Strong stomach pains but not yet diagnosed

Teresa brought up a good point regarding appendiccitis. I had a ruptured appendix and had none of the usual symptoms! It took the doctors 4 hours to figure out what was wrong with me and didn't know if was my appendix until they did a laporotomy!

@hopeful33250 I feel completely re-assured with your support and experience. You had many of them? Then it sounds like it's not such a big deal. I'm sitting here freaked about having just one! And the nurses at the hospital were saying that I should have someone come with me for the endoscopy, as a standard procedure. She said it is mostly for when it's over so someone can take me home because they'll sedate me throughout the operation and wake up all discombobulated. Since I'm not married and my family is far away, I can't convince any friends to come for it, since it's not exactly an emergency. Well, she was saying that having someone come along also helps if anything goes wrong, which made me super nervous.
Anyway, I will be a big boy and go through it. TBH, at the moment my stomach feels fine. I'm more worried about the hernia that has developed (although, it is painless).
Anyway, thanks for listening of you got this far LOL. I'll post after the procedure and let you know how it went. I'm scheduled for the 14th of March.
Oh, and the plot twist of all this is that I'm an American working in China. So, I'm going to a Chinese hospital. It's quite nice, though. Much better than what some people might think about Chinese hospitals (which is usually not positive). The doctor and nurses speak perfect English and the doctor even has some experience in the States. So, fingers crossed!

@ rjoestein glad to hear you haven’t been having more pain. I’ve also had multiple endoscopies and it is a great diagnostic tool. Normal procedure is to be put “under” like a twilight sleep. Therefore you do need a driver to take you home. They always suggest someone be with you for 24 hours after that type of anesthesia.
I have never had any problems during or after an endoscopy. My doc dilates my esophagus at that time, since I have problems swallowing, so I end up with a bit of a sore throat due to the procedure. Doc also takes tissue biopsies. While it is not an emergency, like you said about asking a friend, it is necessary and surely someone would help you out. Hopefully your tests will come out normal and you will feel assured about your health.

I appreciate your supportive post, @choosejoy. I think @rjoestein will be encouraged knowing that others have had multiple endoscopies without any problems. It is important to have someone with you during the procedure because of the light sedation.

@rjoestein having someone accompany you home after any surgery or procedure done under sedation/anesthesia is standard procedure because you will be groggy so cannot drive home . If you do not have anyone to accompany you taking a taxi cab on your own should be alright.

An endoscopy is quite painless because it is done under sedation. I have had several over the years. Quit safe.

@rashida Yeah I figured it is standard proceedure. Unfortunately, it will be difficult to get someone to come with me because the proceedure is during a weekday afternoon.
However, I don't drive anyway. I live in a big city with lots of public transportation and plenty of taxis. I can pre-order a taxi for when it is over and my apartment is just 2km away.
So, it will be good (knock on wood).

Hello @hopeful33250. One month later and finally got it done, it was painless and easy. No side effects, yet—I literally just got back though. They did find some small polyps in there, and removed them. Now I will have to take stomach meds for awhile. And doc said come back in a year. So, nothing serious but I do need a healthier lifestyle. I drink way too much coffee for my own good, for instance. And also lay off the beer. Otherwise, glad it’s done!

I appreciate the update, @rjoestein. I'm glad you had the procedure and that you have some new eating habits in mind. Many foods and drinks can trigger stomach discomfort; by eliminating or lessening the amounts, you might feel better.