I just realized I didn’t update about my gastrocopy experience back in 2015. I shall talk about it today! Also good for you if you have stomach problems and are thinking of doing a scope then yes you come to the right place – today I’m sharing and showing you my oesophagus and stomach!
Both Simon and me had done gastrocopy before, he had his done at Singapore General Hospital and mine at Khoo Teck Puat hospital. He also have a medical condition called achalasia – a condition in which the muscles of the lower part of the oesophagus fail to relax, preventing food from passing into the stomach. He had a surgery done due to this condition, and he can’t eat fast, yes even now. If you want to know more about his condition and surgery just drop me an email. I will ask him to reply you. (:
Before I continue on today’s topic.. a little bit about Gastroscopy first:
A gastroscopy is a test where an operator – a doctor or nurse – looks into the upper part of your gut (the upper gastrointestinal tract). The upper gut consists of the gullet (oesophagus), the stomach and the first part of the gut (small intestine) known as the duodenum. The operator uses an endoscope to look inside your gut. Therefore, the test is sometimes called endoscopy.
An endoscope is a thin, flexible telescope. It is about as thick as a little finger. The endoscope is passed through the mouth, into the oesophagus and down towards the stomach and duodenum.
The tip of the endoscope contains a light and a tiny video camera so the operator can see inside your gut.
http://patient.info/health/gastroscopy-endoscopy
I know it doesn’t sound fun at all but I thought it’s actually still okay la.. You will be on GA (General Anaesthetic) during this procedure anyway and aside from feeling the scope in your throat/oesophagus which is very uncomfortable and disgusting, all else is fine.
Sometimes people wake up in the middle of the procedure and get a shock because they totally forgot why and what they are doing there and this resulted in struggling and panicking. You know why I know this? Because it happened to me.
I woke up in the middle of the procedure and thought I was going to die because that scope inside me was really uncomfortable and I felt suffocated. But a few minutes later I fell asleep again. Seriously why did I wake up in the first place? -_-
There are side effects to this procedure too which is easily available in the net. And of course your doctor will inform you if you decide to do this.
Worse case scenario might be internal bleeding but usually what you get is bloated stomach, sorethroat and difficulty in swallowing food.
I remember I have to fast before that and also have to wait for a few hours after the procedure before I can eat. Porridge and soupy stuffs will be a better choice.
Think I got my results on the day itself TOGETHER with all the photos of my oesophagus and stomach. Which is actually disgusting but interesting!
Some of the pictures that I got.
I can’t believe I’m sharing with you. But don’t you feel closer to me now? LOL!
This was paid with my medisave so I didn’t have to pay anything except for the medicine. They didn’t find any polyps in my stomach too, no biopsy needed and so I’m saved from spending more! To know more about this polyps thing that I’m talking you can refer to my previous post. I also did ultrasound scan and this is one of the things that I hate. Because you have to drink tons of water and hold your pee in. This feeling sucks. :/
And finally my diagnosis! It is termed as Hiatal Hernia – the protrusion of an organ, typically the stomach, through the oesophageal opening in the diaphragm. I actually can’t remember what the doctor told me. Did I even go back for the review? :O
But anyway more research on this:
A hiatal hernia is an abnormality where a part of the stomach slides up into the chest cavity, past the diaphragm. It is usually caused by a weakness of the diaphragm muscle. You may not have any symptoms with your hiatal hernia. However, sometimes, hiatal hernias may cause acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which is when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus. This may lead to symptoms such as:
- a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn),
- acid taste in your mouth,
- chest pain,
- stomach pain,
- sweating,
- difficulty swallowing,
- raspy voice,
- sore throat, or
- cough
source: http://www.medicinenet.com/hiatal_hernia_overview/article.htm
Currently my problem is usually acid reflux, which I’ve been controlling it by having small and regular meals and not eating before sleep. I think it has gotten so much better. Last time it was so bad cos I always go to sleep after snacking. :p Anyway I’m glad that I did this otherwise I will never know what’s wrong inside.
So moral of the story is If you feel something is not right. Please see a doctor! I’m glad that I did this although it’s uncomfortable but at least I know what’s happening and also it’s actually very fun to see how your stomach and oesophagus looked like. If you know what’s wrong earlier, you will adopt ways to prevent it, symptoms will gradually go away and eventually create a better and happier lifestyle. I should have gone for the scope earlier but nvm its never too late!
Sighh. Alright then.. I shall end the post now. Thank you for reading this long post of mine today! Lastly stay healthy everyone!
Any question for me?
dreylim1@gmail.com
