Do you always get offered sedation with an endoscopy?

[cultkid]

I am very worried I wouldn't be sedated for it

I have been offered for all three of mine. Try not to worry too much about the procedure. Remember to relax and breathe through it.

I'm very stressed it is bringing back very bad memories of when I had to be partially prepped for GA without being put to sleep before they put a pipe down my throat
I have a very bad gag reflex

Anyone else know anything?

I've always been offered sedation (apart from when I had to have an emergency sigmoidoscopy). When it's been planned the Dr has always spoken to me just before the procedure when they consent you. At that time we've always discussed sedation. My last gastroscopy I was dreading but they really numbed my throat well and I didn't feel it at all. I insisted on having sedation as well though.

Ok, I did ask on the phone today and they said they talk to you on the day

So worried they won't I know I won't be able to do it

I was offered in the day and took it. My dad just had the numbing stuff for his a few years ago. I felt I needed more than that as I was scared!

I told the guy I can’t even swallow tablets so please give me extra whatever it is! He said he would. I got a cannula inserted and they put the meds in that.

I don’t remember anything about it.

They kept me there after I cane round kind of thing and made me eat a sandwich before I was allowed to go home so they knew I was fine.

They were kind.

These stories are really helping
Thank you for sharing them xx

My DH was offered the choice every time, the 1st time he didn't have sedation and just had the numbing spray. Every time after that he had sedation.
Just make sure you don't plan to drive afterwards if you are having sedation.

I had a gastroscopy last year. They sprayed my throat with the banana-flavoured local anaesthetic spray. I gagged, was given sedation, immediately fell asleep and woke up in recovery. Ask for lots of sedation! You will need someone to drive you home, and to be with you for 24 hours until it's passed out of your system.

When I had mine I had a telephone appt with a nurse first where she explained the defences and asked what my preference was and that I hold change my mind on the day.

I went for non sedation and really wished I hadn't. I also have a horrendous gag reflex and ended up shaking for hours after. Sedation all the way if I ever have to have it done again.

Yes my husband will do it

I've got an awful gag reflex so the sedation is a must
X

Differences not defences!!

They told me on the phone I would have it discussed on day but I won't be able to go through with it without sedation I know for sure

I think it might need extra staff if you have sedation. Could be wrong. But remember that you don't have to agree to it without sedation on the day. No procedure can be done without your consent.

Thats rubbish about needing extra staff. You'll have the same amount of staff in the room. You'll be given the option so as above, just ask for it. You'll be fine!

You'll notice that I said "I think..." rather than stated it as fact.

Having had mine done privately, I also came round in my own room with my own nurse, so I don't claim to know how the NHS does this procedure. My intention was to be reassuring.

I found your comment rude.

Good lord you need a thicker skin if you found that rude!

I used to work in gastroenterology. All endoscopic procedures (upper and lower) are offered with a "conscious" sedation. You'll be drowsy but still responsive, most have no recollection of the procedure. They said that it will be discussed on the day so that you can make an informed consent of your choice to be sedated.

I had a couple of months ago and was given the option and took sedation - straight asleep and had no idea what was happening! I was very nervous but it was fine

@cultkid

Ok, I did ask on the phone today and they said they talk to you on the day

So worried they won't I know I won't be able to do it

That's exactly what they did with me - about half an hour before the procedure the Dr came in to explain everything. At that point he asked if I wanted sedation. I said yes, that I was very worried and that I'd not had a good experience with it in the past so he explained what he would do to make sure I was comfortable but also if I wanted him to stop to raise my hand, he would stop and I'd have it under GA instead. It was better doing it like that because I actually spoke to the Dr who was going to do it rather than just a note in my file.

One person rude. Other person points it out.

Person 1 - it's your fault for being sensitive. Compounds rudeness.

Charming!

@cultkid

They told me on the phone I would have it discussed on day but I won't be able to go through with it without sedation I know for sure

Honestly, in the past year I've had one gastroscopy and 4 colonoscopies. At every one sedation was available without prior arrangement. It was entirely my choice. For one colonoscopy I had sedation and entonox - again decided on the day half an hour before the procedure. Please don't worry about sedation not being available - it will be.

They've always asked me lots of questions to assertain if sedation is suitable. I was offered sedation everytime except while breastfeeding. However I've always had them without sedation.
Try to relax and deep breaths - the thought is honestly worse than the actual procedure.

The fact that sedation will be offered is comfort enough
Ill one hundred percent ask for sedation
And entonox if they have it

I have been sedated multiple times to have my back injected
I usually forget the procedure

Some of the time it's v painful I yelp and they give more sedation and I go asleep

My husband was offered sedation for endoscopy (top) and refused first time but found it difficult so had it afterwards.
I had colonoscopy (bottom) and asked for sedation but they said no. It would have to be pre-booked and I would have to have someone with me. It turned out to be not as bad as I expected.