Endoscopy after low iron results

[Derri11]

My mom who is 56 has slow
thyroid and on meds has had a result of low iron on her recent bloods, they sent her for an X ray and it came back fine, they had her do a fit test also fine no blood. She is really scared about the endoscopy as first of all it’s horrendous, and 3 months ago my dad was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer via endoscopy so anxieties are at an all time high. Has anyone had this before and been ok? Like nothing serious? :( she’s scared, I’m terrified but hiding it so she doesn’t notice. But really hoping people can give a little hope here :(

Low iron is very common so no need to worry about that, she can get otc supplements.
Why are they scoping her though, what other issues does she have?
Sorry about your Dad's diagnosis .

I'm assuming they are looking for an internal bleed to explain the low iron? My Dad had an endoscopy for the same reason. Nothing found. He was fine with and after the procedure

How's your Dad doing? 🥰

iron deficiency is not so common in post menopausal women (guessing the OP's mum might be post-menopausal by her age) and perhaps the doctor is aware of that and looking to exclude other causes that might need treatment rather than just supplementation.

I had this exact same thing. I was dreading it i needed tubes both up and down. I asked for sedation instead of gas and air and was out like a light, I felt nothing after they sprayed the anaesthetic in my throat. They found a small hiatus hernia and that was it. I'd built it up and up and up in my head. I think if she speaks to the pre-op nurse about her anxiety they will speak to the consultant who will be very reassuring. My low iron was fibroids which I knew about anyway.

We are all just so nervous and I want to be able to reassure her and show her others have had the same and been fine! My dad is ok I’m just picking him up for his 3rd chemo treatment. The growth has shrunk and it’s in one area no spread <3 so after the fourth he will have his operation, then 4 more rounds of chemo

I'm the same age as your mum and I've had low iron for a while and have needed transfusions. My consultant recommended both an endoscopy and colonoscopy just to rule anything nasty out. It wasn't as bad as I thought but I totally understand your mum is worried but it would rule anything nasty out especially if she's post menopausal - I have rheumatoid arthritis and my anemia was put down to this
Sorry to hear about your dad x