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COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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OT: Stomach o scope

zigzzagz65
zigzzagz65
Next wed I'm going to get my stomach scoped and I find I'm a bit nervous about it. Mainly about the anesthetic really. I haven't been put under since I was about 8 years old and had an abdominal hernia fixed and that's about 40 years ago. When I came out of the anesthetic I puked and puked and puked. It was pretty nasty but I'd really like to get this hiatus hernia confirmed and see if anything can be done about it. I'm kind of tired of having stuff burbling up my throat espescially waking up choking on it. It worries me that I'll end up in the same position I was in 6 months ago when it got something bad percolating in my lungs. I realise they don't likely use the same type of anesthetic they used 40 years ago so I might not get all pukey about it. He also said their is a .1% chance of him poking a hole in my innards or somewhat else going wrong which is 1 in 1000 so those odds are pretty OK as well. I just wanted to hear any of your anesthetic experiences, or if you have had your stomach scoped. My lungs are working pretty darn good right now I must say, so I'm not worried about the anesthetic from that point of view. They've healed up very well from the time I came into this group and I hope, knock on wood, to keep them that way and this test may be a step on the road to doing that.
grannie
grannie
I had a scope in 2007, I didnt even know it was done. I have no idea what kind of anesthetic was given, I know I took a pill and they sprayed the back of my throat with something, had no bad experience, except I have an ulcer and am on Omeprazole twice a day, some days I can do with one pill.

I try to be careful what I eat because I hear too much of the tummy meds can cause anemia.

Hope your test goes smoothly and you can get to the source of the problem.
bjrapp2020
bjrapp2020
I had my tummy scoped about two years ago, looking foor ulcers, cancer, what ever was giving me such bad reflux. Like Grannie, they sprayed my throat with something as I was going under, mine was a shot in the iv tube, but I think it was just a local not real deep under because they know of my copd. Yours might be different. Doctor checked the esophagus, stomach, and the upper colon for a few inches. A very through job. Did not take over 30 minutes from beginning to waking up back in recovery. You should do fine, just tell them your complete history with your lungs.
BJ
silfoxx2002
silfoxx2002
Protonix (pantoprazole) is what works for me. Been taking it once a day for a little more than a year. The gurgling and associated pain has been relieved! Another thing Zig, hiatal hernias are mostly inoperable. I've been living with mine a very long time. You'll get used to it Zig. The proper medication is what you need, not an operation. Jim
jarca
jarca
i only know about hiatal hernias from caring for my parents who each had one.
like jim said, they just were pretty much given antacids to care for theirs.
but ya got my thoughts & prayers as you go thru the proceedure, zig. just remember not to let your anxiety get to you & follow dr instructions on the meds you take before the proceedure (i don't know if dr wants you to take antianxiety before you go or not)
let us know when you get home & are okay---you know how i worry when people don't "follow up" ((((HUGS)))
zigzzagz65
zigzzagz65
Yes, they've got me on ranitidine twice a day which keeps the burning down to about normal and yes I also understand only certain types of h.h. are easily operable and I'm hoping I'f that's what it is, I have the kind that can be fixed with the scope and a few little holes cut here and there. Even if I don't get the burning I'm still getting the stomach contents coming up into my mouth especially at night. Not often fortunately, but I'm really paranoid about going through all that lung stuff again now I've got them back on track. I tell you, I really feel for everyone who has to go through all that breathing trouble on a daily basis month in month out. I only suffered a bit for about 8 to 10 weeks and it was miserable. I tell you I'll never take free breathing for granted again.
gracenme
gracenme
Good luck zig, hope everything goes well with no adverse reactions, I had a scope done few years ago, went well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have had Gerd for many years (probably due to my weight) & I have been on ranitidine as well. Try elevating the head of your bed by putting a fence post under the legs at the top. This helps keep your stomach acid in your stomach instead of your throat while you sleep. You're right to be concerned about the stomach acid coming up in your throat because it can cause breathing problems. So take your meds & elevate the head of your bed to help yourself.
deleted_user
deleted_user
BTW, usually for endoscopy & colonoscopy they don't give you full anasthesia - they give you something to put you in "twilight" sleep which is a lot easier on your lungs. It also has medication in it to make you forget any unpleasantness you may experience during the procedure. They have come a long way with these procedures & the anasthetics have changed a lot. Just make sure your doctor knows you had vomiting problems the last time you were anasthetized because it helps them choose the anasthetic best for you & knowing your past history they will often give you something to settle your stomach.
redvelvetcake
redvelvetcake
I was scoped (note, I have asthma not copd) a few months ago. They were going to use propofol, but it has a soy base, and I am allergic so they used an old standby instead, which they didn't give me the name. But if they used propofol and you have a soy allergy that may be why. Hope this helps!
zigzzagz65
zigzzagz65
No, I fortunately don't have copd yet either.....but tomorrow is the big day. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Show up at the hosp tomorrow morning at 10:30 and they procedure is at 11:30.

No, it couldn't have been Propofol they used on me since it's a pretty new one and my hernia surgery was a long time back.

Looking forward to getting this behind me. Probably spend most of tomorrow on the couch dozing between snatches of movies. I do understand that with the new anesthetics, a person comes out of them much quicker when the drug is no longer being put into your system. My experience of many years ago, I remember being groggy for serveral days. Aparently the surgeon told my mother that I started to wake up on the operating table though. Lol
deleted_user
deleted_user
My prediction is that 30 minutes after the procedure you feel like you never had it done. That was my experience with it ! It will be a piece of cake don't worry !!
Johninpa
Johninpa
I have scopes done every 6 months. You will never know they did anything. The IV is the most pain you will feel.
zigzzagz65
zigzzagz65
All done. I survived. Lol.......they finished an hour ago and I am hardly groggy at all. The throat is sore somewhat but I guest the most unpleasant bit was when he asked me to open my mouth and not inhale and close my lungs off....he sprayed some stuff that stung and burned for around 5 to 10 minutes and then numbed everything completely. No big deal at all but still the worst of it. I don't have the results unfortunately, that will come when I see him next.
j-h
j-h
Round of applause. He survived: )