

I don't recommend it. Go with the propofol.

Had several. Most recent was a month ago in combinaton with colonoscopy.You will need a driver, no taxi or Uber. They are tightening up on that. Let the anesthesiologist know your issues. They usually use Diprovan so you have no memory. My esophagus was not even sore. Depending on what they see they may take a biopsy. The Doc will speak with you once you are awake. I went back to work afterwords.

Yep, several times. Rest at ease. Cakewalk. Actually, easier than a colonoscopy since you don't have to do the colon-blow.


Rick

I had one in 2017 and no issues other than my throat was a little sore after the procedure. An endoscopy is nothing to be overly concerned about you'll be fine.

Concur. I had one in 2005 as part of my cancer diagnosis. They did that and a colonoscopy at the same time. I had a mild sore throat for a few hours afterward, but slept through the procedure itself. Absolutely nothing to be nervous about.

Not an answer to your question, but some FYI. A good friend of mine had GERD. He changed his diet (he goes back and forth between keto and carnivore) and it has not been an issue. He has also dropped a great deal of weight.

Changing my diet got rid of my heartburn and acid reflux problems. You may already be on one of those, if not, it is worth a try.

I've had one. Zero issues, you'll be fine. They give you a piece of plastic to bite down on that has a hole in the center that holds/guides the camera. The last thing you'll remember is them placing the plastic piece in your mouth.

5 min. Email me with your cell. I do anesthesia for theses on the regular.

I had one to check an odd persistent soreness in my throat. I was surprised when the doc pushed the camera up my nose to get it down my esophagus.

Not fun, but not too bad. No anesthesia required. The doc assured me that it wasn’t cancer. It was shortly after kkina reported his esophageal cancer and I was worried.

A couple of weeks later the soreness departed.

You won't choke, you won't die, you will breath most easily while you sleep. They keep your air way open regardless of sleep apnea. Easy peasy. Extremely low risk procedure, ABSOLUTELY necessary unless you're willing to die with from esophageal cancer. GERD causes esophageal cancer. Thought you'd want to know. I have the pre-cancer stage, but it was caused by ignoring GERD and electing to avoid this procedure.

After you start your proton-pump inhibitor medication, and even better, if you adjust your diet, you stomach and your esophagus will thank you.

There is no cure for esophageal cancer.

I can tell you're one of those people that don't like doctors or surgery. You're not alone.