Terrified of having an upper endoscopy

[CambsAlways]

Anyone had this test, like to hear how you got on

I was given a throat spray, sedated and the next thing I knew was waking up. Didn't know anything about what had happened.

Throat spray - no sedation. Focused on breathing and biting on the mouth guard and it was over in two mins.

I suffer with anxiety and it was fine.

If you're sedated you are completely unaware of anything. If they go beyond the vocal chords you have to be sedated.

If it's just a vocal chord inspection they won't sedate you, but it only takes about 30 seconds as they just need a quick look.

Throat spray here. Also had a nodule removal at same time. Not pleasant but could leave straight after. Focus on breathing and its soon over

I would have the sedation if I ever had to have this test again. I didn't have sedation, and I felt quite panicked I won't lie. I'm quite claustrophobic anyway though. Think it means someone has to take you and stay 24 hours with you at home after? Good luck

@ElspethFlashman had one twice with full length of stomach and both times no sedation.

I've had one (full, into the stomach) without sedation. Just had the throat spray. It was u comfortable and felt a bit sick a couple of times but I just breathed and counted and it was soon over with. Plus I got to go home straight away which is one of the reasons I declined sedation plus I went on my own as it was less hassle for me/dh etc that way.

I’ve had two and now work in this field. It’s 50/50 about whether people chose sedation, sedation won’t ‘knock you out’ and make you forget everything, it physically relaxes you. Most people tolerate the test fairly well. It’s not pleasant (personally I gagged) but it’s usually done in 5-10 minutes. There will be a nurse at your head talking to you and reassuring you. If you’re really nervous I’d suggest having the sedation, FYI in our place you have to have someone with you for 24 hours after the test.

I must admit I would have to have no sedation reason being I don’t do well with sedation at all. It’s the thought of choking or not being an oh e to breathe properly, I have bad reflux probs and I know that the dr will advice before to go for this test, and obviously I believe it’s the only way of finding out what’s going on inside this stomach of mine, I have a bridge upper middle and have heard stories of bridges breaking when you bite the mouthpiece, another thing that concerns me,

I've had it done with no sedative and it was ok.
I'm not going to lie and say it was pleasant because it really wasn't. It makes you gag which then makes you feel like you can't breathe, even though you can. You need to follow what the nurse tells you to do and it is over with very quickly.
The best part was I could go home almost straight away afterwards and didn't need to be chaperoned.

Winesnsunshine wow you did well if you suffer from anxiety, I don’t actually suffer from this, but I have a huge phobia of being sick and choking

I have a friend who had to have it done several years ago and she said it made her eyes water she choked and felt like she was being strangled eyes bloodshot and they stopped the procedure,she said she was continually gagging, it’s not helping me remembering what she said, so I thought I would ask on here, I was never expecting to hear that it was a pleasant experience, but wanted to hear as many experiences as I could

Btw I presume you can get results afterwards

Throat spray only.
It's OK, it's quick, I always lay on my hands because I think I might panic and pull the tube out - never have.
Without sedation you can be up and off within thirty minutes, just have to avoid hot things after.
You usually are given provisional results straight away.

I had one. I was sedated and don't remember a thing but apparently I tried to beat up the nurse when she tried to put it in so I must have found it unpleasant . However, as I say, zero recollection.

Yeah results there and then for me. Some may biopsy and obviously that’s a wait.
You will be fine op, deep breaths and it will be over super quick!

Take the sedation if offered.

Dont want to go into details but it's not pleasant with just throat spray.

Yes it’s grim sorry.

But hopefully they will give your sedation time to work (do make sure they give it at least 5 minutes) and your experience will be better.

The main thing to remember is that it is over quickly in less than 10 minutes (no one told me this) and that you will be able to breathe through your nose throughout (no one told me this either).

I had it done with sedation. Dp had a different procedure done also under sedation. Both of us effectively experienced it as being like anaesthesia in that we didn’t experience it and don’t remember it...

What is it about sedation that is difficult for you op?

I had it with throat spray and gas and air. No sedation. The gas and air was great! The procedure isn't comfortable but it doesn't last long, just focus on your breathing and it'll calm you down.

I've had one, I absolutely dreaded it. No sedation, squirted shit up my nose and put the camera up a nostril rather than down the throat.

It was fine, much better than the nightmare I had in my head.

I had it with throat spray only. I had asked for sedation but I’d been there since 7:30am unable to eat or have more than a sip of water... It was 1:30 when they got to me at the end of the list 🤦‍♀️ The nurses repeatedly came to convince me I didn’t need sedation really. I gave in and it wasn’t too bad (but I was annoyed at having my wishes ignored).

I just focused on the nice lady at my head who was gently stroking my cheek and talking to me softly the whole way through. She had the skills!

I did my yoga square breathing and was fine. 👍

Oh and I had it because I have severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. I got my initial results straight away and then a consultant follow up to discuss the rest

No sedation and was real worried beforehand, whilst it wasnt pleasent it was over with in 5 minutes. Some gagging on way out and watery eyes but would do it again without sedation.

Its really not that bad. Take sedation if offered and you’ll not give a shit about any of it. I do remember it AND Its not as interesting as getting the camera up your bum because you cant see the screen and the benefit of not farting for ages afterwards is always a relief. Its over so quickly you’ll be wondering what you worried about.