Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be terrified of an endoscopy...

105 replies

ShartOfGold · 04/01/2019 17:52

Now I certainly know it's not the worst procedure to have done, far from it... but I'm absolutely shitting myself.
I need to have one done on Monday....

Anyone here had one done? Is it as bad as I'm imagining?

OP posts:
Thisnamechanger · 04/01/2019 19:47

In fact I told them when I arrived I'm a real panicker and they were great; made sure I was Sedated pretty much as soon as I was in the treatment room so I didn't feel scared. It's SO quick too.

Natsku · 04/01/2019 19:47

You're supposed to fast for 8-12 hours beforehand so better do that if you think they are going to do it (but I can't imagine they would without first giving you instructions on fasting), I got told off last time because apparently I hadn't fasted for long enough and there was still food in me.
And def opt for sedation if you can, I didn't get any (well I got a pill to calm me but they don't work very well on me so it didn't help) and almost punched the doctor in the face when I started to panic (have a very strong gag reflex though)

Once it's pass the gagging bit though it's fine, but you'll have a bit of a sore throat afterwards.

Make the most of eating gluten now while you still can! All those tasty foods I miss sigh

Sammy867 · 04/01/2019 19:47

I had one and couldn’t tolerate the throat Ben with sedation so I had a nasal endoscopy instead and was so much easier- nothing to swallow and didn’t even need sedation

Sammy867 · 04/01/2019 19:48

Even not Ben * 😂

nellieellie · 04/01/2019 19:54

I was dreading mine. Asked for as much sedation as possible. I was conscious throughout though and it was fine.

MillicentSnitch · 04/01/2019 19:57

I had this a few weeks ago without sedation and tbh I did make a little moany protest (embarrassing) but the nurse took my hands and calmed me down & the specialist was very soothing. I was so pleased I'd had it done afterwards as I got a definitive (good) answer to my problem. It's made all the difference to me. In retrospect, I should have had a strategy like counting or picturing something like a beach scene because though it felt weird I could breathe fine, it actually didn't last very long and wasn't at all painful.

Lifeofa · 04/01/2019 20:07

I had one with sedation, don’t remember the tube going in so no issue there. I remember parts fo the images on screen and the noise when the tube came out but it wasn’t like wrenching or vomiting more like burping. I was more fascinated by the noise I was making than any feeling.

mindutopia · 04/01/2019 20:10

It’s not pleasant but it’s fine. I had just the throat numbing spray as I needed to drive myself home after. If I had it to do again, I’d definitely get the sedatives though and make dh drive instead.

Nsbgsyebebdnd · 04/01/2019 20:12

I’d explain how you’re feeling and opt for sedation

iamjustlurking · 04/01/2019 20:18

I work in Gastro. I would be very surprised if you are going straight for an OGD without
A consultation appointment and no information from the Endoscopy Dept.

We come across this situation frequently where GP tell the patient they will have a procedure when generally most have consultation initially

Do not cut out gluten before any procedure otherwise they will have to delay it and you go back to having gluten in your diet for a period of time (approx 4 weeks)

Tippytappytoes · 04/01/2019 20:18

I’ve had both ends in one go, straight after each other (top end first then bottom). They gave me a wonderful injection and I came around just as they were taking biopsies for the bottom end. Wasn’t even aware for the throat one. Nearly all the medical staff I have encountered are lovely people, and if you tell them you are nervous they will take things slowly (or fast, to get it over with).

footphobic · 04/01/2019 20:19

I’m having one on Monday too OP.

Mine is gastro, and is going up my nose. I’ve chosen not to be sedated as I want to be able to drive and I don’t want to be at hospital the extra time the sedative requires. I have instead been offered local anaesthetic spray.

I’ve had to stop various tablets ahead of the procedure, e.g., omeprazole, and for the type I’m having I have to fast for 6 hours beforehand.

I’m not too worried as due to other health issues I’m very used to medical procedures and treatments, but I’ll still be glad to have it over with.

Hazlenutpie · 04/01/2019 20:22

Mine was truly hideous. Ask for as much sedation as they can give you.

LateKate · 04/01/2019 20:44

Despite having had several colonoscopies and coping with those I was really worked up about having an endoscopy the other day as I hated the idea of feeling the camera in my throat. The nurse on my ward recommended I request sedation as she had had one without which she found unpleasant and I can honestly say it was one of the easiest tests I have had.

I remember them spraying my throat which just tasted a bit weird and telling me I would need to follow instructions about swallowing but literally remember nothing else until I woke up in recovery. It was over very quickly, I have no memory of it and had no pain afterwards.

Would definitely recommend taking the sedation!

LetsPlayBamboozled · 05/01/2019 00:04

Another hoping to put your mind at ease. I had my endoscopy for Coeliac about 18months ago. I too had very positive blood test. Of course I was nervous but I was actually keen to have the endoscopy because the blood tests these days are proving so good at being a predicter of the level of damage done that if my little girl had a blood test they would consider not making her have an endoscopy if I had had one and it showed positive along with the bloods. So I did it just in case that ever became the case.

Having given birth about 2 years before I got quite bold (not like me usually) and decided if I could do that I could do the endoscopy just with the throat spray. I was told sedation would not 'put me out' as such and I didn't like the idea of being sort of out of it but not properly able to speak up if needed. Also I wanted to be able to get on with the rest of my day and walk out and get home to my kid and not have to wait to come out of the sedation fog.

I had the spray to the throat. Remember this is just something that is going to happen to you you don't have to actively do anything other than lie still on your side and remain calm and breathe. The Dr told me the worst part is getting past the gag reflex and he then alerted me when that was coming and I tried really hard to not gag and managed not too (hurray!) and then the air being blown into your tummy is uncomfortable but I have had much worse indigestion millions of times! They take the samples quickly and it really is over in 5minutes.

One thing I would say I did look on utube so I knew how big the tube would be. I am very glad I knew that in advance because otherwise I know I would have presumed it to be much thinnner and had a heart attack when I saw it. So that helped prepare me.

You definately need an empty stomach though and to fast beforehand so they can't just be going to do this on the day?? For me this really was the worst of it. My coeliac made me hungry all the time I couldn't get through hours without eating nevermind however many it was before my lunch time appointment. I can't remember exactly I think I was allowed breakfast before 6am or something then nothing. I really was desperate to eat.

I hope all the replies have helped you. It is a nervous time before any such procedure but honestly you're in and out in 5 minutes and then it will all be behind you. All the best xx

BetsyBigNose · 05/01/2019 01:14

I've had 9 endoscopies at 3 different hospitals over the last 4 years, so here's my take on it - like you, I was also incredibly anxious before my first one.

Wear something comfy, like leggings, a t-shirt and a cosy hoodie and warm socks.

When you arrive, they'll take you into an office type room, where a Nurse will take your blood pressure, check what medications you are on/have taken that day, go through your medical history, why you have been referred for an endoscopy, what they are going to be looking for/are expecting to find, they will explain the procedure to you, ask if you would like sedation (I always say "Yes please, as much as possible!") and throat numbing spray (again; "Yes please!") and they will answer any questions you have.

You will then be taken to the 'ward', which is usually a bay of 6-8 trolley beds. Some patients will be there for the same procedure as you (they will be in their own clothes), others will be there for colonoscopies (they will be in gowns). You will wait on the bed here until your procedure and will be brought back to the bay afterwards.

If you have decided on sedation, they will insert a canula, ready for it to be delivered directly into your vein once you are in the 'Procedure Room' (PR).

When it's your turn, you will be wheeled on the bed into the PR, where you will be introduced to the staff. There will be either a Consultant or an Endoscopy Practitioner who will be performing the procedure, a Nurse who will be tending to you, keeping you informed of what's going on etc. and at least one other member of staff keeping an eye on your stats (such as heart rate, oxygen saturation etc.)

The Consultant will explain one last time what will be happening, they will check your name, DOB and hospital number and ask you if you have any questions.

The Consultant will then administer the numbing spray. You will need to open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue and they will pump a few sprays of a banana flavoured liquid into the back of your throat. You will be encouraged to swallow a couple of times and then will be asked to lay on your side on the bed.

They may put a disposable absorbent pad under your face, just in case you are a little bit sick/dribble a lot!

The Consultant will then administer the sedative through the canula. I have tried counting until it takes effect, I can never remember getting past 30 seconds.

The Nurse will ask you to open your mouth and bite down on a rigid plastic teeth guard and the next thing you know, you will be coming round in the recovery bay/ward bit, about 20-30 minutes later, with a mildly sore throat - ta da!

The Nurse will come round to check how you're feeling and do your obs (BP and oxygen sats), and once they are happy and you feel able to, you will be invited to take a seat in a waiting room, where packets of biscuits, cups of tea and NHS orange squash are to be consumed in abundance!

Once the Consultant has had a chance to review and pass on their findings from your procedure, you will be called into the office with the Nurse, who will explain the outcome and the next steps; ime, some or all of the following: a letter to my Consultant and/or GP, recommendations of new meds (to be discussed with Consultant), a requirement for a repeat endoscopy etc. and you will then be sent on your merry way!

NB: If you have sedation, you have to be collected from the department by someone as you are not safe to be alone for some hours directly afterwards and you are not legally able to drive for 24 hours following the sedation.

I dreaded the first one so badly, I didn't sleep for 3 nights in the run up to it, but it was honestly a complete breeze! Good luck OP, you'll be fine!

AyoadesChinDimple · 05/01/2019 01:54

Sorry to piggyback on this but can anyone tell me about MRI scans. I'm similarly terrified of having one soon as I'm really claustrophobic.

Lovingbenidorm · 05/01/2019 02:12

Yes you have to fast! And you really don’t want a gastroscope going up your nose!
A gastroscope is much wider than a bronchoscope (through nose into lungs)
It’s really not a bad procedure but I’m concerned about the lack of info you’ve been given.
It can be done without sedation but obviously is much easier with, you will need someone to take you home if you are sedated.
Please don’t pitch up having had a big boy breakfast, they will cancel

Natsku · 05/01/2019 07:03

Sorry to piggyback on this but can anyone tell me about MRI scans. I'm similarly terrified of having one soon as I'm really claustrophobic

Tell them about your claustrophobia and they might be able to sedate you, depending on what they are looking at (for some you need to be able to follow instructions about holding your breath so can't be sedated) or at least a pill to ease your anxiety.
You can listen to the radio through the headphones during it, ask them to put the volume quite loud because the machine is very noisy.
And you have an alert button in your hand so you know that if you feel too bad you can always press the button and they will stop it and get you out.

OliviaStabler · 05/01/2019 07:12

Try not to worry about your endoscopy, it sounds much worse than it is as long as you opt for sedation.

I was nervous but after sedation the last thing I remember was a nurse approaching me with a tube and I don't remember a thing after that until I woke up.

IIRC I had to fast before I went in (12 hours I think) and they made me eat a sandwich when I woke up presumably to make sure there was no damage done by the procedure.

As I had sedation I had to have a friend with me at the hospital, take me home and stay with me a few hours at home. According to my friend I asked the same question quite a few times when I woke up but I don't remember that. When we got home I was really tired so went for a nap and woke up feeling fine.

Groovee · 05/01/2019 07:34

I had one through my nose due to the fact fibromyalgia affects my neck. It was ok, the staff talked me through my gagging and they got it down no bother and they wiped me tears away too. It was quite interesting to watch my insides.

DottyDotAgain · 05/01/2019 07:38

Hi
I had to have an endoscopy to confirm a diagnosis of Coeliac 12 years ago. I am TERRIFIED of things like this and at first I refused to have it - I asked to have a GA and they said no. I then burst into tears and cried a lot on the consultant and he agreed to give me a whopping dose of sedative - mainly to stop me crying!

I was completely knocked out- like having a GA - don't remember anything at all!

So my advice would be to cry and ask for lots of drugs Wink

They like you to have one every 4 years following the initial one - I've never had one since... I follow a strict gluten free diet and my blood tests are always good, so I've cancelled any subsequent endoscopy appointments!

Hazlenutpie · 05/01/2019 08:52

An MRI is an absolute breeze compared with an endoscopy. I coped by shutting my eyes and thinking of nice things. It doesn’t hurt, there’s no disgusting tubes put in, you just lie there!

Theboldandthebeautiful1 · 05/01/2019 09:15

I’ve had two. I was definitely advised that I was having it beforehand and needed to fast. I think it’s unlikely that you’ll be having the actual procedure on Monday if they haven’t told you.

I was terrified first time and had sedation.. it was much worse. They had to abandon it as I was like a bad drunk and fought off their attempts to do it.

I was so mortified and upset as I needed to have it.

I received another appointment and went again and told the medical team doing the procedure what had happened last time and how scared I was.

They said that they don’t like it when patients are sedated. They behave the same way (bad drunks) it’s just that they don’t remember it afterwards.

They persuaded me to go without sedation, I listened to them and it was a calmer better experience.

Just focus on why you’re doing it and as others have said, focus on breathing through your nose calmly and meditate on other things until it’s over.

Good luck OP.. it’s not pleasant but many people do it and it’s short and painless and will get you the diagnosis you need.

Thisnamechanger · 05/01/2019 12:29

An MRI is an absolute breeze compared with an endoscopy

Weirdly I thought the exact opposite!

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread