Endoscopy

[hsamantha]

Hi, I've been having indigestion and nausea problems since July, I've been prescribed a proton pump inhibitor and this has helped but not solved the problem.

I was referred to my local hospital gastroenterology depot where they said because of my weight loss I was entitled to an endoscopy within 2 weeks. I explained that I have emetophobia (sick) and that I cannot tolerate even a lollipop stick to hold my tongue down. She said that only midazolam sedation is offered and an anesthetic is not possible. I've read good and bad reviews of Midazolam but as I'm anxious to start with I just don't think it will be enough for me.

So I went back to my GP and he referred me to another hospital and sent a letter requesting I have anesthetic, the consultant said it wasn't possible to have an anesthetic and he would give me 4mg of Midazolam.

I feel so deflated that I'm not being listened to and not offered what I need. I've had a quote from a private hospital to have the procedure under a general anesthetic for £1500 this would be put on a credit card and I would be getting into debt for it. I feel like I'm stuck and the worry about what to do for the best is playing heavy on me.

Has anyone else managed to get this done under an anesthesia on the NHS with no dramas?
TIA x

I have had an endoscopy with 2 doses of midazolam because I have a strong gag reflex. I kind of remember gagging but I was so out of it that it wasn't the horrific experience that I thought it would be. You have an empty stomach so no chance of actually vomiting anything.

Have you had a general anesthetic before? Every time I have one I vomit and feel awful when i come around.

Did they find anything when you had your endoscopy?

I've had 2 general anesthetics and I was fine when coming round

I've had several endoscopies OP, one of which I had a GA for, I was nervous about having what I felt was a 'lesser' sedation as I have a medical condition that causes me to metabolize things differently therefore local anaesthesia etc often fails, but they will just give a higher dose if there are any concerns. You get the chance to speak to the anaesthetist before you go in, which is comforting.

The sedation was a wholly positive experience and if they hadn't have told me I'd have thought it was GA (and I have them regularly) you won't really know a thing about it OP, it does put you quite out of it It's much safer, and a much, much quicker recovery time. As has been pointed out, unfortunately GA carries a high risk of sickness.

I really sympathise OP, the NHS only offers what it offers though. In reality, as a person with specialised health needs, I often find what is on offer isn't suitable so you either have to give it a go, turn it down, or look to go private. Do cancel promptly if declining though, many people are waiting a lot longer than 2 weeks so may be able to utilise the day slot if it turns out to be a no go.

Have you spoken with your GP about raising the PPI dose or anti nausea medication? My first endoscopy found a hiatus hernia (aged 22) so in that respect it was very helpful. You don't say what specific issues you have but it will be difficult to treat specific issues without the endoscopy. You could look into diet though, smaller portion sizes, food intolerances etc.

@hsamantha yes they found a hiatus hernia and a fungal infection (grim).