Gi Specialist Appointment In A Few Days, Questions?

[HelpinOhio]

I have my 1st appointment with a GI Specialist in a few days. Im somewhat anxious about it. Anyways I have some questions about all of this for anyone that knows:

1. Can I ask the GI Specialist specifically that I want an endoscopy done, checking for damaged Villi caused by Celiac Disease? Will the GI Specialist agree to have an endoscopy done?

2. How long will it take from the GI specialist ordering the endoscopy, to getting the procedure done? Will it be the same day, next day, few days, weeks?

3. After getting the endoscopy, how long will it take to get the results back from it?

4. About the endoscopy itself. Can someone explain it to me? How uncomfortable is it? how long does it take? I have problems with blood sugar (not diabetes, probably caused by Celiac Disease), so I need to eat often, will that be a problem?

5. Can the GI Specialist also have the blood tests checking for Celiac Disease ordered?

Thanks if you can answer.

[dizzygrinch]

The answer I think to most of your questions, are yes, but as far as how long it takes for tests to be ordered, that depends a lot on how busy the doc is and your insurance. The Endoscopy is very easy. Only takes a few minutes, but you cannot eat or drink before it, so I would ask it to be scheduled first thing in the morning, to get it over with. Good luck to you

[mushroom]

How long can you go without eating? Here is what I found when googling:

The day before:

# Pre-register by telephone.

# Eat normally up until midnight.

# You may drink clear liquids up until 4 hours prior to your arrival time. This includes black coffee (sugar is 0K), tea, and apple, grape, or cranberry juice).

# You cannot drink milk or orange juice.

# Do not drink any liquids including water 4 hours before the test.

So depending how long after your arrival time the procedure is scheduled, (the procedure should take no more than half an hour), you will be 4-1/2 hrs plus the waiting time at the hospital before the procedure and the recovery time from sedation (usually not long) before you can renourish.

The procedure itself is really nothing to be too concerned about; low risk, and you will be sedated and not remember it. Some people have a minor sore throat afterwards.

Hope this helps.