esophagogastroscopy

[daffy654]

Has anyone here ever had this done? I have been told this morning at the ENT clinic that I have to have a septorhinoplasty and an esophagogastroscopy.I have googled it and can't find any info.All I know is that they are putting a camera down my throat to look for abnormalities and I have to have a general anaesthetic for it. Any info from someone who has had the procedure would be most welcome.

[daffy654]

I just phoned the hosital to get clarification on the spelling of the procedure and it is actually a Pharyngo oesophagoscopy that I am to have.....bl00dy doctor's handwriting is illegible.lol.The receptionist couldn't tell me more than that though.

[diana.m]

Your pharynx is at the back of your mouth and throat and I am sure you know your oesophagus (food pipe leading from your throat to your stomach) A medical word ending in oscopy usually means looking at part of the anatomy with a camera. Hope they dont find anything serious.

[diana.m]

sorry, I didnt read the question fully.

[Lil O'lady]

My Significant Other underwent this over 20 years back, during suspected stomach ulcers phase. It involved being chemically 'relaxed' with something much better than valium then the hosepipe-camera jobby was fed down the throat. He was allowed to have a look at the monitor during it and walked out after between two nurses looking for all the world like he'd had ten pints. Got awful stroppy as he sobered up but the procedure itself was no biggie for him.

Five years ago I had a general anaesthetic for a colonoscopy which is I suppose same thing from a different direction......again, it was not at all painful or distressing (just odd) and I really did quite like whatever they knocked me out with, not felt that relaxed in years.
Best of luck Daffy.

[VillageVicar]

I had this procedure when living in the Middle East. I had developed some �nodes� in my throat that required a specialist to have a more comprehensive look. First, the procedure is quite different than an endoscopy�thank goodness. In this instance, (at least in mine) the specialist anesthetised by nose and throat and then ran a miniscule fibre optic into my nose and down towards my larynx. What makes the procedure so different is that there is virtually no sense of �invasion� as you would experience from an endoscopy. There�s no gagging, no impairment to breathing, etc. In fact, I commented whilst he was doing it that I felt it to be the least invasive medical procedure I�ve had in my life.

I realise each of us is different. However, please accept my assurances that you have nothing to be concerned about. To quote my daughter, it�s �easy peasy!�

I wish you well

Fr Bill

[daffy654]

Thanks for the replies diane,Lil O'Lady and Fr Bll.
I have already had the fibre optic camera up the nose and have to agree that it was not at all as bad as I thought it was going to be. They numbed my right nostril and gently fed the camera into my throat,I could feel it but it wasn't that bad at all. My throat was very red and swollen even though i'm not experiencing any pain at all,just the feeling that there is something stuck just above my pharynx. The doctor said that they want to have a proper look with a bigger scope which is why they're going to have a look whilst i'm under general anaesthetic. The septorhinoplasty is to straighten my septum and nose so that I can breathe more easily(I have emphysema and asthma so struggle to breathe).I am more nervous about the scope down my throat than the nose job.lol

[VillageVicar]

Good morning Daffy!

After his initial surgeries, my son's septum again collapsed. The surgeons needed to determine how much damage occured behind his nose. This same procedure was used. For us, I realise, it was quite different circumstances. I think this time, the process took many hours, as they were doing reconstructive work and having to peel back part of the nose/face. But my son told me that of all the things he went through following his assault, the idea of a tube going into his throat didn't bother him at all.

http://bigworldsmallboat.blogspot.com/search?q =when+violence+touches+your+own

I think, for your circumstances, the reason they want you under a general is that they will want to position your head back a bit, rather than how it's often done, in a chair. I'm sure it's more for your comfort.

Will you be having this done soon? I shall keep you in my thoughts.

Fr Bill

[daffy654]

Good morning Fr Bill,
I read the story about your son's assault when you posted a link to it before.It is horrific what he had to go through!.
I have not been given any information about my procedure other than what I have already said,I believe that as the scope used is rigid they need me to be asleep and relaxed to prevent damage to the throat.I only know this from information on the internet.The septorhinoplasty should take about an hour if everything goes ok,if the procedure becomes more complicated then obviously the surgery will take longer.I was told by the nurse practitioner at the hospital that the waiting time at the moment is within 6 weeks but I could be called at short notice if they have a cancellation or get extra surgery time alloted.I will be in hospital overnight as they have to monitor me afterwards due to the effects of the anaesthetic on my emphysema.
I am looking forward to be able to breathe through my nose again for the first time in almost 30 years. :-)

[VillageVicar]

Morning Daffy! Yes, as I recall, in addition to the optoscopes they use, there's a device that looks like the letter 'J' that is used. I'm sure you're going to feel so much better! I felt so badly for my son during all the time he was incapable of breathing through his nose. It took a toll on him, especially at night. It has been a long journey and I'm glad we've had so much progress. I'm confident the same relief will come to you as well.

I'm glad it's going to be sorted for you. Just think, you'll be able to sing better as well! :-)

Let us know the day you know it's scheduled and I'll place you on my morning prayer list.

But most of all...do not fret! You're in good hands! :-)

Fr Bill

[daffy654]

Thanks for your good wishes Fr Bill. I'm glad your son is recovering well physically and I hope mentally.
I will post on here just before I go into hospital and then again when I get home(assuming i'm up to switching the PC on).I hadn't thought about the improvement in singing after the surgery,it couldn't be any worse than it is now.lol.I don't have the most melodic singing voice.I always tend to lipsync rather than sing at carol services etc. I'll have to practice at home first before unleashing my wailing on the vicar and staff at my son's school. :-)

[daffy654]

Hello again Fr Bill,I just thought you might like to know that the hospital phoned me today and said that my surgery will be in January as the consultant is insisting on doing the surgery himself (Mr Kazmi at Blackpool Victoria Hospital) and is away on holiday for 3 weeks in December,he is booked up until then but has spare theatre time in early January. At least I can get through Christmas without the worry of it all hanging over me. :-)