Endoscopy- so scared

[Kaisawheel]

I’ve been suffering from acid reflux for years and have taken lots of different medication for it- gaviscon, omeprazole, lanzoprazole, ranitadine, none of them have worked.
I always suffer with a bloated stomach and a sensation/pressurey feeling of heartburn in my stomach and chest and this year I’ve felt nauseous most days .

Anyway, after all this time of chasing GP’s about this, my endoscopy is finally set for Wednesday, I’ll be having it under sedation. I’m just so terrified of the procedure and the results. Does anyone have any similar experience?

I might end up having one of those so no experience as yet but somebody in the family had it done and it's not too bad especially with sedation. I guess a lot better than the colonoscopy. I've had issues with my stomach on and off and because they eventually resolve they haven't investigated further so far. Hopefully there'll be others on here who can reassure you further. Let us know how it went

Yes. I won’t lie, it wasn’t pleasant. BUT... I’m so glad that I had it done, as it turned out that I had a huge hernia. I had it repaired and all symptoms you’ve described stopped with immediate effect and I got on with my life!

Tell them that you’re anxious and they will make it as bearable as they can for you. They’re used to it.

No one ever enjoys these things but try to remember why you’re doing it. And the sooner you have it, hopefully the sooner your unpleasant symptoms will be gone.

I've had two. Both with the throat spray and both without sedation. The first one was ok but I struggled with the second and kept gagging. If I had another I'd opt for sedition which I'm surprised about as the first was ok.

Certainly not pleasant but over and done quickly. Your throat will feel very strange afterwards- make sure you follow the rules you'll be given re eating and drinking.

The sedation should mean you barely remember any of it. The drugs they use basically mean you sleep your way through the procedure but will be able to respond if they ask you to remove (although you might not even remember having done so!).

Have you got someone to take you home afterwards?

Your throat might be a little sore the rest of the day, but ice lollies or ice cream can help.

The sedation might make you feel sick and grotty for a day or so, but it will pass.

There will be a nurse with you throughout the procedure looking after you so if you're frightened, tell them so they can support and reassure you.

After its complete they take you to recovery to wake up. If you're doing ok you get dressed and walk to seated recovery where you can have a drink and a biscuit. If you're still ok then you can go home! All done.

Ask you to move not remove!

It's not pleasant but it's fairly quick. It's good that you are having sedation.

P.S. There wasn't a nurse looking after me when I had one - I think it depends on the setting.

It helps to focus on breathing in and out through your nose during the procedure and maybe to try to stare into the distance and imagine you are somewhere else.

Also remember that the scope does not block your breathing tube and the whole thing should be over in around 5 minutes.

I wish I had been told these things!

I have a friend who is 84 she is having one on Monday, this is her second and she's not worried just bothered by the inconvenience. She said it's over in 10 minutes max so really nothing to worry about.

It isnt the most pleasant thing in the world but it literally takes minutes once its down its not too bad plus the throat spray helps.
You may have a slight sore throat after but honestly not too bad xxx

I found it very bearable and I was so relieved. I remember afterwards thinking it wouldn't bother me to go through it again. I hated my colonoscopy though and would absolutely dread it again. Good luck

How did you get on @Kaisawheel?