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Original poster

Endoscopy. Terrified.

24 replies

JellySlice · 29/06/2018 11:43

I'm booked for endoscopy in a week's time. I'm beyond terrified. Shaking and in tears when receptionist told me that this clinic did not do sedation, only throat spray.

Help!

OP posts:
Stopyourhavering64 · 29/06/2018 11:51

I've worked in an an endoscopy unit and the actual procedure itself only takes less than 5 minutes....
the sedation increases time you're in the unit, time taken for procedure and means you can't drive afterwards and need someone to stay with you overnight ....people who don't have sedation can leave much quicker and don't feel groggy/ nauseous...you'll also be able to eat sooner
the spray will numb the back of your throat and lessen the gag reflex...
I've seen 90 yr olds have it without sedation and cope brilliantly
Try a visualisation technique to calm yourself down and concentrate on slow relaxing breathing ...you can do this

MollyHuaCha · 29/06/2018 21:31

I've twice had endoscopy without sedation and without throat spray - neither were offered!

You'll be fine. Relax as much as you can and allow the nurse to do everything for you.

It's all over very quickly. Wishing you well.

Rockandrollwithit · 29/06/2018 21:36

I have no experience myself but my nine month old has had endoscopy several times - although always under general anaesthetic.

Each time I have been amazed at how quickly he has recovered. Two weeks ago he had endoscopy and they stretched the scar tissue in his oesophagus at the same time. Within a day he was back to his normal self.

So I think focus on how quickly the whole thing - procedure and recovery - will be over. Maybe but yourself a treat to have immediately after or even just some magazines for the hospital. Be kind to yourself too, it's absolutely OK to be scared.

Good luck

Silvercatowner · 29/06/2018 22:06

I had my endoscopy with sedation. It was fine. There is no way on god's earth that I would or could have it without.

MollyHuaCha · 29/06/2018 23:51

Er... that doesn't help the OP much. Sad

Oopsmeagain · 29/06/2018 23:55

If you are really concerned I would ask to be referred to a clinic that does sedation. To be honest I do think you should be able to chose.

Disclaimer: I have had an endoscopy but did have sedation.

OhHelpNooo · 30/06/2018 00:00

I've had two, without sedation (one with biopsies). It's not the most fun experience I've ever had, but it didn't last long and recovery really quick. However I would press them on the sedation if you really want it. My 85 year old MIL just had one with sedation and she says she felt 'something in her mouth a little bit' and then didn't remember the rest of it at all. She had a cup of tea and stayed in for a couple of hours I think, then toddled off home with her chum to keep an eye on her.
Either way you'll get through it, and if it's needed for diagnostic/investigative reasons, it's really best not to avoid.
You'll be fine.

gobbin · 30/06/2018 01:04

Had it with throat spray. Not pleasant just because a lot seemed to be going on in the mouth area but certainly not painful at all and over within 5 mins literally. A friend said to focus on breathing through my nose which really helped.

Blondie1984 · 30/06/2018 01:25

I had one on Wednesday just with the throat spray and it was fine - just focus on breathing deep and keep your eyes closed - and the added bonus of no sedation is that you can go back to normal really quickly

Original poster
JellySlice · 30/06/2018 11:59

I struggle at the dentist with having my mouth full of equipment and hands. The thought of this is a million times worse. Frankly I'd rather be out of it and accept the longer recovery time. But the waiting list for sedated is much, much longer than with just the spray.

OP posts:
FoofFighter · 30/06/2018 12:04

In light if your further update I'd push for sedation if you possibly can wait longer.
It's not a pleasant process

Brickshed7 · 02/07/2018 14:10

I’ve had endoscopy with both sedation and without. Neither experience was too bad. The only equipment I had in my mouth was a rubber ring in my teeth to pass the tube through and the tube itself. No fingers or anything else.
I am so sorry that you are so distressed about having this done. Is it urgent? Would you be better to wait on the sedation list?

Dordognebound · 03/07/2018 18:56

@stopyourhavering64 - if a patient were to have a panic attack during the procedure - how quickly could the medic get the endoscope out?

Stopyourhavering64 · 03/07/2018 19:06

Immediately- it. Would just be a case of pulling the scope out( gently of course)
It may be you’re on a nurse endocscopist list and they wouldn’t be able to administer sedation ( but they’re often better than doctors IME!!
... the actual procedure can be over in 2 minutes ( unless they want to take a biopsy ) but if it’s just a look see to see if there’s evidence of gastritis or a hiatus hernia then its a very short straight forward procedure
When you book in on the day they will ask about medical history/medication you’re on etc and you should mention that you are nervous
If you really can’t face it without sedation you should phone up and see if there’s some way you can get a session with sedation
All the very best

TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince · 03/07/2018 19:13

If this is any help, l was always terrified and horrified by these. Even walking past a sign in a hospital that send endoscopy would have me quaking in fear. Then l had to have one.......

And I had sedation and it was nothing! I can remember next to nothing. I vaguely remember seeing my insides on a camera and not much else.

10 minutes later I was recovering from the tranquilliser. I would totally have one again. And let me tell you, my terror of these things was unparalleled. Even the word would shit me up! 😁. It will be fine, l promise. I cried like a baby in the waiting room😳

tigercub50 · 03/07/2018 19:24

I had sedation ( apparently there is also the option of having it under anaesthetic but I wasn’t offered that). I was like you OP & always absolutely dreaded being told I needed an endoscopy. The sedation makes it all a bit dreamlike. I have always been good at deep breathing so I was able to focus on that & being as relaxed as possible. The horror stories about gagging etc are very likely from patients who are very tense & so end up fighting the tube. It really was loads better than I thought & very quick. Don’t google it though!

ZispinAndWine · 03/07/2018 19:32

if a patient were to have a panic attack during the procedure - how quickly could the medic get the endoscope out?

In my experience, they don't. I had a panic attack during, and there was no attempt to interrupt the procedure. I was held down by two attendees while the procedure was carried out and finished (while also telling me to stop acting like a child).

I've had it with and without sedation, and would not accept to have it without again, I'm afraid. Sorry that's not at all helpful, OP! From what I hear and have read though, many people have no issues with it. I'm just definitely not one of them!

Original poster
JellySlice · 03/07/2018 19:57

I don't think I'd have a panic attack. I think the worst that would happen is that I'd cry and get distressed, maybe gag, refuse to co-operate. In which case I've been told that I'd be referred back to the GP for the with sedation clinic. I've also been told that I can take a valium in the morning, not enough to sedate me, but it might just take the edge off.

I'll probably hyperventilate. I'll take something to listen to on my phone.

OP posts:
Original poster
JellySlice · 03/07/2018 20:09

I think once it's down I'll probably be ok. Its the introduction that's really worrying me.

I shall ask the nurse to hold my hand, like I do at the dentist. It helps.

OP posts:
tigercub50 · 03/07/2018 22:22

The nurse I had was lovely & held my hand. Can’t believe a pp was held down! That’s horrendous!
I found having the tube taken out again the most uncomfortable but again, relax as much as you can

ZispinAndWine · 03/07/2018 22:27

Can’t believe a pp was held down! That’s horrendous!

I did learn afterwards that it was probably for my own safety rather than any sadism! It could do serious damage for the patient to move away or try to wrench the scope out or something like that. It wasn't a fun experience, and I'd not hope to repeat it (hence asking for maximum sedation and patience from staff before my second one), but obviously I'm glad I didn't end up injured!

LizJones · 03/07/2018 22:40

I had this with biopsies 6 months ago. Just spray. One big gulpy swallow and It’s down. Look at th tv screen it is fascinating. The It’s over. The thought is worse, honestly

Original poster
JellySlice · 07/07/2018 13:45

Done. Survived.

Took diazepam beforehand and was cuddled and stroked throughout by two nurses.

Vile experience, but I won't fear it if I have to have it again.

OP posts:
Oopsmeagain · 07/07/2018 17:43

Well done, I am impressed with you. Didn’t want to say earlier but I really panicked trying to do it without sedation and they ended up having to give me heavy sedation.

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