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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Anyone had a failed endoscopy?

62 replies

Tink3rbell30 · 19/11/2025 16:46

Posting for traffic. I worked myself up so much for this and they couldn't even do it. I had full sedation and they said I was moving, trying to lift my head up and waving my arm. I have no memory of this. If the drugs don't stop me doing this then how would I ever be able to do it? Of course the people before and after me managed it fine. I'm gutted.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tink3rbell30 · 19/11/2025 18:16

gezzab33 · 19/11/2025 18:14

I had it with throat spray just because my biggest fear is choking and I was in such a state for months beforehand that I opted for the fastest in and home again that I could. Its not nice but it's over in what felt like 5 minutes. Could you try that? I made myself ill over being so stressed about it, but honestly it was in no way the worst 5 minutes of my life or anywhere near.

They told me if I was moving, trying to get up, waving hands etc while having the spray plus decent sedation I'd never be able to do it with just the spray. What a waste of time :(

OP posts:
GFBurger · 19/11/2025 18:15

Do you think they’d let you do it again. Now you know that with the sedation you won’t feel or remember anything you might be less likely to pull at it.

I remember them talking to me and firmly asking me not to touch it or pull it and gently holding my hands down.

But I think I was so scared about it that it was natural to do so.

A friend of mine went a little loopy on the sedation and managed to fight the nurses off, get up and burst out of the room! So please don’t worry. I am sure you are not the only one they have had to convince.

gezzab33 · 19/11/2025 18:14

I had it with throat spray just because my biggest fear is choking and I was in such a state for months beforehand that I opted for the fastest in and home again that I could. Its not nice but it's over in what felt like 5 minutes. Could you try that? I made myself ill over being so stressed about it, but honestly it was in no way the worst 5 minutes of my life or anywhere near.

Original poster
Tink3rbell30 · 19/11/2025 18:13

They told me if I can't do it with sedation I'd never be able to with just the spray.

OP posts:
PigeonsandSquirrels · 19/11/2025 18:11

KvotheTheBloodless · 19/11/2025 18:08

Could you try without sedation, so you're conscious and aware? It's very unpleasant, but over quickly. I had one this year for a coeliac diagnosis, I hated it but it's very short.

Excellent username. I’ve been waiting 15 years for the next book.

Sorry OP didn’t mean to derail.

KvotheTheBloodless · 19/11/2025 18:08

Could you try without sedation, so you're conscious and aware? It's very unpleasant, but over quickly. I had one this year for a coeliac diagnosis, I hated it but it's very short.

hattie43 · 19/11/2025 18:05

I had this done recently and they did it with a numbing throat spray thing . I literally took my mind off to another place to distract myself . The worst bit is when the tube seemed to get stuck on the way down the throat but once past that bit it was fine .

Original poster
Tink3rbell30 · 19/11/2025 17:54

They mentioned general but said it's an extremely long waiting time. I will ask about the barium swallow. I agree, what's the point in sedation if it doesn't stop you moving? I tried my absolute best and it was a waste of time.

OP posts:
PoppySaidYesIKnow · 19/11/2025 17:38

I had to insist on maximum sedation for this recently. I’ve had it before with lower dose and it wasn’t enough. Even with the maximum, I remember trying to pull the tube out towards the end - it’s such an intrusive procedure I don’t think people realise how badly some of us react to this. Maybe you could have a barium swallow instead but that won’t look at all the areas I don’t think.

PigeonsandSquirrels · 19/11/2025 17:36

They can do it under general. General is the one that knocks you out cold. Sedation only sedates… aka makes you sleepy but conscious.

Original poster
Tink3rbell30 · 19/11/2025 17:30

Exactly, I thought the drugs used stopped people from being able to try to get up or move their hands. No idea where we go from here.

OP posts:
HevenlyMeS · 19/11/2025 16:59

I'm so sorry to hear you suffered this
Most surely you would think the nurses might've been so kind's to comfort & put your mind at ease? Surely they can use slightly more powerful anaesthetic for those whom seem to need it next time? 💚🙏💚Did you request to know where they will go from here?