Scared for endoscopy tomorow

[KitKatrunchie]

Iv had coughing and drop on throat for years just lately I’m coughing so much I choke particularly after eating but sometimes got no reason I cough so much my bones ache
I’m terrified it’s cancer and I just want to not go

I totally understand how scary it seems - I had one done a few years ago, and thankfully it turned out to be nothing serious. It wasn't too bad - it's over very quickly - and then at least you'll know, rather than worrying what it might be. It could well be nothing to worry about / easily treated, and then you can get on with your life without thinking about it.

Good luck, OP 💐

There are conditions other than cancer that can cause the nasty symptoms you describe (e.g. really bad acid reflux); please don't assume the worst and please get the endoscopy!

I have acid reflux due to a weak lower esophogeal sphincter and I cough and choke sometimes because of it. The endoscopy is quick and not too bad (just stay calm) and you'll get results pretty quickly.

The chances are the endoscopy will rule out cancer, show what is the cause and you’ll get the right treatment. As @AmiablePedant says there are many other things ( as mine showed)
The actual procedure isn’t as bad as you imagine, say you want all the sedation they’ve got.

As you know, of course you must go.
Hoping it's something easily fixable. 💐

Don't not go because you are assuming the worst <hug>

It could be something really simple and you can treat it really easily.

Tell them you're nervous. Ask for sedation if necessary.

Do go

YANBU to be worried - but its actually not too bad. The scope doesn't feel too big to swallow. And IMO even if its uncomfortable, I'd rather get a diagnosis quickly, and get on the treatment path.
I hope you get a good outcome.

Ask to be sedated. I didn't even know that the procedure had been done.
There are many things that can cause your symptoms so please don't assume the worst. Good luck for tomorrow.

Thank you all
unfortunately I can’t be sedated as I’m a single mum and don’t have anyone to collect me or stay with me
my mind is in overdrive I’m so worried as I don’t know who my dd would go to if I died
fingers crossed it is just reflux which I hope and pray it is

It's so much better not being sedated, it's a few seconds and then you can go home and have a glass of wine! Seriously, I have seen thousands and I promise, its over so fast. I think people need to remember it's meant to happen, you have to ignore all natural instinct to reject it. Just let it happen. It's not nice I know but it's such an amazingly effective and fast way of ruling out some of the worst conditions. And fast diagnosis of those in the worst case although it doesn't sound like cancer, it's been too long for one thing. Good luck, try and relax and let it happen and treat yourself afterwards x

Do you really think it has been too long? It’s been since late 2017/2018 and has coincided with me putting on a lot of weight
it’s just lately seem to be choking

Make sure they give time for the pain relief to work and don't let them rush you.

You won't get a diagnosis without an endoscopy though.

It's important that you go.

I've had a few done and as long as you have the local anaesthetic throat spray, you'll be fine.

The likeliest outcome is that you'll be diagnosed with GERD. Don't jump ahead in your mind to the worst possible diagnosis.

Good luck, OP.

I disagree, it's horrible, make sure you have the pain relief first.

Unhelpful. The OP has already said she can't have it because she has nobody to collect her.

Personally, I would reschedule for a time when you can be collected. That was not a requirement for me when I had mine done, so maybe double check.

It’s a requirement here and I won’t ever have anyone to collect me so I can’t

Talk to the hospital, they might be able to help you with transport.

It's not so much the transport, as having someone with you for a few hours afterwards.

You know you must go. Statistically it's far more likely to be something treatable. Then you'll know and be able to get on with life. I had one 18 months ago and it was very quick. I had the throat spray (I opted for sedation, but it was only very mild) and it was all done in a matter of minutes.

Can I ask what was the outcome of yours?

Just to add, the sedation, Midazolam, doesn't actually make you sleep, it just makes you forget the procedure. Some people are snoozy and relaxed, others are like bad drunks, it's not like anaesthetics. I used to be a bit freaked out by the fact someone was flashing us one minute and then 20 minutes later asking when they would have the sedation, total and utter memory loss. It lowers inhibitions and is an all round horrid drug, also used for terrible things illegally. If you choose to have it, always have someone with you for a good few hours and don't drink alcohol.

If it was oesophageal cancer, you would have got to a point where you couldn't swallow within months, let alone years. As others said, much more likely to be reflux or perhaps sphincter dysfunction. But don't take it lightly, some reflux can slightly increase the risk of cancer and must be treated. It might just be a good old fashioned hiatus hernia seeing as it hasn't progressed into anything actute. Good luck, try not to worry, have something like a TV show you know really well in your head to focus on and feel free to message if you need support. It will be ok. These diagnostic lists were our quick easy days when we finished on time, in and out and almost always ruling out the nasties. X

Thank you that has helped! I’m quite glad I can’t have sedation now!
that’s good to know about oesophageal cancer

I had an endoscopy a few months ago. My symptoms were a feeling of something stuck in throat, problems swallowing, reflux etc. I’d also had some other health problems which had been going on for a while.
I was very scared it was sinister, but needed to know/ rule out things.
I had it without sedation-just the throat spray anaesthetic. There was a very brief moment of ( I’m talking 2 - 3 seconds) where I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it, but after that it was ok, slightly uncomfortable but not painful. The nurse that was supporting the doctors carrying out the procedure was excellent, and talked me through the whole thing and kept me calm. Listen to their instructions and just focus on what they are telling you. I had a trainee doctor doing the procedure ( under consultant instruction) and he was also excellent.
I had the results there and then- all clear fortunately.
I never did get an actual diagnosis for my problem, but anxiety was suggested as a potential cause.
I believe it was a combination of food intolerances causing silent reflux, weight gain( I’ve managed to lose a bit of weight now) several courses of antibiotics which messed up my digestive system, and anxiety.
After some lifestyle changes, probiotics, diet adjustments I’ve made a huge improvement.
good luck x