Waiting to go down for gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Suddenly a bit scared. Anyone want to say soothing things to me?

[IHeartKingThistle]

I'm having sedation but I want it over! Not eaten for 24 hours so a bit shaky and have suddenly started thinking about all the rare and scary things they could find instead of the common and much more likely not so scary things.

I'm very grateful I got in at all during covid so I'm not whinging, just might need a little hand hold...

Honestly the prep was worse than the procedure. I had sedation, and was so incredibly nervous but it's over and done with really quickly. I found drinking jugs of that prep was harder to endure than the procedures. Try and relax, you'll have a really nice team around you. I had a lady holding my hand and one stroking my head as the procedure was being done as I was crying like a baby, but it wasn't all that bad. That's all I can remember about it now. When you're home just have a day or two on the sofa. Good luck x

I used to be an endoscopy nurse.
Tell them you’re scared, scared patients were our bread and butter.
You will be fine, you will manage and the lovely lovely drugs will get you a little bit pissed and you won’t remember.

You’ve got this x

Thank you so much. Can't wait to be at home on my sofa! Teaching tomorrow though - doing this on my day off!

You’ll be home before you know it OP

You'll be fine, I was off my face on the sedation and couldn't remember any of it.

I am patting your hand and saying 'there there'

not had either but did have bowel scope screening last year which is similar to the colonoscopy. Was over reasonably quickly and although wasn't particularly pleasant I found the worst part was the enema and five staff members having a good look at my bum

You will be home before you know it then lie on sofa with plenty of tea and a hottie bottle if you are crampy

Definitely tell them! I had a procedure done under sedation and when I told the lovely anaesthetist he told me he would make sure I was nice and chilled before they started by giving me something for the anxiety. I don't know what he gave me (propranolol maybe?) but it made me so relaxed and gave me that lightly toasted 'two glasses of wine' feeling.

You’ll be farting for England when you have the colonoscopy, let rip! We used to have a right laugh with patients, give them scores out of ten for the best farts! And a plus side of the prep you take is your farts don’t smell!

I've had several. All fine although I too hate the prep. Sedation works well and I've opted for gas and air for the last two- ending up high as a kite, but okay to head straight home after a little ( farty) sit down and a thousand biscuits. Good luck!

Oh this is why I love MN! Yes the prep was horrible. Just want it over now, it's worse in my head I think.

Hand hold from me too. Soon be all over now and a distant memory

I went in Morrison's afterwards for gin and doughnuts and farted my way all round the store- reckon it got me out quicker!

I had gastroscopy without sedation. Not a particularly nice experience but it's literally 3-4 mins then it's over.
The medical staff were absolutely lovely and, yes, I was anxious beforehand. They talked to me throughout and explained everything and we just generally very reassuring.

My top tip is to just let any saliva drool out of your mouth. I had a lovely nurse who wiped/mopped mine and kept me presentable. If you try to swallow it you'll gag on the camera.

I've not had a colonoscopy but my friend who had both said that was easier.

You can do this OP. It'll be over in a matter of minutes.

Just think to yourself soon be over and it's worth it to get a diagnosis. This time tomorrow it'll just be a memory. Like others have said you've got this OP.

You'll not remember a thing! It'll be fine. Worst bit for me was the cannula.

Double check you will be fit for teaching tomorrow. The sedative affects your judgement. I was told no driving, or cooking, and to be v careful if using social media, online banking etc for 24 hours. You'll also feel exhausted and possibly a bit sick.

I have had colonoscopy several times and it’s fine with sedation. Have you got the lovely pants?

They are GORGEOUS.

Hope all went well OP! X

I'm out! I'm off my tits! No recollection of the gastroscopy at all but lay there and looked at my colon with great interest. Thank you all so much xx

haha...sounds like it all went to plan. Hope you are ok and have blasted all the gas away!

So pleased it went well! I've had a few of these and the prep is always the worst part. Well done for keeping your nerves. I hope you enjoyed the drugs

I liked the drugs very much

Well they found polyps and removed them. I'll take polyps! Still waiting on biopsies and things but nothing of great concern. Thank you all so so much.

Well done 👍

I had a colonoscopy as part of a research study, was sedated.
The only thing I remember was the doctor saying "ooh, what a lovely ileum"

I had fentanyl, can understand why Michael Jackson was partial to it.

Glad you’re ok. Fingers crossed for the results.