Gastroscopy Experience

I was in the hospital last Friday for my scheduled gastroscopy procedure. I finally decided to proceed with it; be brave and face this new medical adventure I'm in...hehehe.. My friend Lanie accompanied me to the hospital. We were there an hour early as advised by my doctor's secretary because of the forms that I still need to fill up prior to the gastroscopy procedure.

The procedure did not take too long. Actually, the waiting for the doctor to come is much longer than the procedure itself. It was not painful, but it was more of an awkward feeling. I can feel the tube in my throat; and I can also feel the end of the tube as it carefully explores my tummy. The doctor told me to look at the tv screen so I can see what my tummy looks like, but I was too occupied by the awkward feeling in my throat and the movement of the tube with the camera on my tummy. I was not able to concetrate with the things that my doctor was describing. After about 3 minutes, I started to panic (this is taking too long). I think my doctor felt it and so she asked the nurse to call my friend... hehehe... The doctor was talking to my friend while she continues with the procedure. And she was also telling me that we are almost done and that I am doing good.. that I am a good patient. But I think she was just trying to keep my attention away from what is happening. After a couple of minutes, she finally pulled out the tube out of my mouth. Finally, what a relief :-)

Thank God I don't have ulcer; but I got esophagitis caused by GERD. The doctor gave me two prescriptions, one for my esophagitis and one for my tummy. I was also advised to visit my doctor after a week of medication. And after two months, we'll repeat the gastroscopy procedure to check if everything has been cured.

After the procedure... I am finally able to EAT. I was not allowed to eat and drink 8 hours prior to the procedure; and I was on soft diet the day before the procedure. Honestly, fasting is more hard than the procedure itself (big grin).