Ground Hog Day Thursday 7-10-2025

I have Heart Burn, so I am getting an endoscopy done Fri. Very Important to know what both are for and to get them done as needed.

I also have elevated Liver Levels that I got a blood test for.

The opposite of a colonoscopy—if you're thinking in terms of the part of the body being examined—would be an upper endoscopy (also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD).

Here's a quick comparison:

ProcedureArea ExaminedDirectionColonoscopyLarge intestine (colon), starting from rectumFrom below (anus upward)Upper Endoscopy (EGD)Esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestineFrom above (mouth downward)

So while a colonoscopy examines the lower GI tract, an upper endoscopy examines the upper GI tract, making it the most natural “opposite” in a medical sense.

Got it — you're getting an endoscopy done. That usually refers to an upper endoscopy (EGD), which is a procedure where a doctor uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

Here's what you can expect:

✅ Why it's done:

Usually to investigate symptoms like:

• Heartburn or acid reflux (GERD)
• Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained upper abdominal pain
• Bleeding in the upper GI tract
• Persistent hiccups, cough, or anemia1. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
  • What it is: An enzyme mostly found in the liver.
  • Why it’s elevated: Liver cells release ALT when they're damaged or inflamed.
  • Common causes of high ALT:
    • Fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    • Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune)
    • Certain medications
    • Obesity or metabolic syndrome
    • Excess alcohol or toxin exposure

  2. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

  • Also elevated in liver damage, but less specific to the liver (found in other organs too).
  • Usually checked alongside ALT.

  3. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

  • Can also start with an A.
  • Elevation might point to bile duct issues or gallbladder problems, not just liver.