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Original poster

Anyone else immune to sedation? Endoscopy fail?

76 replies

Chartreuser · 17/05/2019 16:44

So I went for my endoscopy tidy. First lot of needs did nothing. They gave a second lot (pethidine) also did nothing so they died and I stood up and walked out (and removed oxygen mask they insisted I needed).

I am not obstreperous just really upset, I had explained several times I was scared and would be good if someone could be with me and despite there being four people in the room there was no one taking to me/reassuring me etc. If they'd said 'this is the worst bit etc ' I'd have maybe given it a go but they just seemed a bit cross.

Anyone else seemingly immune to sedation? They are now referring me for surgery so they can knock me out instead

OP posts:
Babblepook · 20/05/2019 21:06

@decomposingcomposers they couldn’t be arsed basically. You have the right to use entonox so just be firm.

I’m kind of hypermobile as in doctors have said I am but it’s not a medical condition or anything. Do I count then? I’ve not heard of this before!

DecomposingComposers · 20/05/2019 21:22

@Babblepook

I will speak to them before I go in.

Not sure what you mean by do you count? I think a theory around hypermobile people is that tissues are stretchy so local anaesthetics can disperse and so don't work as well.

Does that explain it?

hmwhatsmynameagain · 21/05/2019 21:00

@stupidbutsoscared so it's not just me that gets violent and crazy on medazalan then. Was told after it was an uncommon but known reaction, why they gave me a second dose when I started to go I cannot understand as that is where I kicked off from the bed, kicked and punched out at all around me and ran from the room

Babblepook · 21/05/2019 21:24

@decomposingcomposers I wasn’t sure if it was an official medical thing!

DecomposingComposers · 22/05/2019 07:42

@Babblepook

It is

MashedSpud · 22/05/2019 07:47

Sedation wasn’t an option when I had it at 16. Quick spray then down it went.
It wasn’t pleasant but I had to have it done and it was over within minutes.

ChestyNut · 22/05/2019 19:12

To balance thread and for @frangipane

I had endoscopy with sedation, nurse and doctor explained everything and reassured throughout.

Sedation went in and I remember thinking “ I don’t feel woozy it’s not working”...........
Then I was magically in recovery and it was all done! No memory of procedure at all.
Had a cry, no idea why! Cup of tea and went home Flowers

Frangipane · 22/05/2019 19:48

@ChestyNut thank you.

So if you're so nervous that you need this you need to mention it to your referring doctor

Hmm, I did mention it, to 2 different doctors on different occasions, and it was implied if not openly stated that a GA was not an option. The second (referring) GP did write in his referral letter that I suffered with emetophobia but it was more to explain why my symptoms were so distressing for me rather than to advocate a GA. I have already chosen a hospital (on no other basis than it offered quick appointments) and I am having a telephone assessment tomorrow, although my symptoms are virtually gone now and I have had back clear blood tests so I don't know if an endoscopy is still worth enduring. But in case it is, this thread has been invaluable for providing me with some foreknowledge of what to ask for and expect. Thanks everyone.

Frangipane · 22/05/2019 19:52

I would like to ask, when people say it was unpleasant but ok, what do they mean by unpleasant? Be as specific and explicit as possible. I would rather know.

My fears are very specific, not just of vomiting or gagging, I also struggle with not being in control and relaxing on command. But I am not a complete scaredy cat and have undergone some pretty major dental work no problem, e.g. root canals, extraction etc which I could understand others might find unpleasant. I wonder how they compare with endoscopy?

DecomposingComposers · 22/05/2019 20:36

@Frangipane

My issues have been entirely with the colonoscopy.

The gastroscopy that I had at the same time was fine. Ironic really because that's what I was worried about.

They sprayed the back of my throat and I did not feel the tube at all.

I've never had root canal or anything but I didn't find the gastroscopy any worse than going to the dentist. There was no sensation for me. I did have sedation so felt a bit relaxed but I was wide awake.

BarnabasTheMaineCoon · 22/05/2019 20:39

So if you're so nervous that you need this you need to mention it to your referring doctor

Yes, and they don't believe you or fob you off with 'you'll be fine' or you actually have to try the standard approach, even twice, even with known conditions like PTSD or opiate tolerance from prior treatment for other conditions, before you are allowed to try other options.

Frangipane · 22/05/2019 20:43

Would it be any different if you went privately I wonder? Ie, would you be able to insist on a GA?

BarnabasTheMaineCoon · 22/05/2019 21:03

A lot of people don't have the money for that and probably not. So hey, they don't listen, they want you to go through the channels, what choice do you have? I've actually skipped screenings because of my PTSD.

DecomposingComposers · 22/05/2019 21:04

Frangipane

Yes you would though it might be difficult to get an insurance company to pay for it. If you were self funding the hospital would arrange it though.

DecomposingComposers · 22/05/2019 21:07

Depending on what it's being done for a capsule endoscopy might be an option.

You swallow a pill that contains a camera and wear a recorder around your waist. Obviously they can't do biopsies or anything, it just provides images but if they initially only want to look then that might be enough.

Frangipane · 22/05/2019 21:35

Yeah, I realise most wouldn't have the money. I was just thinking aloud. I did look up a private endoscopy in a local hospital. Something like £1700 and that was with no mention of a GA which I am sure would add considerably to the cost. Bloody hell!

ChestyNut · 23/05/2019 15:55

Frangipane you can do it, honest Flowers
Sedation is much safer than the associated risks of GA. it’s such a quick procedure that it would likely take longer to anaesthetise you than do the actual scope.

I would rather have ten endoscopies than any dental work!

Speaking of uncomfortable the only thing I do remember is a unpleasant sensation in my stomach, like someone pushing on it from the inside.

ChestyNut · 23/05/2019 15:56

Ps @frangipane how is your beautiful puppy? Smile

Original poster
Chartreuser · 23/05/2019 16:52

Frangipane. I have a great great of not being able to breathe and if I can't swallow I panic. So whilst I'm not great with dental work if they are good with suction I can manage. If the anaesthetic goes down throat when they inject I freak.

I was panicking as I could feel it going down my throat so worried I couldn't swallow. If there had been someone next to me reassuring me I could breathe and that I would have been fine (which is what I was told would happen and what everyone else I've known has had) they may have got the camera far enough down for me to relax and realise I was ok. Add it were I just panicked more, and them getting angry at me finished me off :(

My GP did put I was nervous but I think our CCG only allow GA if normal one finds, there has to be atrial with spray/sedation first. I guess a good proportion of those who say they are nervous do manage to go through with it so it's obviously the most cost effective way.

OP posts:
Frangipane · 23/05/2019 17:22

ChestyNut, I don't have a puppy. I think you are confusing me with someone else.

Well, I had my telephone assessment today and it did not go well. I tried to explain about my emetophobia but I was just told sedation was an option. Which is fine, except people's anecdotes here are enough to show it doesn't always have the desired effect. I was so freaked Out, just by the telephone assessment, so can't imagine how I will be about the procedure itself. I do have an appointment now for the endoscopy, but I am afraid to say the minute I put the phone down I googled some private hospitals and rang them and they told me I could opt for a GA if I wanted. So now I am thinking about it. I do have the money, though this is not what I would choose to spend it on. I know GA is riskier than sedation but I am prepared to take that risk. It seems a stupid amount of money, but what price piece of mind? Especially as I think my problems have all arisen from stress in the first place.

ChestyNut · 23/05/2019 18:05

Sorry Frangipane you have a similar username to someone else Flowers

Original poster
Chartreuser · 23/05/2019 18:25

Frangipane I really wouldn't worry, you may find the sedation works as it does for most (are you in meds that may reduce it?) If it doesn't work they can then refer you for it with a GA but on the NHS so you don't have to pay.

I am on strong morphine patches which are likely why sedation didn't work, it did for my mum and dad who aren't taking any opiods.

OP posts:
MontStMichel · 23/05/2019 19:09

DD had an endoscopy without sedation, even though she wanted it, because they were running late. She said it was absolutely awful - she felt like she was drowning the whole time. One nurse was supposed to support her, while another was supposed to help whoever did the endoscopy. In fact, both had to deal with her.

There must have been something in the notes, because the consultant said at the follow up:

"I wouldn't have put you through that!"

MontStMichel · 23/05/2019 19:11

Do you have red hair OP? People with red hair are known to need more anaesthetic.

Original poster
Chartreuser · 23/05/2019 21:57

No, but I am hypermobile which is another risk factor. Your poor DD I can sympathise but v surprised they carried on with it, she must be made of incredibly stern stuff

OP posts:
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