First meeting with GI/Consult for endoscopy and colonoscopy

[Jctb]

I expected it to take longer to get an appointment, but I now have my first meeting with the GI Dr. next week, then I'll be booking my appointment for procedure. I am the WORST with medical stuff. My heart races just entering a medical building, so knowing I'll be having these procedures has really set me off. I know I won't be 'on the ball' for the meeting...what should I be sure to ask him? I really don't know much about all of this, but I'm terrified. IVs and bloodwork even make me ridiculously nervous. Any advice would be great...thanks so much.

[cyclinglady]

You might want to get back on gluten (I think you went off it this week?). The procedure could take place within a week of your GI consult.  You should be on a gluten diet for at least two weeks -- not one week as your GP suggested (for biopsies only).  

Consider bringing a notebook and/ or a friend.  When you are sick, it is hard to think clearly.  I always visit my doctor with a list of things to ask.  I pay dearly for my medical care and I want to get my money's worth out of a visit!  

 

[Jctb]

Thanks! Yes, I haven't had any gluten since last Thursday. I was hoping the appts would be once my kids were back in school (3 busy kids ages 5, 7, 10)....won't be fun feeling sick with them home

I'm definitely not going alone, I know I'll be all shakey, my medical anxiety has gotten worse in the last year.

[cyclinglady]

Try calling the office.  Ask the nurse how fast endoscopies are typically booked after an initial consult.  It could be days, weeks or months.  That will help you decide if you want to get back on gluten now or later.  But seriously, all the literature says 2 to 4 weeks -- not one.  

[BabyBelladonna]

Good luck ill say a prayer. I try to zone out breath in and out slow. Ive had many procedures. Ice pack on wrist slows circulation. Think of flowers or the wind close your eyes and relax. Practice at home.  

[Jctb]

Thanks so much. I'm not feeling well today, so the idea of making myself feel worse is terrible. I'm going to ask when I go on Tuesday. I'll request to book it a couple of weeks out. Or maybe if I feel better tomorrow I'll start then.

I'm wondering if they'll give me something to calm me...last time I went to the hospital my heart started racing, was 150! Assuming that wouldn't be good to have happen. It spiked everytime a Dr. or nurse would even walk by. 

[squirmingitch]

You have "white coat syndrome". It's a real thing & lots of people experience it. I'm so sorry. Let them know how stressed out you get.  It would help if you made your written list and sat down with whoever is going to accompany you & discussed it a day or two before the appointment & let them make notes too.

[Jctb]

3 hours ago, squirmingitch said:

You have "white coat syndrome". It's a real thing & lots of people experience it. I'm so sorry. Let them know how stressed out you get.  It would help if you made your written list and sat down with whoever is going to accompany you & discussed it a day or two before the appointment & let them make notes too.

Thanks. I most definitely do. I'm actually more afraid of the IV than anything, is that not weird? I'm going to tell the Dr. for sure, although I'll likely be in tears and shaky, so he'll no doubt know something is up.

I think it's also scary, that although I want answers, not knowing what they will find is quite unsettling...if that makes sense. 

[Awol cast iron stomach]

10 minutes ago, Jctb said:

Thanks. I most definitely do. I'm actually more afraid of the IV than anything, is that not weird? I'm going to tell the Dr. for sure, although I'll likely be in tears and shaky, so he'll no doubt know something is up.

I think it's also scary, that although I want answers, not knowing what they will find is quite unsettling...if that makes sense. 

Surprisingly once you are on gluten you may oddly desire the IV. I got so dehydrated going back on gluten for the gluten challenge I wanted the procedure for the IV despite drowning myself in water my body was dehydrated.

Yes as cycling lady said eat that gluten for test. I am certain it feels even more so challenging   to do with little ones. Ultimately they are the reason you are doing this

Lastly can  you find a teen sitter to help you out to get you through the convalescing period.  Just a thought.

There really is no good time for a gluten challenge as you guessed, but a necessary evil.

Best Wishes 

[Hellodee2]

My DR gave me pictures of my biopsy. First time that ever happened to me. Try not to worry too much. You'll be out for the biopsy and you won't feel anything. Except the dreaded IV of course. I think colonoscopies are far worse. Good luck and take deep calming breaths ☺

[Jctb]

2 hours ago, Hellodee2 said:

My DR gave me pictures of my biopsy. First time that ever happened to me. Try not to worry too much. You'll be out for the biopsy and you won't feel anything. Except the dreaded IV of course. I think colonoscopies are far worse. Good luck and take deep calming breaths ☺\\

I'm having both, haha. The same day though. Glad to know it's not bad. I know several people who said colonoscopies aren't bad, so it's good to know that the biopsy isn't as bad even. Although, who am I kidding, I'll still be a mess!

[squirmingitch]

The worst part about the colonoscopy is the prep. 

[Jctb]

Just thought I would update. Met the Dr. today. He was very nice and understanding of my medical anxiety. He had said it was best to be eating gluten for 6 weeks, but that 2 weeks should be ok. I go for my tests Sept 15, so I started eating it today. I am going to have a bit more sedation than he does on a daily basis, I think because I'm so nervous, but with that come an anesthesiologist, so I think I'm ok with that. He also gave me a prescription for Ativan, so hopefully that will help.

I'll be so glad when this is all done Started by eating some crackers, but what I really want is a chocolate croissant. Too bad I'm also off of all dairy!! 

[squirmingitch]

Hang in there!

My hubs has major anxiety about things like colonoscopies & last year when he had his, the anesthesiologist gave him some "extra" prior to getting knocked out. It helped him a TON. 

[Jctb]

 

Hang in there!

My hubs has major anxiety about things like colonoscopies & last year when he had his, the anesthesiologist gave him some "extra" prior to getting knocked out. It helped him a TON. 

Thanks for me it will be the build up/arriving and having the iV put in. I was shaking in the waiting room today. Hopefully the Ativan will help with that a bit.