Question: I have been to the ER twice in the past 3 days for severe pains. The first time it was for stomach pains. The second time, this morning, it was so bad that I was doubled over and it became a radiating pain and was centered under my left breast. The pain is similar to pleurisy in that it is worse when I take a breath. This has come on slowly over the past 2 months since I was on a double round of antibiotics. They did ultrasounds on my liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and gallbladder. They ran an EKG, they did a chest xray. They ran bloodwork. All was normal. They said I probably have an esophogeal ulcer but they would not do an endoscopy. They sent me home with Norco. My gastroenterologist has me scheduled for one tomorrow. Today I also developed a fever of 100.2, bodyaches, scratchy throat, slight cough, headache and pain under my sternum. My doctor is not sure if he wants to do the procedure because he is concerned I may have a virus. He only does this once a week on Tuesdays. My husband did have a sore throat and croupy cough about a week ago. We are separated though and I did not see him while he was symptomatic.

Is it normal for emergency rooms not to do the endoscopic procedure? I am just wondering if I should possibly go to a different ER if the sever pain returns or if I should just go in for the procedure tomorrow and let the doctor decide if he wants to do the procedure or not. I am a bit concerned because the procedure isn't until 2:30 and if I don't drink anything all day my pain may get worse. What are your thoughts?