Anxious about endoscopy today

[WonkyPigeons]

Just after some reassurance please. I have an endoscopy scheduled for just after 11 this morning due to ongoing reflux issues. I have severe anxiety and health anxiety. I can't have the sedation as I'm a single mother of two and have no one to look after me afterwards. My mum is able to sit in the waiting room with my toddler while I have the procedure done so that's something.

Has anyone ever had one without the sedation and can reassure me the procedure won't be too terrible? I am very nervous as all I've read online are horror stories of people saying they wished they'd had sedation.

Also very anxious about what they'll find but trying to remain calm.

Thanks so much.

I haven't had it, but surely if your mum is there you can have the sadation and she can help you home? I've had a colonoscopy and after someone took me home and then I was fine to get on with things. It's just the journey from hospital to home they worry about (my understanding of it).

No, unfortunately she is not able to come home with me and help as she is not in very good health and wouldn't be able to look after my boys. She can manage an hour or so to just sit with them but can't do anymore than that. I don't have anyone else to ask.

I had one done with a very mild sedation, however if I was to need one again don't think I would have the sedation. It is very quick. My advice would be to just tell yourself it will be over so quickly. Don't worry about retcbing, that is normal, just go with what your body needs to do and in no time at all they'll have done what they need to. Good luck!

Okay, but I don't mean stay at home with you. Just get you to your front door and then she can go.

No OP would need to be supervised for a minimum of 6 hours after sedation. You’re not meant to cook or operate machinery.

I used to work in Endoscopy. It’s normal to be nervous, most people are. Explain that you can’t have sedation but you’re nervous. They will understand. Many people don’t have sedation and they’re okay. You may well have throat spray which helps it go down. A nurse will be by your head talking to you, focus on their voice, deep breaths and you’ll be okay.

Ah. Okay. My apologies. I guess colonoscopy sadation is different as I've always been dropped off home and left to it.

I had one last year and I thought they gave me something to take the edge off. No idea what it was because I was allowed to leave to catch the bus alone after an hour or two! It really wasn’t that bad, the throat spray stops you gagging and they will be absolutely lovely to you and make sure you are ok throughout. While it’s not my idea of fun, if I had to have one again tomorrow I’d be fine with it. And I’m a real lightweight, let me assure you.