Another Endoscopy? Why?

United States
July 10, 2018 1:52am CST
I have GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease.) I've had this since I was in my early 20s. I have had two endoscopies over the years, both times when I was in the hospital because I couldn't hold any food down and was having other serious symptoms. The last one I had was in May 2016, a little over two years ago. All they found was that I have GERD and a little bit of gastritis, which I assume has cleared up since then since I no longer am having stomach pains or other severe symptoms. Anyway as part of the followup for that, I got referred to a gastroenterologist in a city about a 45 minute drive away from where I live. He has me on Pepcid, which seems to be working okay. Today I had an appointment with him (he's always wanting me to come back in 4 months, although 8 months had lapsed since I'd last seen him,) and out of the blue he decided he wants to do another endoscopy on me. I feel like this is totally unnecessary. Current medical guidelines recommend that an endoscopy only be performed when severe symptoms are present (vomiting, bleeding, painful swallowing, etc.) or if you're a male over the age of 50 who has Barrett's esophagus, as that increases your risk of esophageal cancer. Neither of these apply to me. My doctor is an old guy who always acts like he doesn't know why I'm there, and who has never even bothered to look at my medical records from the last time I had an endoscopy done. I was never told I would need to have a followup endoscopy. Even when you have Barrett's esophagus (which I didn't,) they only recommend you perform an endoscopy every 3-5 years. So why am I being scheduled for another one after only 2 years? I have a bad feeling about this. I don't like being subjected to unnecessary procedures, especially when there's a risk of harm. There's always the risk that they'll puncture your stomach or small intestine when they send that camera down your throat. I feel like this doctor is only wanting to do it so he can bill my insurance. My insurance might not even cover it since it's a medically unnecessary procedure! I really don't know what to do. Do I go through with having another endoscopy, or skip it and ask my primary doctor to send me to someone else? What would you do if you were in my shoes?
8 people like this
11 responses
@LadyDuck (457298)
• Switzerland
10 Jul 18
Refuse to do the endoscopy if you feel that is not needed. If you do not feel comfortable with this doctor, go for a second opinion.
3 people like this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
11 Jul 18
If I were in your shoes, i'd talk to your regular doctor. though, you also can never be too safe..
2 people like this
• Philippines
10 Jul 18
Reminds me of my own Grandma whom had endoscopy.
2 people like this
@pitsipeahie (4264)
10 Jul 18
The patient has the right to decide whether or not to undergo a certain procedure. You have the right to refuse. When in doubt consult another doctor, seek second opinion.
2 people like this
@dya80dya (33354)
10 Jul 18
I would skip it. Is it difficult to do an endoscopy? I am terrified of this procedure.
2 people like this
@Jessabuma (31700)
• Baguio, Philippines
10 Jul 18
Hi! Yes, I think you should consult another doctor. Good luck to you
2 people like this
• United States
21 Jul 18
request another doc.sounds like he either actually read your record and now saw something and is trying to cover his butt,or he has a car payment.
@jstory07 (134267)
• Roseburg, Oregon
14 Jul 18
I think it is time for you to see another Doctor.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38223)
• Philippines
14 Jul 18
I’d consult another doctor and ask for a second opinion just to be sure.
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
14 Jul 18
Here's another suggestion to see another doctor for a second opinion, just like what many here have suggested.
1 person likes this
@Icydoll (36717)
• India
10 Jul 18
You should consult another doctor to have another endoscopy..it's better dear friend.
1 person likes this