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Original poster

Endoscopy - be honest, what is it like?

73 replies

RichTeaAreCrap · 09/05/2011 12:29

I am booked in for an endoscopy soon and dreading it.

Can you tell me what it's like. Be very straight and tell me warts and all! I am nervous about it but would rather know the truth about it so I know what to expect. I find it easier if I am prepared for it.

I am thinking about having it with sedation.

Come and share your horror stories with me.

OP posts:
TruthSweet · 10/05/2011 17:04

RichTeaAreCrap - Totally agree with your name BTW. I'm going to be honest here - so apologies!

I had a endoscope to find a lost gall stone (post gall bladder removal) and it didn't go very well at all.

The numbing spray made me vomit (or attempt to as I was on a liquid only diet due to pancreatitis) as soon as it was applied so even before the scope was put in.

I had fentanyl and medazolam by IV injection (max doses of both) and kept coming round so they had to stop the procedure before it was completed. I apparently have a very efficient liver Grin Every time I came round I was gagging and the scope was being forced out (completely unintentional on my part).

Luckily, the stone appeared to pass all by itself and I didn't need to repeat the endoscope experience.

I really hope you don't have anything like this happen to you and it all goes well.

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 10/05/2011 18:22

Don't apologise TruthSweet, I wanted the good and the bad.

Sounds awful what you had to go through and am I glad they didn't need to repeat it again on you.

Let's hope mine doesn't go quite as bad as yours.

OP posts:
fairieswearboots · 10/05/2011 22:01

I'm sure the info you've been given tells you this, but just be aware that while the major effects of the sedation wear off after an hour or two, it stays in your system for up to 24 hours. This means no driving etc for the 24 hrs and having an adult with you overnight. Also you shouldn't be caring for children alone . So, good luck and remember to put you feet up for the full 24 hrs.

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 11/05/2011 08:23

I haven't had the info yet. It is on its way though, they have posted it out to me. I will have somebody with me overnight so should be fine.

Does it take an hour or two for the major effects to wear off? How long will they keep me in hospital for afterwards?

OP posts:
fairieswearboots · 11/05/2011 11:35

Well, where i work we keep you for a minimum of one hour post procedure if you've had sedation. If you need longer then of course that's fine. But most people are okay to get up and walk about after an hour. Apparently the drowsiness comes and goes . If you just have throat spray you can leave pretty much immediately, the other advantage is that the doc can tell you what was seen and you are likely to remember it! The sedation does make you forget things, so ask one of the nurses to repeat what was said to you if you have forgotten. You'll be grand!

Winetimeisfinetime · 11/05/2011 12:25

I was fine straight away after having sedation for my procedure and wasn't drowsy at all - but then the sedation hadn't worked for me. I went home after no more than 2 hours.

I have also had a procedure with sedation that did work and I was also allowed home after no more than a couple of hours and was quite drowsy and slept for ages once I got home. Was very nice actually as I am normally a bit of an insomniac.

I think you will find that it will not nearly be as bad as you think - if I was having endoscopy again and I knew I would be given an effective sedative, I wouldn't be worried about it.

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 11/05/2011 16:06

Yes, I thought I may be a bit tired for the rest of the day, I can use it to catch up on some lovely sleep.

I just wondered about the major stuff that the sedation does and how quickly that goes away afterwards. But a couple of hours sounds good, it must be quite lightweight stuff that they use!

I am panicking now about it - its my worst fear having something put down my throat.

OP posts:
Bearskinwoolies · 11/05/2011 16:09

I've had a couple - the first was without sedation, and I can definitely NOT recommend it.

The next one I opted for sedation, and was given midazolam - lovely stuff. My scope lasted about twenty minutes, but the sedative effects lasted for most of the day, so when they say no working or driving, take it seriously.

hth

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 11/05/2011 18:45

Those of you that had it without sedation Shock

You must be well 'ard Grin - I am panicking about it with sedation

OP posts:
saoirse86 · 11/05/2011 19:07

I'm amazed so many people found it so bad without sedation. I honestly didn't think it was that bad at all. All it did was make me gag quite a bit and then felt gassy from all the air being blown into my stomach, but you'd get that either way. It took about 15-20 minutes for me and then got to walk out no problemo. The worst part for me was not being able to eat for so long beforehand. Hmm

If you've given birth I can assure you it's not as bad as that! Grin

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 12/05/2011 23:32

I wish I had the nerve to have it done without sedation because I like the idea of being to leave immediately and not feeling grotty from the sedation.

I don't think I would ever be able to do it without sedation though, the very thought of it makes me shudder. I am getting into a right state just thinking about having it done with sedation.

OP posts:
FourFingeredKitkat · 12/05/2011 23:43

Needed to work after, so no sedation for me. A nice nurse did hold my hand throughout the procedure though! Not to bad, no pain, just loads of gagging!

FourFingeredKitkat · 12/05/2011 23:43

to=too sheshh

raindroprhyme · 13/05/2011 11:48

have the sedation it is a horrible you are better off well out of it.

Baffledandbewildered · 13/05/2011 12:27

Had it done without sedation....... Never again I was scared of the injection so stayed awake big mistake spent the whole time vomiting from the time they put it in my mouth till they took it out . All vomit ended up in my ear !! Most odd and I was reaching so much I so wet myself so went home stunned wet and with a soggy ear not nice. Be brave get sedated . Ps good luck

tiredgranny · 13/05/2011 12:46

had it with sedation it relaxes all u muscles but could watch images on screen if wanted to

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 13/05/2011 13:20

omg Baffled....now I am really dreading it Sad

Do you not vomit/gag if you have it with the sedation?

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 13/05/2011 14:09

Not in my experience. Had sedation, no idea what happened, came to, went home, felt a little sleepy but absolutely fine.

Job done. Grin

If you are terrified, you are probably better off with sedation as you won't have a clue what happens once they have given you the drugs.

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 13/05/2011 14:22

phew....hope my experience is the same as yours Knotty Smile

OP posts:
piprabbit · 13/05/2011 14:27

Having has an endoscopy, colonoscopy and an IVF egg collection, all under sedation, I can honestly say that I remember nothing about any of the procedures.

Just went into a little room, had sedation drugs, dozed off, woke up a little while later feeling fine (endoscopy), battered in pelvic area (egg collection), farting like a trooper (colonoscopy). Went home, slept a bit more. Was fine.

Be brave, have the sedation and enjoy the nap Grin.

KnottyLocks · 13/05/2011 14:41

Errrr, you don't want to have the same experience as mine, RichTea. Unless you want a blooming great camera up your backside too. Grin

wakeupandsmellthecoffee · 13/05/2011 14:44

Hi I cant do links . This is what I wrote in June 2009.

I'm just doing this post in case another person is going to have an endoscopy and is worried about it . I had mine done yesterday and I feel a bit foolish about the amount of worry I put myself through . It was so simple and easy I was in at 8 and out by 11. Firstly its form filling then blood pressure and then a needle in the hand . (I'm needle phobic ) and even this bit went well . Next thing you walk into a room and the surgeon sprays your throat with a liquid I can only describe as yuck . Does anyone remember children's medicine an before they put sugar and flavour in them .Well I can honestly say that was the worst bit . You are then given a mouth guard to put in your mouth . After that I remember nothing .Half an hour later I am chatting away like it never happened . So if you are going to have this procedure please dont worry as it really dosnt hurt .

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 13/05/2011 14:50

Oh I like that wakeupandsmellthecoffee - sounds very simple. I am even worried that I am going to gag when they put the mouth guard in - working myself up into a right state.

OP posts:
KnottyLocks · 13/05/2011 14:52

WakeUp, that's summed it up rather well.

Apart from the colonoscopy bit after, that's how mine went.

Original poster
RichTeaAreCrap · 13/05/2011 15:07

I am dreading having to have one of those Knotty - it has been threatened.

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