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Original poster

Gastroscopy tomorrow... really want to cancel!

35 replies

ShartOfGold · 18/03/2019 11:10

I’m terrified

Please talk me down, I really do not want to have it done...
they’re testing for coeliac disease. I’ll be fine if if I just change my diet, I really don’t need to have this test done, right? ...right?!

OP posts:
MaverickSnoopy · 18/03/2019 11:22

Buuuuut what if you don't have it done and then you need to have it done in the future. It'd always be hanging over your head...

You'll be fine and then you'll know.

tkband3 · 18/03/2019 11:26

Please do go for the test. There are associated conditions with coeliac disease which they will monitor you for if you have a confirmed diagnosis. If you just change your diet now, you will not be monitored, even though you may feel better.

Good luck - you will be fine Flowers.

Original poster
ShartOfGold · 18/03/2019 11:29

Oh god, you’re right. I know you’re both right Sad

Have either of you had a gastroscopy? Is it as bad as I’m imagining?

OP posts:
bonzo77 · 18/03/2019 11:32

Do it. If it’s not coeliac then changing your diet will be a PITA and not solve it.

FWIW I had a gastroscope for another reason. I was absolutely beside myself with the fear. They gave me sedation. It was ok. Not lovely. But all I remember is a bit of coughing. And a lovely rest afterwards.

ALemonyPea · 18/03/2019 11:33

I felt the same before my colonoscopy. It's scary having an unknown procedure done.

Don't cancel, its only a short procedure and you can have as much sedative as you need to be comfortable.

Raera · 18/03/2019 11:34

Is it Gastroscopy or Colonoscopy?
If the former, yes I had one about 12 months ago. Make sure that you have opted for sedation and not just the throat spray, you will have to fast before the procedure.
I was also terrified, but I can't remember anything about it at all and was eating toast and tea 30 minutes later!

Original poster
ShartOfGold · 18/03/2019 11:36

It’s a gastroscopy. To check my small intestine (I believe) and to take some biopsies.

Oh good god, I can feel my throat closing up just thinking about it.

Will they give me enough sedation. To make me fall asleep??

OP posts:
DM1209 · 18/03/2019 12:32

I feel for you OP, my 7 year old is due to have this procedure (for a number of reasons, coeliac being one) and it's breaking my heart for her. SHE keeps telling me 'Mummy, I'll be fine and the Dr can help me feel healthy again AND I get a sticker and Nandos afterwards!' What's not to love right!

She's also decided when she's older she wants to work in medicine to give something back to all the Dr's and Nurses that have helped her. How in the face of that can I show her fear? I hide my fear Grin I do completely understand though and I'll simply say the same thing to you, you WILL be ok and once it's over, the Dr can help you to feel healthy again. I'll even send you a sticker from my daughter.

Get it done, once it's over, its over and if you don't go, you may simply have to have it done later regardless and delaying the inevitable is anxiety inducing in itself. Good luck.

troppibambini · 18/03/2019 12:34

I've had it. Take the sedation (I didn't) tell them you're really nervous and ask for as much as they can give you.
It will be fine and over very quickly.

BlueMerchant · 18/03/2019 12:41

I had it done a couple of years ago. I agree with pp. Take the sedation. The procedure is obviously not pleasant but am sure with sedation it will be more comfortable.
My friend had it done with sedation and she found it a breeze.

Redglitter · 18/03/2019 12:46

Will they give me enough sedation. To make me fall asleep

No, you need to be awake to swallow and follow instructions. Honestly you'll be fine it's quick & pretty much painless & over very quickly.

CoeliacK · 18/03/2019 13:25

Why not call Coeliac UK's helpline (Helpline 0333 332 2033) and have a chat with them. I am sure they will be able to put your mind at rest and give you some advice about your options and also explain why it's important.
Good luck I am sure you will be fine and will be over before you know it!

rosie39forever · 18/03/2019 14:51

I have to have them every few years for a different problem and seriously the thought of it is worse than the procedure, I only have the throat spray as I don't like to hang around and the nurse or doctor can tell you the findings straight away. The procedure is very quick over in a matter of minutes, you will gag as the scope goes in which is natural everyone does it just remember to focus on your breathing and try to relax, I always find if you can concerntrate on something it's a real help ,for me it's watching the second hand go round on the clock on the wall.
You won't feel any pain just a strange sensation of movement like butterflies in your stomach, when they take the biopsy(s) they just thread a thin cable through the scope and pinch a minute amount of tissue off (you May get a bit of blood in your saliva later which is totally normal) this is all done really quickly, you will be fine. Hospitals do thousands of these every year and the staff will be experienced at putting you at ease.
I had my last one at 9am and was shopping in Sainsbury's by 9.40!!

littlemeitslyn · 18/03/2019 15:13

What Rosie said

CherryBlossom23 · 18/03/2019 15:14

I had one with sedation years ago and honestly, it was fine. It's a short procedure and I don't remember any ill effects apart from a slight sore throat for a day or two. The expectation is way worse than the reality, and if you have coeliac disease it's so important to get it diagnosed and treated. Good luck!

Original poster
ShartOfGold · 18/03/2019 19:29

Thank you everyone, I know you’re all right, I just need to dig out my big girl pants... gah... you’d think after having 2 c sections I’d be braver than this, but no.

OP posts:
Original poster
ShartOfGold · 19/03/2019 09:43

Oh god, I feel like crying... I don’t want to have this done!
My appointment is about 6.5 hrs and I’m thinking of any excuse possible to cancel it.

OP posts:
Hotpinkangel19 · 19/03/2019 09:46

I'm like you OP so no help! But good luck x

Borntobeamum · 19/03/2019 09:51

Please don't worry. I've been having test after test which resulted in a horrid diagnosis 😥
I had surgery last Monday and came home yesterday.
Every member of staff I've come into contact with have been except and are fully aware how terrified we can be at times.
I will be out of action for weeks but happy to have passed the first HUGE hurdle Involving having 1/3 of my Colon taken away for Cancer.

Good luck x x

Original poster
ShartOfGold · 19/03/2019 09:56

@Born I’m so sorry you’ve had such bad news 😔 ...and here I am shitting myself over a 5 minute procedure!
I wish you nothing but luck!

OP posts:
Sanguineclamp · 19/03/2019 10:38

I really feel for you op as this is one of my worst fears (and I gag in the morning just brushing my teeth) . Thinking of you Flowers

Cuch · 19/03/2019 12:22

I had this done years ago and was terrified. I had sedation and I don’t remember a thing about it - apparently I didn’t sleep through it but I have literally no memory of the procedure after them spraying my throat with a numbing spray.

pink412 · 19/03/2019 12:25

Best of luck I have one in a few weeks and want to cancel it too. But I have talked to a lot of people who have had them my doctors and been assured it’s not as bad as it sounds.

Bunnylady53 · 19/03/2019 12:27

I am super anxious & always dreaded being told that I would need one but if you have the sedation, you kind of know it’s happening but you don’t at the same time if that makes sense? The best advice I can give you is to relax as much as possible. I was more aware of it coming out but the staff were brilliant & talked me through it. I didn’t believe it beforehand but honestly it really isn’t anywhere near as bad as you imagine. And don’t google because other peoples’ stories don’t help!

slalomsuki · 19/03/2019 12:27

I had sedation yesterday for a different reason and it was pleasant. They tried to do what I was having under local only but I couldn't cope so they stopped and sedated me.

I wasn't out fully rather it was like I'd had a few drinks and didn't care. The anaesthetist talked to me while I was sedated and I managed to answer her apparently coherently. It meant the fear was removed instantly and I recovered within about 10 mins after the procedure and was released after about 1 hour and had no anaesthetic after effects

Good luck and tell them of your fears before hand.