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Original poster

Endoscopy advice and reassurance

18 replies

fatgirlslimmer · 04/07/2020 10:30

I need an endoscopy, I’m terrified I have been deferring it during lockdown. All I hear are horror stories.
Can anyone give me some tips, my gag reflex is rubbish. I’ve been advised by friends who have done it -

not to have sedation as you are out of control and feel like you are suffocating.
not to to it without sedation as it feels like you are suffocating but at least can tell the nurse
It’s the worst experience of their life

I’m anxious even writing this can anyone tell me how you got through it?
Thanks

OP posts:

highlandcoo · 04/07/2020 23:55

Hi, I have to have these every 3-5 years.

I have had one without sedation and it wasn't pleasant. I have had four with sedation and they were an absolute breeze. I felt as if I slept throughout, woke up and felt really rested. No problem. I remember nothing about it.

You need someone with you for the next 24 hours (I think) or at least for the rest of the day and night. Take it easy the following day as you will feel fine just a bit tired.

It isn't something that worries me at all.

You should try to chat to the medics about it and get reassurance from them. Good luck

CrotchetyQuaver · 05/07/2020 00:11

I have huge admiration for those who can do this without any sedation and then pick up the rest of their day like they just had a blood test. That's proper hardcore.
I was such a wimp, they went and got some extra sedation for me...

It took me 2 years to psych myself up to have mine, so you have my sympathy and understanding. The nurses were so kind to me when I cried and turned into a big baby. I'm never normally like that.
Whatever it was they gave me, it did the job, knocked me out and I don't remember anything really.

Good luck.

ExhaustedBeyondBelief · 05/07/2020 00:13

Have sedation, please

gamerchick · 05/07/2020 00:14

I have to have them but I dont get sedation. I have them up th nose rather than down the throat. I was the same, my gag reflex is unreal but it's much more comfortable that way.

AntiHop · 05/07/2020 00:15

I had one fairly recently. Sedation is the way. I have almost no memory of it.

Einszwei · 05/07/2020 00:20

It really isn't as bad as some people make it out to be. My friend scared me half to death by saying it was worse than childbirth.... as long as you keep calm and focus on your breathing then you will be fine. Not pleasant, but not horrific.

Member · 05/07/2020 00:27

A few years ago I was strongly persuaded/basically forced to have one without sedation because of how much longer I’d have to stay in the day ward post procedure. That wasn’t a problem for me but it was very clear that it was an irritating inconvenience for them .

I’d have no problem holding out for sedation now.

supafish · 05/07/2020 00:27

When I had one I gagged a lot and wet myself 🙄I suggest a large sanitary / tena towel , just in case love x
And sedation helps x

Designerenvy · 05/07/2020 00:32

I've had one. I took the sedation. I remember a gagging sensation at the start and nothing after that.
I'd have no issue having it done again, but I would opt for sedation. The no driving etc for 24 hours etc is worth it .

TARSCOUT · 05/07/2020 00:36

I had one couple years ago. They sprayed some anesthetic stuff in my throat (stops gag reflex) then I lay down and was given sedation via needle. I didn't have a massive amount of sedation (I get lots for colonoscopy) as I was pretty aware of what was happening. It was a bit uncomfortable but only because they were trying to unblock a bike duct (I think). I am a total mess for anything medical and this really was fine..Personally I always take sedation when I can get it. Makes it easier for everyone

lurker1836956 · 05/07/2020 00:47

Go for sedation!!

I had one a year ago and after having a camera down my throat a month previous, I wasn't prepared to go through it again..

I remember being in the room and having the tube put in but nothing after that until I was wheeled round to the ward.

Only tip I would have is make sure you fully hydrate the night before. I stupidly went on a bender the night before so my veins were tiny and I nearly passed out when they first tried to sedate me. They had to call a nurse from another ward to get the cannula in after 7 attempts

MrsEricBana · 05/07/2020 00:53

I have had 3. Best was when I had numbing spray & sedation. I think you definitely need sedation.

NotMyTimes · 05/07/2020 00:56

Please please have sedation. I had mine about 6 months, had all the sedation they would give me and the throat spray and it was still horrible. I'm not saying this to try and scare you, I got through it fine, I'm not traumatised, but god I would never advise anyone to do it without sedation because I can't even imagine getting through that fully aware.

I'd say be prepared to be knocked out for the rest of the day, the next too. I had mine at 2, woke up in the recovery room at 6:30. My boyfriend took me home and I went to bed till 10:30 when he woke me up for some soup for about an hour. Went back to bed, woke up at 10 the next day. The next day I was fine as in not dropping in and out of consciousness and fully aware and capable but still knackered. We had a lazy day and I was still knackered by about 10 and went to bed. Was fine the day after. So just be prepared and don't book anything for the rest of the same day and if you can avoid it even the day after too.

TheFlis12345 · 05/07/2020 01:07

Had two with sedation, plus a colonoscopy at the same time. Didn’t know a thing about any of them, just came to feeling like I’d had a lovely nap both times.

caringcarer · 05/07/2020 01:46

I was supposed to have one but backed out because I wanted to be put to sleep whilst they did it and they only offered light conscious sedation. My GP was furious with me. I did have naselopscopy though. That was ok with numbing spray up nose and in throat first.

Original poster

fatgirlslimmer · 05/07/2020 05:52

Thank you I need to call the hospital to discuss this. I have a Covid 19 leaflet that states no one can come to hospital. It also states I have to self isolate for 2 weeks before and be tested 3 days before. I’m not worried about a Covid test but the logistics of self isolating is making me more anxious 😟

OP posts:

Designerenvy · 05/07/2020 08:45

I didn't have anyone with me the day I had mine done, that was well before covid restrictions. These are busy units and actually don't allow visitors, only drop off and collection. You will be in there for a total of 4 or 5 hours, so visitors are unnecessary.
As for the isolation, that's a good hospital policy to keep everyone safe. Try not to feel anxious about it. Just think that every other patient is doing this too , to keep you safe and you have to do this to keep staff and other patients safe.
It's different times, we have to take necessary precautions.

PollyPolson · 05/07/2020 13:41

I think those of you that have sedation are hard core I dont like that wafty feeling.

I have them without sedation. My gag reflex is horrendous I gag cleaning my teeth. However if you concentrate on breathing through your nose it is all over very quickly. The staff are fantastic and help you with this.

I was in the department for about an hour most of that was form filling and drinking tea afterwards. The actual endoscopy took about 5 mins.

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