If you are concerned and stressed about it, just tell your doctor to knock you out. I have had it done without sedation once and gagged horribly and all of the rest over the years have been done with sedation. No issues at all and was still able to go home within a couple of hours.

Also agree with above about checking for Hpylori. I had that several times and it’s not a good feeling. Unfortunately mine is recurrent and we can only knock it out, but it takes Awhile and can come back. Just for your info. It doesn’t happen to many people, but be aware that it can come back. Definitely get it checked out. Good luck.

Heart burn IS exasperated by spicy food, fatty foods and alcohol. I’d start there, cut them out of your life. The next thing are you on blood thinners? Low dose asprin and medication like Plavex can cause heartburn. It does in me, I can’t take aspirin. If you eliminate all these possible causes, have the endoscopy ASAP!

Usually it a doctor that decides if you need a gastroscopy. I think you are maybe being a little hypochondriac, given that you have had it such a short time. Takes a while to develop cancer from GERD

Once again, I did not see this addressed yet, nor do I know for certain whether this is available in Thailand, but you should ask at your local private or government hospital.  I had a test called (at the time in about 1990) a “video endoscopy”.  I believe it is now referred to as a “video capsule endoscopy”.  This test combines the endoscopy with the colonoscopy with the added benefit that it actually examines your entire digestive track from your throat to your rectum and everything in between in one test.  In the test, you swallow a tiny camera with flash and radio transmitter (the device is like a large gelcap, so it is easy to swallow), and you then wear a belt with a recorder and batteries for the next 8 hours.  The device you wear records all of the high-resolution images transmitted from the camera as it tumbles through your digestive track system.  The analysis of the some nearly 50,000 pictures takes a bit of time, but it will give you information on any issues within your digestive track and your ENT doctor can then advise you on any possible next treatment steps if any problems are found.  Back in 1990 when I had a video endoscopy done at a U.S. Air Force hospital in the U.S., it was very expensive (although as a member of the USAF it was free for me), and it was the first time the USAF had authorized it.  But I am sure the test is far more common now, and far less expensive than the “experimental” one I had done.

On 5/22/2026 at 7:31 AM, georgegeorgia said:

I'm starting to get scared , will I choke ???

Im taking Nexium it seems to be working but I'm scared of I don't get checked it could be cancer of the oeshagus like the YouTuber had a few years ago

Can anyone elaborate what their endoscopy was like ?

Did you choke ?

You will wake up and not realize that they already completed the procedure.

On 5/22/2026 at 7:31 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Maybe perhaps ask the academics here

This year I have decided to have a Endoscopy

I have had like a heartburn going up to my throat similar to a burning feeling now off & on for over 6 months

My original doctor said it was a disease called GERD

So anyway I decided to ring a endoscopy clinic and book myself in .

But now I just looked to see a ABC reporter die of eosphagul cancer who had similar symptoms to mine and left it too late

So...my question is for those who have had a endoscopy it appears they put a camera down my throat

I'm starting to get scared , will I choke ???

Im taking Nexium it seems to be working but I'm scared of I don't get checked it could be cancer of the oeshagus like the YouTuber had a few years ago

Can anyone elaborate what their endoscopy was like ?

Did you choke ?

Find a doctor who will have the anesthesiologist use propofol as the drug for conscious sedation. The other drug often used is the benzodiazepine midazolam. The problem with midazolam is that from my own experience, it doesn't always work. Waking up with a tube down your throat and into your stomach is very unpleasant. Fyi - Thai government hospital doing this on Thais under the 30 THB plan will do the procedure without anesthetics. My wife had it done and it was really unpleasant for her. Yeah - you'll choke, gag, and retch if your not sedated.

Propofol is your friend.

Edited May 30May 30 by connda

15 minutes ago, rwill said:

You will wake up and not realize that they already completed the procedure.

Your absolutely right , I did

On 5/22/2026 at 7:52 AM, KhunLA said:

Haven't a clue, as I was completely out of it, while having my first DP 🤣

Who's your daddy now ... 😬

Colon/endo combo. Seriously, everyone should get at a certain age, or if concerned about any suspected symptoms of illness.

Could be GERD, or Hiatal Hernia, which I have, but control with diet and timing of foods that produce too much acid.

Comfortable sleeping position helps also, head higher, if on your back, or sleeping on left side, if not a lay flat sleeper.

Agreed. After about 50 its a good idea to get upper and lower scopes done every 10 years. They cut benign tissue out before it can cause problems.
Fyi OP. If you're going to get an upper GI endoscopy done, you may as well get the lower GI scoped too as the charge is less then having them done separately. If they find any suspect polyps, they'll cut them out and biopsy them. Get them early and you'll have no problems. If they do find anything, you'll probably go back in 1 to 3 years for a follow up.

Had the endoscopy myself and can't remember any meds except something to keep me from gaging. I was fully awake and the doctor asked if I wanted to see what he was doing. He added a training eyepiece and I could see every move he made. Interesting to say the least. I don't remember any lasting discomfort from the procedure.

On 5/22/2026 at 7:31 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Maybe perhaps ask the academics here

This year I have decided to have a Endoscopy

I have had like a heartburn going up to my throat similar to a burning feeling now off & on for over 6 months

My original doctor said it was a disease called GERD

So anyway I decided to ring a endoscopy clinic and book myself in .

But now I just looked to see a ABC reporter die of eosphagul cancer who had similar symptoms to mine and left it too late

So...my question is for those who have had a endoscopy it appears they put a camera down my throat

I'm starting to get scared , will I choke ???

Im taking Nexium it seems to be working but I'm scared of I don't get checked it could be cancer of the oeshagus like the YouTuber had a few years ago

Can anyone elaborate what their endoscopy was like ?

Did you choke ?

On 5/22/2026 at 7:31 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Maybe perhaps ask the academics here

This year I have decided to have a Endoscopy

I have had like a heartburn going up to my throat similar to a burning feeling now off & on for over 6 months

My original doctor said it was a disease called GERD

So anyway I decided to ring a endoscopy clinic and book myself in .

But now I just looked to see a ABC reporter die of eosphagul cancer who had similar symptoms to mine and left it too late

So...my question is for those who have had a endoscopy it appears they put a camera down my throat

I'm starting to get scared , will I choke ???

Im taking Nexium it seems to be working but I'm scared of I don't get checked it could be cancer of the oeshagus like the YouTuber had a few years ago

Can anyone elaborate what their endoscopy was like ?

Did you choke ?

I had one maybe 20 years ago, also having GERD. It was a piece of cake. They put me to sleep, so I didn't feel a thing. I did have a sore throat for a few days after, so I ate a lot of ice-cream. I would not be worried. Though, the older you get, some studies suggest being under anesthesia and cause long term issues.

I've been under maybe 5 or 6 times in my life and it hasn't affected me at all. Though my wife may differ! I am 70.

On 5/22/2026 at 2:31 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Maybe perhaps ask the academics here

This year I have decided to have a Endoscopy

I have had like a heartburn going up to my throat similar to a burning feeling now off & on for over 6 months

My original doctor said it was a disease called GERD

So anyway I decided to ring a endoscopy clinic and book myself in .

But now I just looked to see a ABC reporter die of eosphagul cancer who had similar symptoms to mine and left it too late

So...my question is for those who have had a endoscopy it appears they put a camera down my throat

I'm starting to get scared , will I choke ???

Im taking Nexium it seems to be working but I'm scared of I don't get checked it could be cancer of the oeshagus like the YouTuber had a few years ago

Can anyone elaborate what their endoscopy was like ?

Did you choke ?

They did me at both end a year ago. Put me under using Michael Jackson's favorite recreational drug. 20 minutes later came too slightly giggly and a bit unsteady. They insist someone picks you up at this clinic to help you home.

5 hours ago, dlclark97 said:

Had the endoscopy myself and can't remember any meds except something to keep me from gaging. I was fully awake and the doctor asked if I wanted to see what he was doing. He added a training eyepiece and I could see every move he made. Interesting to say the least. I don't remember any lasting discomfort from the procedure.

I had my lungs looked at some years ago and I asked to watch. They positioned a screen so I could. Fascinating.

4 hours ago, BusyB said:

I had my lungs looked at some years ago and I asked to watch. They positioned a screen so I could. Fascinating.

Really , sounds very interesting

What do they call this test ?

I had no idea there was a test for the lungs except CT scan in which I have 3 or 4

@georgegeorgia Nexium is a very dangerous and problematic drug for long term use. It may be fine for a couple of weeks, or perhaps 1 to 2 months at most, but doctors often keep people on these types of PPI drugs for years. Then one day, they wake up to find they have kidney failure because their kidneys have been severely and irreparably damaged by the drug, and they end up on dialysis for life. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up yourself.

58 minutes ago, Harry Tuchas said:

@georgegeorgia Nexium is a very dangerous and problematic drug for long term use. It may be fine for a couple of weeks, or perhaps 1 to 2 months at most, but doctors often keep people on these types of PPI drugs for years. Then one day, they wake up to find they have kidney failure because their kidneys have been severely and irreparably damaged by the drug, and they end up on dialysis for life. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up yourself.

I think the doctor knows exactly what he is doing.

4 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Really , sounds very interesting

What do they call this test ?

I had no idea there was a test for the lungs except CT scan in which I have 3 or 4

Can't remember. But I had had pains in my right lung for several weeks though they couldn't find anything. I think it was my lung just protesting. I used to smoke 20-30 a day

On 5/22/2026 at 7:31 AM, georgegeorgia said:

Maybe perhaps ask the academics here

This year I have decided to have a Endoscopy

I have had like a heartburn going up to my throat similar to a burning feeling now off & on for over 6 months

My original doctor said it was a disease called GERD

So anyway I decided to ring a endoscopy clinic and book myself in .

But now I just looked to see a ABC reporter die of eosphagul cancer who had similar symptoms to mine and left it too late

So...my question is for those who have had a endoscopy it appears they put a camera down my throat

I'm starting to get scared , will I choke ???

Im taking Nexium it seems to be working but I'm scared of I don't get checked it could be cancer of the oeshagus like the YouTuber had a few years ago

Can anyone elaborate what their endoscopy was like ?

Did you choke ?

just be careful for what they put down your throat

13 hours ago, Harry Tuchas said:

@georgegeorgia Nexium is a very dangerous and problematic drug for long term use. It may be fine for a couple of weeks, or perhaps 1 to 2 months at most, but doctors often keep people on these types of PPI drugs for years. Then one day, they wake up to find they have kidney failure because their kidneys have been severely and irreparably damaged by the drug, and they end up on dialysis for life. Don’t take my word for it. Look it up yourself.

Actually he gave me a prescription for another drug called ESomeprazole

I'm yet to buy it because I'm too lazy to go to the pharmacy.

1 hour ago, flexomike said:

just be careful for what they put down your throat

Oh please , no need to be homophobic

12 hours ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

I think the doctor knows exactly what he is doing.

Tell that to the thousands who die from over prescribing yearly.

I'm only taking this Nexium like three times a week when I get this heartburn/ reflux GERD

There is a guy at my work who takes it twice a day for the past 5 years!

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

Actually he gave me a prescription for another drug called ESomeprazole

I'm yet to buy it because I'm too lazy to go to the pharmacy.

Omeprazole was what they gave me, along with the 2 antibiotics, to eradicate the H Pylori. It's a PPI antacid. It's Nexium and like another mentioned, should not be taken long term unless you are in touch with the doctor about it's effects.

This is from AI but tells the story........................Long-Term Risks and Considerations

Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like esomeprazole (such as Nexium) can lead to the following: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Reduced stomach acid can interfere with the body's ability to absorb magnesium, iron, and vitamin B\({}_{1}\)\({}_{2}\). [1, 2]

• Bone Health: Extended use is linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine because it can interfere with calcium absorption. [1, 2]

• Infections: Decreased stomach acid may make the gut more susceptible to bacterial infections, including pneumonia and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). [1]

Best Practices for Long-Term Use

• Consult your doctor: Do not take over-the-counter esomeprazole for more than 14 days without medical advice. [1, 2]

• Regular Monitoring: If you are prescribed esomeprazole for a year or longer, your doctor should evaluate your health regularly to ensure the benefits still outweigh the risks. They may periodically check your blood levels for magnesium and vitamin B\({}_{1}\)\({}_{2}\). [1, 2]

• Lowest Effective Dose: Doctors typically aim to use the lowest possible dose that controls your symptoms to minimize potential side effects. [1, 2, 3].

Had it into my lungs and was uncomfortable but had my airways sedated ,they took samples from my lungs but nothing of note was found.they say I have fibrosis .

Also,into my urethra to check for bladder cancer and nothing seen ,very uncomfortable into the Willy

17 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Really , sounds very interesting

What do they call this test ?

I had no idea there was a test for the lungs except CT scan in which I have 3 or 4

Bronchoscopy.

5 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Actually he gave me a prescription for another drug called ESomeprazole

I'm yet to buy it because I'm too lazy to go to the pharmacy.

These medications all belong to the same class of drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Because they are in the same drug class, they share many of the same potential side effects and risks. Long term use has been associated with kidney damage in some patients and may also contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency by reducing stomach acid production.

Stomach acid plays an important role in the digestion of food and the absorption of certain nutrients. When acid levels are significantly reduced, it can become more difficult for the body to properly digest some foods and absorb essential vitamins and minerals. This may lead to additional health issues over time and, in some cases, can even worsen symptoms of GERD rather than improve them.

17 hours ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

I think the doctor knows exactly what he is doing.

My friend who suffered kidney failure from long term use of Nexium probably doesn't share the same opinion about his doctor.

You always get sedation, diazepam I think. That's why they require that you don't come to the endoscopy driving your own car because you stay groggy for some time afterwards. The sedation helps you "swallow" the tube, ie helps you relax so that the tube goes down smoothly. It is not more unpleasant than having a tooth pulled. And once it's finished it's much better than having had a tooth pulled. It is the only way to rule out cancer.

Edited May 31May 31 by JackGats

On 5/27/2026 at 5:52 AM, xylophone said:

Like you, I had both the gastroscopy and the colonoscopy done at the same time at Bangkok Phuket hospital here, and don't remember a thing about it as I was out for the count through IV sedation!

I had suffered from gastric reflux for a number of years which had also turned into Barrett's oesophagus, so although I had a gastroscopy in New Zealand, I thought I would have another one here at the same time as my colonoscopy, and both proved to be negative of any "nasties", thank goodness. This as I was a little worried that the Barrett's oesophagus might have done some damage.

Both procedures done one after the other and totally painless and I was happy to get it over and done with, however I can't remember the cost, so can't be of any help to anyone on that score.

I too was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus 15+ years ago after having an upper endoscopy due to heartburn symptoms. It can turn into cancer in a small percentage of patients. I take Omeprazole daily and have upper endoscopy every three years. I think I've had 5 or 6 now. Always insist on general anesthesia. That means hooking up an IV and administering propofol to totally knock you out. This is standard in most hospitals I've been to. My first upper endoscopy was optional... mild sedative or general anesthesia. My doctor said "don't be a hero. Get knocked out". I did have to pay a small surcharge for that 1st one.

After being diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus, I had Nissen Fundoplication surgery to "fix" the cause of my problem . Good news for me is that during my last upper endoscopy there was "no evidence of Barrett's Esophagus". If none is detected next time, I'm told I can quit the Omeprazole.

On 5/30/2026 at 11:11 AM, Uncle John said:

Once again, I did not see this addressed yet, nor do I know for certain whether this is available in Thailand, but you should ask at your local private or government hospital.  I had a test called (at the time in about 1990) a “video endoscopy”.  I believe it is now referred to as a “video capsule endoscopy”.  This test combines the endoscopy with the colonoscopy with the added benefit that it actually examines your entire digestive track from your throat to your rectum and everything in between in one test.  In the test, you swallow a tiny camera with flash and radio transmitter (the device is like a large gelcap, so it is easy to swallow), and you then wear a belt with a recorder and batteries for the next 8 hours.  The device you wear records all of the high-resolution images transmitted from the camera as it tumbles through your digestive track system.  The analysis of the some nearly 50,000 pictures takes a bit of time, but it will give you information on any issues within your digestive track and your ENT doctor can then advise you on any possible next treatment steps if any problems are found.  Back in 1990 when I had a video endoscopy done at a U.S. Air Force hospital in the U.S., it was very expensive (although as a member of the USAF it was free for me), and it was the first time the USAF had authorized it.  But I am sure the test is far more common now, and far less expensive than the “experimental” one I had done.

Works best for the small intestine. Doesn't get a clear view of the whole stomach.

Just finished colonoscopy/endoscopy at Bumrungrad. No sedation. A small bit of discomfort. Really no worse than getting a filling done without freezing.

What a bunch of wimps.

And if you have to ask how much, it's too much for you.