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Q&A: Do I Need Another Endoscopy?

Todd Eisner
Todd Eisner
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Gastroenterologist

Todd D. Eisner, M.D. is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and...

Todd Eisner

Thursday, January 29, 2009
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I have GERD as well as chronic anemia for which I take iron. My symptoms have been stable, however recently I experienced worsening in my symptoms, as well as dark stools. I last had an endoscopy a few years ago and everything was OK. Do I need another one?   There are many reasons why you may...
  1. GERD/Anemia/now dark stools
    Anonymous
    Friday, January 30, 2009 at 01:34 AM

    I agree that you should see a doctor.  The dark stools could be a sign that there is blood in your stool and they would likely want to do a colonoscopy.  For a colonoscopy, make sure you ask to be **knocked out**, not just sedated.  I found that out the hard way.  The second time I had to have one, they knocked me out (I knew to ask for it that time!!!), and I remember falling asleep and don't remember anything until I woke up.  For that one, the laxative prep was the worst part.  They give you this big gallon jug of laxative, and you have to take that the night before.  When I had my second colonoscopy, they did an endoscopy also while I was knocked out, I don't remember any of it.

     

    I have a bleeding disorder, Chron's, chronic anemia,and I bleed frequently into my digestive system, requiring blood transfusions and iron infusions on a regular basis.

     

    Good Luck with everything, and make sure you ask to be "knocked out" specifically, so you don't have to go through the pain and discomfort.

    Reply
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