Anxiety About Upcoming EGD Procedure
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old Caucasian male residing in the United States. Throughout my college years, I didn't prioritize nutrition and I led a fairly sedentary lifestyle. I had occasional recreational marijuana use and drank alcohol regularly; however, I have since reduced both habits since last November. Over the last year, I have experienced intermittent mild symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including some heartburn and reflux, particularly after consuming spicy dishes. Recently, a surge of health-related anxiety has prompted me to undergo various tests; I have had a colonoscopy, a chest CT scan with IV contrast to check for pulmonary embolism, and several cardiac evaluations, all of which yielded normal results. Apart from a slightly elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) of 8.6 noted a month ago, my blood tests were unremarkable. My GERD symptoms were not a primary concern at that time, and they typically fluctuated without causing significant issues beyond occasional indigestion. Last Saturday, however, I found myself consumed with worry about the possibility of having stomach cancer. Despite my gastroenterologist’s reassurance, an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) was scheduled to investigate my symptoms further. As my appointment approaches in six days, I am plagued with fear about receiving bad news regarding my health. I have no significant family medical history, and my symptoms include: - Recurrent acidic belching - Discomfort in the upper left abdomen, with some pain in the lower region - Persistent dull chest pain along the left side, occasionally on the right - Frequent belching accompanied by bloating - Decreased appetite, which has emerged recently as my anxiety has intensified - Intermittent upper back pain, likely exacerbated by poor posture I can't shake the terrifying possibility of having stomach or esophageal cancer and the thought of the endoscopy leading to grim news. Although several friends have reassured me that the risk is low, considering my age, lack of severe symptoms, and no family history, I still fear that hoping for a positive outcome will only lead to disappointment. Enduring the next six days feels overwhelming, and I've been attempting to reach out for a sooner appointment. If anyone has advice or suggestions on how to cope with this anxious period, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m wrestling with the fear of hoping for positive results only to have that hope shattered.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 7:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious before a medical procedure like an EGD, especially after experiencing health-related fears. Your concerns about stomach cancer, although natural, may be exacerbated by anxiety rather than based on the risk factors present in your case at such a young age. Here’s how you can approach this situation and manage your anxiety in the days leading up to the procedure.
Key Points:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel anxious leading up to a medical test, especially when you’ve been focusing on your health.
- Understand the EGD Purpose: An EGD is a common procedure that can help identify issues like inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities. Most findings are manageable.
- Focus on Coping Strategies: Implementing strategies to reduce anxiety can help make this waiting period more bearable.
Explanation:
Your current symptoms like heartburn, acidic belching, and abdominal discomfort are often attributed to GERD and may not be indicative of severe health issues such as cancer, especially given your young age, normal test results so far, and absence of severe symptoms. The EGD is a tool to further evaluate your symptoms and provide clarity, not necessarily to confirm something bad.
Actionable Steps:
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Educate Yourself Calmly: Instead of focusing on worst-case scenarios, try to gather constructive, balanced information about the EGD and its common findings. Knowledge may help ease fears.
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Mindfulness Techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can help ground you and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Consider apps or online resources to guide you through these techniques.
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Stay Active: Light physical activity can boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Simple walks or stretches can help keep your mind engaged and body relaxed.
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Limit Exposure to Negative Triggers: Avoid consuming excessive media or conversations concerning severe medical outcomes before your procedure, which could heighten your fears.
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Maintain Social Support: Share your feelings with supportive friends or family. Sometimes just talking about your anxieties can alleviate some of the burden.
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Keep a Journal: Jot down your feelings leading up to the appointment. Writing can serve as an outlet for your worries and help you process them.
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Structured Plan for Day of EGD: Prepare a distraction list for the day of your procedure. Whether it’s a podcast, book, or favorite show, having engaging activities ready can redirect your mind.
Reassurance:
You’re taking proactive steps by seeking help and undergoing medical evaluations, which is commendable. Remember, the likelihood of serious issues at your age with your medical history is low. Keeping an open mind about all possible outcomes can help you prepare for whatever results you might receive.
If the anxiety becomes overwhelming or affects your daily life significantly, consider discussing these feelings with a professional who can assist in managing anxiety effectively.
Take care, and you're not alone during this time.
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