Anyone else have a EGD done? I'm scared!

Hello everyone. I have been diagnosed with Lupus after all symptoms and blood work coming back possitives. I feel like I know you all already as I have been reading the posts on here for awhile and just haven't said anything cuz I was waiting on my blood work. I also have Raynauds and APS.

Hi Crystal,
I've had several EGDs and I can tell you they are one of the simpler procedures I've gone through; you will receive strong sedatives that will essentially "knock you out" even though it's not general anesthesia, and you most likely will not remember anything about the actual procedure. They will attach a heart monitor, start an IV, and give you oxygen through nasal cannula, and then you'll be out like a light and wake up in the recovery room. They will closely monitor your breathing and oxygen saturation during the test so hopefully knowing that will help minimize your anxiety about it. During the test they will insert a flexible tube into the stomach and be able to look around to see if you have any ulcerations, bleeding, etc. that might explain your pain and weight loss; it's a very good test. I hope it goes well for you and I'm sure you won't have any problems! Good luck!

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Co-moderator - IBS Forum

Ive had three..... easy peazy!! Dont worry!

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Thank you both. I feel a little better about it now. I almost called and canceled a little while ago but I think I will go ahead and do it. My next one will be a colonoscopy in a couple months. Have you or anyone else done that one? I had a lot of rectal bleeding and am back on blood thinners , after the bleeding, so they want to see what that is about too. Thanks so much..

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Lupus, Raynaud's, APS (cardiolipin), Protien c+s Deficiancy, COPD emphysema and who knows what else!

Crystal,
It is not that bad at all as the others said, but don't hesitate to voice your fears to your doc and those doing the procedure! Judy

I've always had EGDs and colonoscopies at the same time. It may be too late but you might ask if they could just do both of them at the same time and kill two birds with one stone! The only difference in the tests that a patient will really notice is the prep for the colonoscopy, for which you have to totally clear out your colon with a bunch of laxatives...that is definitely the worst part since you're actually conscious for that! I think it's good that you are getting the tests done. Weight loss and rectal bleeding are not to be trifled with so this is a positive step you are taking for your long-term health. Keep up the strength and courage, you'll pull through just fine :)

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Co-moderator - IBS Forum

 I agree with the others that the EGD is not bad at all. You should be knocked out like Sarita said. I have had several EGD's and Colonoscopy's done over the last few years. The colonoscopy isn't bad either. Drinking the prep is the worse part of that.

Thank you for your helpful and much needed advice.I am feeling cheered up now and a little less nervous. I am going to call them tomorrow and see if I can't do them at the same time. Even if they have to delay it, I'd rather delay them and get it done at once :) I am just so tired and sick that I dont feel stronge enough to do this right now. My body is shot. I have been in this terrible bout now since December. I have had flares for years but this one is the worse. I was wondering how long do any of you flare for? Also, they want to put me on Prednisone , has it helped you? I am also having psych problems from the nerve damage and am hoping the meds from Lupus wont make it worse. Thank you all

Michelle

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Lupus, Raynaud's, APS (cardiolipin), Protien c+s Deficiancy, COPD emphysema and who knows what else!

Hi Michelle! Flares are all very different and it is hard to say how long one will last. Taking prednisone is very effective for many of us. Unfortunately, prednisone seems to be the only med that really works for me at slowing down and ending my flares. That is the problem with the prednisone. It is hard to stop using it because it works so well. My rheumy tries to only use the pred on me when I am adjusting to a new medication. I just started Arava last month and am finding it difficult to taper down on the prednisone just yet.

I would think the prednisone is at least worth a try for you, though, as it will most likely help to suppress your immune system so you can get over your flare.

Good luck and my prayers are with you!

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