I need an endoscopy but I have severe emphysema and sedation is a problem......I have a lot of scar tissue in my esophagus and I experience repeated episodes of choking, even on the smallest things. I have ended up in the ER more than I care to say. The only thing I can do if I get choked at home, is to run water thru the coffee pot for very HOT water, pour a cup of hot water and swallow olive oil....over and over and over until whatever I'm choked on goes down. I have had episodes that some go down relatively quickly and others I have struggled with the water/olive oil process for almost 2 hrs. I would love to do the capsule endoscopy, but by the looks of the size of the capsule, I KNOW I will definately get choked on it. Is there a way the doctor can sedate me mildly, then safely guide the capsule down my esophagus, I'm terrified of choking because that will require emergency esophageal bolus removal, I'm afraid if they sedate me, because of my severe emphysema, I won't make it thru the procedure, that I won't wake up. What is the best recommendation for a person in my situation??
