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Original poster

Terrified of endoscopy. Please help.

56 replies

teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 17:29

Let me start by saying I'm now a wimp by any means. I have been chronically ill for many years and when it comes to pain threshold ie. painful procedures, daily life etc, mine is very high. I can deal with a lot of pain.

However, when it comes to anything that makes me feel claustrophobic or like I can't breathe, I panic. MRI's are hell for me. Well, this week I have to have an endoscopy and I'm freaking out. I'll have sedation as the transnasal endoscopy was a no go (narrow nasal passages and lots of panic) but I'm still beyond stressed about it and I don't know how to get through it. Although the staff were nice enough last time, it was all very "bish, bash, bosh" with no element of patience for folk like me so I'm worried about dealing with people like that again.

Any tips would be hugely appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 17:29

*Not a wimp

OP posts:
MrsEricBana · 26/02/2018 17:44

Oh you poor thing. I get it. Have the sedation and numbing spray. I have had 3 and the one that was easy was the one where I had both. Hope it goes well.

Purplerain101 · 26/02/2018 17:46

I’ve had one with nothing but the numbing spray and it was Hell! felt like I was choking to death and couldn’t breathe. My friend had one with the sedation and she said it wasn’t bad at all so hopefully you’ll be absolutely fine

FoofFighter · 26/02/2018 17:48

With sedation already planned, you'll be fine I'm certain. Flowers

Make sure you've got someone to collect you and stay with you afterwards though.

Original poster
teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 17:50

That's helpful to hear @MrsEricBana thank you. I keep bursting into tears because it's so trivial in comparison to other tests I've gone through but the mind is a powerful thing.

@Purplerain101 I think that made my first attempt feel even worse. They couldn't get the camera down either of my nostrils (4 attempts on one, 3 on other) and my throat was numb and it was just all a bit much, to put it politely.

OP posts:
Original poster
teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 17:51

@FoofFighter (excellent username) my DH will be collecting me. I've a tendency to apparently get quite gobby after sedation so he can enjoy dealing with that Grin

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extinctspecies · 26/02/2018 17:52

MY DS had one the other day (no sedation) and he was absolutely fine.

But obviously we are all different, but with sedation I'm sure you will barely be aware of what's going on.

Good luck!

MrsEricBana · 26/02/2018 17:53

You do need sedation and the numbing spray though.

Worldsworstcook · 26/02/2018 17:58

DH has had several with the spray. However if you struggle you can request a child's size which is slightly thinner.

Evizza · 26/02/2018 18:01

I have had one with sedation and without. When I had sedation, I panicked and told them to stop before the procedure was complete. I needed another in October so decided to just have the numbing spray so I was in control of myself throughout. It was by no means a pleasant experience, but I found by concentrating on my breathing, it was bearable. I managed the full procedure this time (around 5 minutes) and I wouldn't hesitate to have another without sedation in the future.

Everyone is different though and I know many people prefer to have sedation. Personally, being a control freak, I preferred it without (plus I got to leave staright away after).

AnneOfCleavage · 26/02/2018 18:01

My DH just had this and had numbing spray and sedation. He honestly has no recollection of having the procedure done and was most perplexed when I collected him that he'd had if. Wasn't too woozy afterwards and ate lunch and we even went out for the afternoon for a walk.

Don't worry too much esp as it's a very quick procedure. Good luck OP Thanks

Original poster
teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 18:01

@extinctspecies hopefully Grin

@MrsEricBana noted, thank you

@Worldsworstcook I hadn't even thought of that. I think I'll mention it to them in advance. Thank you.

OP posts:
welshweasel · 26/02/2018 18:01

Just be aware that sedation will not knock you out. You will be awake for the procedure but it should help you feel more relaxed, like you’ve had a large glass of wine. Most endoscopists (but not all) will offer the throat spray as well and I would definitely recommend having this. If I was doing your test I’d try to talk you out of having sedation as in my experience patients manage much better without it as they are in control of their breathing. However the choice will be up to you. Good luck!

Original poster
teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 18:05

@welshweasel food for thought for sure. Fortunately I'm familiar with being sedated (for medical reasons haha) so I know what to expect there.

OP posts:
KellyMarieTunstall2 · 26/02/2018 18:10

Hi
I had one a few years ago, was persuaded not to have sedation, but had a panic in the treatment room so they gave it to me. O don't remember anything about it other than being woken up! Ask for the sedation before the numbing spray and tell them you are terrified and they will manage you accordingly.

welshweasel · 26/02/2018 18:11

The doses we are allowed to use for endoscopy are lower than for a lot of other procedures and the procedure is very short, hence most patients say they were completely awake. Just thought I’d mention it as lots of people think they won’t remember the test.

B1rdinthebush · 26/02/2018 18:21

I have coeliac disease so sadly have had quite a few of these!

My first one I asked for sedation but it turns out my threshold for that is quite high and it didn't take affect. It wasn't very pleasant at all.

Since then I explain that I need extra sedation and it's fine.

I would talk through your fears with the nurses and consultant and ask them to go slowly in allowing the sedation to work etc.

Good luck, they're not fun but really not as bad as you think it will be.

Original poster
teaiseverything · 26/02/2018 18:36

Thanks for all the tips and advice. @B1rdinthebush I'm the same, process sedation like a bull Grin so I'll definitely tell them that beforehand too.

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wineandsunshine · 27/02/2018 12:58

Honestly I am the biggest wimp ever and did it without sedation (very proud!).
It actually wasn't that bad, I mean the spray was god awful and the nurses laughed and said that is the worst bit! I just took a deep breath and shut my eyes, did gag a couple of times but it was literally over in about 2 mins.
I hugged the consultant afterwards - oh and burped in his face oops!!
Good luck x

Original poster
teaiseverything · 27/02/2018 15:31

Grin good to hear it was over and done with quickly.

OP posts:
BlackInk · 27/02/2018 15:58

Hi OP

I had to have an endoscopy last Tuesday and posted on here because I was really anxious about it - serious fear of being sick and of being out of control...

I opted for throat numbing spray and sedation. The nurses were very kind. The doctor doing it was pleasant but brisk - it was over in a flash. There was some prodding/discomfort from the tube inside me and I gagged and panicked briefly a couple of times. BUT it wasn't horrific. The sedation made it all feel distant and I felt absolutely fine afterwards - spent the afternoon painting my shed :)

Felt bloated and horrible after eating in the evening, but that's pretty normal for me!

Good luck, you will be fine x

Original poster
teaiseverything · 27/02/2018 17:03

@BlackInk thank you for commenting. That's somewhat comforting. I'm glad it went well for you.

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panicovernow · 27/02/2018 17:15

If they offer both sedation and throat spray. Throat spray is given first otherwise you would be too sedated to open your mouth fully. Sedation is given once you are fully in position on your side with the mouth guard in place otherwise it’s tricky to get the patient in correct position. If you do feel aware of the procedure to try to overcome your fear of not being able to breathe is to focus on your breathing by focusing on your chests rise and fall. Hopefully removing your panic from focusing your mouth and throat. Practice closing your eyes, dropping your shoulders and concentrate on the rise and fall of your chest. It’s not a nice test but it is over very quick. Good luck

Original poster
teaiseverything · 27/02/2018 17:24

@panicovernow thank you, that's actually a really good tip about focusing on the rise and fall of my chest. I'll definitely do that.

OP posts:
Original poster
teaiseverything · 28/02/2018 17:01

My appointment was meant to be tomorrow at midday but just got a call to say their 9.15am slot has opened up so I'm going in first thing to get it over and done with Grin

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