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Original poster

Am I a wimp?! Endoscopy without sedation!

133 replies

WaffleFrenchToast · 16/10/2022 23:49

Has anyone else ever had an endoscopy without sedation and regretted it afterwards?

it’s never going to be a pleasant procedure but I never expected it to be so terrifying. I chose no sedation because I was under the impression it was easy and routinely done without sedation. I was fine until it went into my throat and I felt like something took over me body and it was like I was possessed- I remember panicking that I was being choked (obviously I wasn’t but it sure as hell felt like it!) and I think I was thrashing about and tried to pull out the camera at one point! I don’t remember very much other than begging them to take it out, in between violent wretches and burps and trying to pull out the camera in my stomach.

I try to never be a difficult person and I’m scared to make a fuss or ever say anything so no matter how scared or upset I am, I would always just keep it all inside. But it felt I was possessed! I think my body thought I was dying!

I understand that they couldn’t just pull it out straight away, and by that point it was easier to continue because it was already in my stomach, but it was terrifying because I felt like I was being choked and nobody was listening (obviously they were but they couldn’t just rip it out!)

after it was done I was a sobbing, shaking, shivering mess.

The nurses and doctors were lovely and reassured me and they got it over as quickly as possible, but if I ever have to go through this ever again (hopefully never) then I will absolutely NEVER go without sedation. I had nightmares for weeks after it!

anyone else had this?! Or am I just a big wimp? 😉

OP posts:
ScoobyDoobyDoowhere · 18/10/2022 07:42

Definitely not a wimp I had a double camera inspection and what a state i was in. I wouldn’t have even entertained the idea without being sedated (heavily). I also had gas and air on top of the sedation for the colonoscopy. So I managed both procedures comfortably in no way would I not have sedation for either procedure.

Sagaris · 18/10/2022 07:51

My biggest fear was that I'd have to have an endoscopy - we all have things that terrify us? So, I was sent an appointment - I made it very clear how scared I was and I wanted all the medication they could offer to help me. The staff were excellent, the nurse who did the pre procedure stuff said I could have a smaller camera up my nose, with numbing spray up my nose and throat, and midazolam as a sedative? That sounded a lot more positive - so that's what I had. The doctor was very kind, as were the nurses, it didn't last long and wasn't as bad as I'd feared at all. DH came to collect me afterwards and everything was ok. I wouldn't worry too much if I had to have the procedure done again, but I'd certainly opt for the nose camera with all the trimmings! Good luck OP, you will be fine.

OnceYouKPop · 18/10/2022 07:56

I was sedated for mine and it was still exactly like you said. Not a wimp!

Tootsey11 · 18/10/2022 08:19

I had one with no sedation. It wasn't pleasant but I was determined to do it. I was told after that I tolerated it very well. At home even the toothbrush on my tongue makes me gag.

TheSilveryPussycat · 18/10/2022 11:06

People that managed, any tips? Did you breathe in a certain way, or do something with your mind?

ptsdmum · 18/10/2022 12:03

It was horrendous, but I did manage it. I've had lots of other horrible tests, and spent plenty of time in the dentist chair, had surgery etc. And I always get through it by imagining I'm on a beach holiday, either sunbathing or swimming, and totally happy and at peace, that usually gets me though.

FuckFuckGo · 18/10/2022 12:26

I had one with an IV benzodiazapine for sedation but it didn’t do anything. I had a complete meltdown when they gave me the throat spray as I get into a panic if I can’t swallow. I started crying and hyperventilating. They then tried to put the scope in and I had a full-blown panic attack and made them stop. Maybe it sounds OTT but it triggered flashbacks of being raped.

They arranged for me to have it done under enhanced sedation (completely out). While they were getting it ready I started crying and shaking, asking the anaesthetist to promise I wouldn’t be aware anything (they couldn’t, but said 99% of people aren’t). I lay on the bed crying the whole time while they gave my oxygen and administered the anaesthetic. The next thing I knew I was being woken from a blissful sleep, absolutely covered in snot from the intranasal oxygen.

I’m no lightweight when it comes to pain or procedures. I had a very complicated wisdom tooth extraction that took two hours without sedation, cutting and drilling etc and local anaesthetic wearing off. Didn’t faze me at all. This on the other hand… I was absolutely mortified by the end of it.

Tootsey11 · 18/10/2022 12:49

Consultant said it was mind over matter.

You know they won't let you choke.
You know it is just the camera.
You know it is only a brief period of time
You know its nothing bad.

Positive thoughts and talking to yourself in your head.

bloodyplanes · 18/10/2022 14:34

Meili04 · 17/10/2022 00:10

If you ever need another one ask for the drugs they were top notch. I don't remember the procedure and I woke up laughing my tits off amazing stuff.

I had one done under heavy sedation and i was also as high as a kite when i woke up. I can't remember a thing about it .

VestaTilley · 18/10/2022 15:48

Never trust the doctors (sorry, but not after all the scandals), always do your own research.

I’m coeliac and have had three endoscopies - all with sedation and numbing throat spray. I wouldn’t dream of having it done without; my gag reflex wouldn’t get me through it anyway.

The last one I had done didn’t give me as much sedative as the previous two, and it was pretty unpleasant. I feel for you having it done without sedation! It’s not recommended.

AryaStarkWolf · 18/10/2022 16:03

I had one and I opted for sedation plus a local anesthetic 😂I don't remember any of it. Couldn't care less if that makes me a wimp, why suffer unnecessarily?

Gonnabegrandma · 18/10/2022 16:09

I had one without sedation and suffered exactly the same as you . Went to have a second one and fell to pieces with stress before they even started ! I’ve never been back

DonnaBanana · 18/10/2022 16:22

If you are lucky, you can opt for "transnasal" endoscopy where it's a much smaller scope and it's put up your nose. The upside to that is nothing in your throat and you can still talk like normal. You do it sitting up so it feels more natural as well.

Sedation is all well and good but while it stops you remembering the procedure, it doesn't stop you experiencing it at the actual time.

AryaStarkWolf · 18/10/2022 16:39

DonnaBanana · 18/10/2022 16:22

If you are lucky, you can opt for "transnasal" endoscopy where it's a much smaller scope and it's put up your nose. The upside to that is nothing in your throat and you can still talk like normal. You do it sitting up so it feels more natural as well.

Sedation is all well and good but while it stops you remembering the procedure, it doesn't stop you experiencing it at the actual time.

Sedation is all well and good but while it stops you remembering the procedure, it doesn't stop you experiencing it at the actual time.

That's not true, it stops pain and relaxes you at the time

Can you feel pain during moderate sedation?
Moderate sedation, or conscious sedation, is medicine used during procedures to help you feel relaxed and calm. You will be awake and able to follow directions without anxiety or pain. You will remember little to none of the procedure.

www.drugs.com/cg/moderate-sedation.html

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 18/10/2022 16:50

I had one and as soon as they did the throat spray I felt like I was suffocating on a rock in my throat and panicked. Luckily they had a line in already and sedated me. I woke up in a room being told DH was there to pick me up.

If I need one in future, I'm asking to be knocked out from the start! I dont even want to know about the spray.

megletthesecond · 18/10/2022 16:52

Sorry you had to go through that. I was told by the staff to take the sedation and throat spray. It was still unpleasant even being drugged up. See also colonoscopy.

I did make them give me a GA for a hysteroscopy too. I want them to get on with their jobs, not have me stressing on the table.

gertrudemortimer · 18/10/2022 17:05

I found out yesterday I'll be having one. The doctor said he'll use a numbing spray. Will I be given a choice? He's going in to my small bowel and wants to take biopsies. A friend told me to take the sedation too but it was never mentioned by the doctor.

AryaStarkWolf · 18/10/2022 17:12

megletthesecond · 18/10/2022 16:52

Sorry you had to go through that. I was told by the staff to take the sedation and throat spray. It was still unpleasant even being drugged up. See also colonoscopy.

I did make them give me a GA for a hysteroscopy too. I want them to get on with their jobs, not have me stressing on the table.

It must depend on the person because I had both two and I can't remember any of it.

I also got a GA for my Hysteroscopy

AryaStarkWolf · 18/10/2022 17:12

gertrudemortimer · 18/10/2022 17:05

I found out yesterday I'll be having one. The doctor said he'll use a numbing spray. Will I be given a choice? He's going in to my small bowel and wants to take biopsies. A friend told me to take the sedation too but it was never mentioned by the doctor.

ask for the sedation too, definitely

Getoff · 18/10/2022 17:23

Remaker · 17/10/2022 00:58

Colonoscopies without sedation? Is the NHS moonlighting as a mediaeval torture chamber?

Apparently. Nurse told me, unprompted, with a meaningful look, that I did not understand at the time, that they do not offer sedation as an option. I won't be having another routine scan until they change their policy.

Bluebellandpansies · 18/10/2022 17:39

I never knew you could do one without!

lobsterkiller · 18/10/2022 17:48

@TheSilveryPussycat I was asked to go through the motions of swallowing. That helped lots, also numbing spray..lots of it. If they offer you a cup of tea, please sit and have it as you will feel disorientated after. I didn't, so staggered out and take your time going home. Again I didn't.

vipersnest1 · 18/10/2022 20:54

I do think people discussing sedation should realise that there are different drugs and different levels. I won't go over my last post again, but will say I was given sedation for a procedure and honestly felt no difference. Whilst I had been told that I could have entonox with the sedation, my lovely team gave me fentanyl. On top of the sedation, it really helped.

lawandgin · 18/10/2022 20:59

@vipersnest1 I do think some people respond better to midazolam than others. Knocks me right out, if the correct level is given and maintained. I also think the NHS skimp s but because they don't want drowsy people hanging around for ages. I woke up towards the end of my endoscopy but was completely out for the count with my ivf egg collection!

FuckFuckGo · 19/10/2022 00:19

There’s sedation and there’s sedation. The standard sedation they offer for gastroscopies usually is a benzodiazepine called midazolam. It’s relaxing but isn’t meant to knock you out, especially at the dose they give you. For some people it doesn’t do anything (my experience unfortunately, at the dose they offered at least). The heavier ‘enhanced’ sedation (which knocks you out) is propofol, but this isn’t routinely offered as it requires an anaesthetist.