Endoscopy -too terrified to have it

[Chartreuser]

My GP had referred me for an endoscopy as even with 300mg ranitidine a day I have gastritis. It was caused I think my long term nsaid use for joint pain.

I had an opportunity a couple of years ago and the worst bit was coming round completely unable to swallow due to the numbing spray, and I know that's what they'll offer me.

Has anyone done it with no pain relief at all? Or with sedation, does that mean they don't need to numb your throat?

I feel really bad as I don't want to waste their time but think I'll freak out when I'm there and they won't be able to do it :(

[MrsCatE]

Oh dear, a lot of conflicting info. Right down any questions or worries now and ask the Dr who Carrie's out your procedure. I was lucky enough to have a Consultant. You should also get a discharge summary report with pics to take home. If you have any biopsies, ask to be copied in either any histology reports sent me your GP. This should be normal procedure but I had to ask.

[MrsCatE]

Aarghhh! Write down . . .

[MrsCatE]

I give up re typos - apologies! Multitask fail!

[UrsulaPandress]

Most of my issues are weight related caused by immobility due to severe arthritis and my breast cancer tablets.

I’m doing the 16:8 and low carbing on the advice of my gp. Some days I only need one tablet others I have to take one in the evening as well.

[nellyitsme]

Oh dear, @UrsulaPandress, that must be hard on you.
I think a low carb Mediterranean diet is the way to go. I'd be a bit worried about doing 16:8 as some of the advice on eating says to eat little and often and don't miss meals - but on the other hand I've read that fasting is good for regenerating your digestive system.

@MrsCatE I know what you mean about the multi tasking 😀

[UrsulaPandress]

I still haven’t got the results of my 4 biopsies taken in November. My GP has asked for them but nothing forthcoming.

[happyhillock]

I had one with sedation, throat was fine after it .

[nellyitsme]

@UrsulaPandress my biopsy results to my GP after 2/3 weeks. That sounds a bit sloppy. Hope your GP finds them soon

[JeremyCorbynsCoat]

@Chartreuser not sure if you'll have been yet but I had one without sedation.

It was fine. The throat numbing spray isn't that strong, only time I gagged was when they pulled the scope out and then it was more of a noise than a gag 🤷🏻‍♀️

I was more petrified of the sedation than the scope hence going it without.

I also have very very bad anxiety over medical procedures. You'll be fine. It's not pleasant obviously but it's not horrendous!