Terrified of endoscopy

[Rumors1]

I was referred for a scope last Feb, a week later I got a call from the hospital and I was told it would be about 2/3 months away. I hadnt heard anything since and didnt follow up as I am so scared. I received a voicemail from the hospital this morning from that dept asking me to call back. I imagine its to book me in. I am really worried about getting this done, its one of my big fears.

I suffer from panic attacks around breathing and my throat, im really scared of any choking feeling. I mentioned it to the nurse on the first call and she tried to reassure me saying she would give me a numbing spray and I wouldnt feel anything. The thoughts of a numbing spray makes me panic more as I would be worried about choking and not feeling it.

The procedure is because I am having a lot of reflux and stomach issues, I am on methotrexate which can cause stomach inflammation. I am also due to have a colonoscopy at the same time due to IBS.
The logical part of me knows I should get it done but I feel physically sick at the thoughts of it.
I had my stomach pumped about 30 years ago, I resisted and was held down and the tube forced down my throat, it was a horrific experience and I know is contributing to my fear.
I would love to hear from people in my situation who had it done. I know most people wouldnt like this done but I am talking a different level fear.

I had one without sedation and I’ve still got PTSD from it now, the most horrendous experience of my life and it’s really impacted any medical procedures that I now need to have done because of fear and anxiety. I had a second one with sedation and didn’t know anything about it, I was out cold - choose sedation every time, there’s no point suffering whilst having it done - good luck! X

I've had a gastroscopy with sedation and it was totally fine. I was more or less asleep and remember almost nothing about it. I definitely wasn't aware of the tube going in.

If you really, really can't cope then it is possible to have it done under GA although this carries its own risks. A family member couldn't cope with the tube even with sedation so this was offered to her instead. It will mean waiting for another appointment.

Do not have the numbing spray because it doesn't do anything, tell them you want sedation and don't let them fob you off.

I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy a couple of years ago under a light sedation, I cannot remember a thing about the endoscopy and came around near the end of the colonoscopy but that was ok as they were just finishing up. I was given a cup of tea and then got the train home, the worst part of the whole thing was the prep for the colonoscopy!

I had the numbing spray for a camera up my nose and down my throat and I felt everything, it was horrendous. Insist on sedation and good luck.

They give you a short acting benzo that knocks you out and deletes your memory, so you won't even know it's happened. Other than some people have a little discomfort in the throat.
You'll probably need someone with you as the benzo makes you a bit woozy to travel home alone. Honestly please don't worry. You'll be fine.

It made me feel 'woozy' but it did nothing to stop the pain of the procedure or to stop me gagging all the way through. My oesophagus is absolutely knackered which might be the reason.

@Rumors1 I will do, what makes it worse is it's a two hour journey to the hospital, and two back.

For now I'm going to block it out!

I’ve had three all under sedation and would not contemplate doing it without. I slept through all of them

I believe you can have it done under GA. I had sedation & it was nowhere near as bad as I thought.

I had one done last month, with throat spray and sedation and I hand on heart wouldn't have one again unless it was life or death.
I gagged and cried throughout. I don't think the midazolam touched me at all until I was actually home, where I slept really heavily.

I know it's different for everyone and yes it was only a short procedure but I did find it quite traumatic I'm afraid.
Obviously the last thing you need is someone putting you off, but I wish someone had warned me before going in. I really wasn't expecting it to be as it was and that's probably what made it worse for me xx

I stayed awake for mine and I honestly wish I did not.
I panicked like fuck and whilst being unable to breathe had a nurse screaming in my face to relax and breathe through my nose
In line with the above poster, I wish someone had warned me before hand instead of the hospital down playing it - I would not have that done again under any circumstance

I never ever believe what I am told before any procedure - I always look for actual experienced and opinions from people who have had it.

A lot of procedures the medical profession expect people to “tolerate” are absolutely barbaric - endoscopy, hystoscopy etc.

Never believe a word of it especially if it’s via the NHS as most of it is cost cutting and poor staffing - as to offer sedation takes more staff and costs them more.

Also never forget that you are in charge of what happens to you - not them. If you don’t want a procedure or decide it’s too much that is your choice not theirs to make.

Likewise if you want or need to stop that is your choice.

I had one a few weeks ago, I had the numbing spray, which can make you feel panicked. But count, & breath, it works. Close your eyes, then you won’t see it coming. Up the nose & down the throat. I felt a bit of a strange sensation & puffed out loudly. He just told me to close the mouth & breath through my nose. It was all over & done with in no time. I’m a panicker, I’ve kicked my legs in the air & screamed for help during many scans 🤭. I know you can’t help it, but it has to be done & the calmer you are the better it will be. Remember FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. The biggest problem for me was the thought of it. For a week after I had the symptoms of a cough & cold, I rarely get colds so think it must’ve been a reaction to the endoscopy. But I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Yeah my theory is if it says discomfort, I want knocking out

I was dreading it. Had a bit of sedation and truly it was over so fast and really a non event!!!! Numbing spray too at back of throat.

Sedation, definitely.

I am relieved to see some of the replies on here, because as @MiaFeysImprobableBosom said, the information you are sent beforehand gives the impression that only a real wimp would ask for sedation. I didn’t want to have to get someone to give me a lift home, so I went without.

The throat numbing spray did nothing, he sprayed it on my tongue not the back of my throat. I gagged constantly, and definitely that I was making a fuss and that it was somehow my fault I was gagging.

It’s over really quickly, and as soon as the tube was out, I felt absolutely fine but I would definitely have sedation if I needed it again. I feel relieved to know that I am not alone in this, I honestly can’t understand how most people can tolerate this procedure without extreme discomfort.

I had one without sedation, just throat spray and managed fine. I have the worst gag reflex ever, but if you just keep your breathing slow and calm you'll be fine.

You don't have to choose either/or, you can ask for both sedation and spray.

I was told sedation works best if you "let it take you". It worked very well for me and I have no memory of the procedure, or emotional reaction to it. I'd be more relaxed about having another now.

I don't think this is helpful to the OP is it?
Thousands of people have this procedure every year. It's a routine procedure and nothing to worry about. They do routinely offer sedation and look after you during and afterwards (at least at my local NHS hospital). The staff are aware that many people are worried about this procedure. It's not in their interests to hurt you or scare you. The sedation is very effective in my experience.

The one that goes up the nose and down the throat is a different procedure. I’ve had that done a few times without sedation and it was unpleasant but I found it tolerable.

My trust offered both sedation and throat spray together. Mine unfortunately still wasn’t a great experience and I’m a nurse but not sure if it’s because I’d seen a lot done so I knew what to expect. I was certainly sedated but I was still retching from my stomach eben though they said once past the throat it would be fine. It needed to be done unfortunately though

The OP asked for experiences, I gave mine. I'm glad the sedative worked for you - it didn't for me. I'm not going to lie to lull someone into what might be a false sense of security. Had I known how bad it would be, I could have been prepared and coped better. People having this procedure need to know it has the potential to be horrific.

Id rather people be honest so I can be fully prepared than going in and it being even worse than I expected. That's what happened to me and I would never have another.

@justfornow1 good luck, I think you are having this done today. I am having it done on Saturday.

Thank you! I'm on my way. Feel OK atm, was a state last night mind. I know the fear will kick in when I arrive. Gutted to be having both the gastroscopy and endoscopy.

Definitely going for sedation. You should be able to as well right?

I'll let you know how it goes. And good luck for Saturday too 💐