Rigidi Endoscopy Tomorrow - Should I Proceed

Hi All.

In need of some urgent advice. I have a rigid endoscopy under general aneasthetic shceduled for tomorrow and I'm not sure whether or not I should proceed due to risks of procedure are higher with my pre-existing conditions.

I've asked a similar question, but things have really come to a point so I'd very much appreciate your views, as I've had conflicting oppinions from two hospitals. I would  say the syptoms have become more obvious in the last 3 months.

Background is below (apologies I have problems summarising stuff). Essentially I'm not sure I should risk the procedure. Symptoms have become more unconfortable, but are not too painful.

Whilst the NHS is very helpful, I find it hard to explain my worries and impossible to see anyone to decide the risks/benefits.

Be most grateful for any views as I still (I guess) could postpone the procedure. Isn't there a detailed type of scan they could do instead? Should I push for a larger hospital (not sure how I'd do that)?

It would be done in a local hospital and I would be sent to a bigger one 45 minutes away if there perforate the throat.

Background:

Last 10 years: diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome; Oesophageal Dysmotility (eat liquid diet only)

2022/3: My upper throat symptoms started around 2 years ago - some feeling in right hand side of something, but not pain, just clogged up a bit.  I occassionally would bring up a small amount of blood in phlem in the mornings (a few dots), but put it down to my coughing associated with my esophageal issues.

2024/04: About 10 months ago I felt mild pain in the same area (right hand side of lower throat radiating sometimes down chest, other times a bit to the right ear). Almost like a acide reflux like pain - but only on that side.

2024/07: Had a routine barium swallow in London (looking how esophagus was doing) and spotted filling defect in upper right throat area. Referred to London ENT Centre and also Local Hereford Hospital ENT team. Following the barium swallow, the pain in the right hand side of the throat, radiating to ear, was significant enough to keep me awake for hours a night, for about 3 weeks. Pain got easier after I coughed up a little bit (throat nut??).

2024/09: Hereford did nose scope and examination - both clear. No lymph gland issues. With pain symptoms, they wanted to do an urgent rigid endoscopy under general aneasthetic. They explained the risks or 1/100 chance of perforation and loss of airway. Wasn't familiar with my existing condition and the increased risks with any procedure. They said, when asked, that an MRi wouldn't show anything as he suspected it was too small.

2024/09: Had a blood test and standard cancer markers were low/non existent, and another nose scope - clear.

2024/11: Had MRi with contract of neck and upper nose scope by ENT registrar at London ENT centre. Both clear - discharged with comment "due to the time of symptoms I'd expect to see something so you're probably fine I'm discharging you"

2024/10: Local smaller hospital ENT department continued pushing for Rigid Endoscopy under general aneasthetic, which I continued to delay.

2025/03: Symptoms are longer lasting and radiate to right shoulder, and sometimes to right ear -  not a sharp pain. Its like a cold ache if that makes sense. Worse in mornings or mid afternoon. Trying changes to diet. Rarely any blood in phlegm. I can occassionally feel a little roughness, like a scab, on swallow, but can't be sure if this is just dried phlegm etc. Its always in the same specific area below adams apple, to right.

2025/03: Had Pre-op at local hospital in preparation for rigid endoscopy. Tried to explain my concerns and hoped to get a call from Aneasthatist, but no call and I'm scheduled for procedure tomorrow.

John