Mum is having gastroscopy - I'm feeling anxious

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It all seems to be happening very quickly. She is 70 so perhaps there are guidelines about rapid referral when you are older but I think she only saw GP about heartburn a few weeks ago and her referral is for Wednesday. She has always suffered from heartburn but it's mainly been caused by reflux as a side effect of blood pressure medication. Over the last month she's had it while sitting down rather than just when lying down. GP prescribed omeprazole and referred her for gastroscopy. I know it could be an ulcer or hiatus hernia but I am a worrier and thinking the worst. She is clearly worried too and doesn't really want to talk about it. I don't think she has had any other symptoms and she says she hasn't had heartburn since taking the omeprazole - is this a good sign? Anyone know about gastroscopy - do you get the results straight away? Is she getting this quick referral just because of her age?

Anyone over the age of 50 with a continued history of heartburn will get a rapid referral in my area.

In most cases nothing is found, perhaps a hiatus hernia. Of course sometimes it is bad news but not very often with your mum's symptoms.

She should be told the results straight away especially if she just has the throat spay. She can ask herself at the end of the procedure.

2 friends of mine have had gastroscopies - one as a result of reflux/heartburn and the other because she has been quite anaemic. Both got results after the procedure (both were ok) Hope all is well with your mum.

Thank you both so much - you really helped me calm down. Mum is fine - had the gastroscopy last Wed without sedation, just the throat spray, and no problems. The endoscopy people were happy that there's nothing going on, just usual reflux and a bit of prior inflammation. Think she had got herself (and me) worried because of the quick referral, but I know it is standard, and she was very apprehensive about the gastroscopy. She said it wasn't too bad at all and wouldn't mind having one again if necessary, which it hopefully won't be.