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Original poster

Gastroscopy. Sedation or not?

13 replies

Germgirl · 04/05/2014 10:51

I've got to have a gastroscopy. The letter I got with the appointment says I can choose whether to have sedation or just a numbing throat spray. I was going to try to go for the throat spray but am it kidding myself? I have a reasonably high pain and discomfort threshold & I'd rather not have the woozy feeling that I imagine would come with sedation. Had anyone had a gastroscopy with just the spray? Was it hideous?

OP posts:

georgedawes · 04/05/2014 10:53

Saw my dh have it done and I would definitely have the sedation, it was quick but brutal (sorry).

Original poster

Germgirl · 04/05/2014 10:55

Ooh. Brutal? I'm what way? It's ok, I can handle it

OP posts:

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 04/05/2014 11:34

I had one under sedation, and as an operating theatre nurse, I assisted with plenty of these - and sedation is definitely the way to go, in my opinion.

SecretSpy · 04/05/2014 11:35

I've seen quite a few as a nurse, I would have sedation personally.

georgedawes · 04/05/2014 11:37

He said it felt like he was choking and unable to breathe. He was retching and they pretty much had to hold him whilst it went down. The tube is big. I have to say no way would I have it without sedation after seeing it done to him.

andthenthereweretwo · 04/05/2014 13:59

I had sedation recently and was up and about as soon as I returned to the ward with no after effects or wooziness. The man next to me however was out for the count!

dottyaboutstripes · 04/05/2014 16:24

I also vote sedation. I remember gagging the whole time but it was kind of ok because of the sedation! I felt fine afterwards

Original poster

Germgirl · 04/05/2014 17:06

Blimey! That's pretty unanimous. I shall go for sedation then. I was trying to avoid DH having to have a day off to look after me but he'll have to. He won't mind, he can "work from home" (laze about in bed playing games on his phone).

OP posts:

mandmsmummy · 04/05/2014 20:43

I had one without sedation and while it was horrible as it makes you gag when they put the tube in but that helps get it in quicker! I felt it in my stomach which wasn't pleasent but I coped! I might have to have a colonoscopy and fear the sedation more than the procedure x

cardamomginger · 05/05/2014 10:15

Bloody hell, have the sedation! I've had things from both ends and no way would I consider it without. Enjoy the woozy feeling .

scarfaceace · 05/05/2014 11:04

I had sedation and throat spray - knocked me out almost completely, but apparently they couldn't finish the procedure completely because of retching!

I'd definitely have the sedation, if not both!

LittleFriendSusan · 06/05/2014 17:22

Just to offer a differing opinion to most: I had one last week without sedation. I chose not to be sedated as wanted to be able to drive in the afternoon (school sports event I wanted to watch - usual great timing!). It was absolutely fine. I did gag when the camera went in, but they expect you to... (you will belch too. Thankfully they'd warned me about that too!)

There was a nurse next to me all the time, talking me through it and the whole procedure was over in about 5 minutes. The nurse put a guard thing in my mouth to stop me biting down & then said to close my eyes while the camera went in as the light is quite bright. The doctor then guided the tube / camera down, whilst the nurse was telling me to take deep breaths in / out. I gagged when the camera first went in and I think once more? You can feel it once it's in there, but it's a strange feeling / a bit uncomfortable rather than painful. I did open my eyes & watch it all on screen once I got used to it. The worst bit for me was those first few seconds - once you're past that initial gag reflex, it's fine. The main things is not to panic, I guess, but that's why they do the whole deep breath in & breathe out thing.

The throat spray tastes pretty nasty but had worn off within 10 minutes or so. Sore throat for a few days, but you'd get that with sedation too.

DP had one with no sedation & his 70+ year old dad has them at least annually without - it's really not all that bad

gobbin · 07/05/2014 22:58

I had one with just the throat spray. It was bearable and not painful.
However, you have got what seems like half a ton of gadgetry in your mouth and you have to keep your mouth open very, very wide.

I was told to 'remember to keep breathing through your nose and mouth' which was a simple, but very effective piece of advice because your natural instinct is to stop!

Not pleasant, but for me not something I'd want sedation for. From start to finish with the scope in my mouth was five mins tops.

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