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Original poster

Endoscopy without conscious sedation?

31 replies

PilatesPeach · 29/03/2022 19:43

I can choose between conscious sedation which I don't want or a numbing spray in mouth and throat - has anyone opted for the latter and if so, any comments or advice please? I want to be able to drive myself home which I can with the numbing spray and to be able to get on with my day. Many thanks

OP posts:
BlackAndPinkNose · 29/03/2022 19:47

17yo DD had it without sedation. She was repeatedly questioned by the nursing team to double check that she definitely didn't want it. She said it was a horrible experience but she was glad that she didn't have it as she promptly got home and got dressed up to go out for the night with her friends.

tothemoonandbackbuses · 29/03/2022 19:49

I had it with just the throat numbing spray. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t dreadful either. It was over quick.

MissyB1 · 29/03/2022 19:50

I did it with just the throat spray. It was fine, a case of mind over matter. It doesn’t hurt, just feels weird. I focused on counting the whole time.

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 29/03/2022 19:50

Yes I would rather put up with it and get on with my day. Thanks. I do not feel anxious about it therefore do not want sedation and live alone so do not want to have someone here for 24 hours as advised afterwards.
May I asked was your DD bloated and did she get a sore throat afterwards? many thanks

OP posts:
oldcatlady22 · 29/03/2022 19:50

This reply has been withdrawn

This post has been withdrawn at the poster's request due to privacy concerns.

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 29/03/2022 19:51

Oh thanks to the other posters very helpful. Mine is 8.30am so want to have a good day afterwards as taken a rare day off work!

OP posts:
Einszwei · 29/03/2022 19:53

If you are able to meditate/stay calm then you should be fine. It isn't pleasant but not unbearable.

I find the throat spray bit the worst, as you are unable to feel yourself swallow saliva so it can feel as though you are choking (prior to the endoscopy itself).

gamerchick · 29/03/2022 19:54

I didn't have sedation. I got it up my nose rather than down my throat. Much more comfortable. Numbing spray up the nose and bosh.

Good luck.

RunningRainbow · 29/03/2022 19:56

I tried it, and the tube was in, but I couldn't stop gagging. In the end, they withdrew it and sedated me. It wasn't something that I was in control of 🤷‍♀️

Electriq · 29/03/2022 19:57

I had mine a few weeks ago with the numbing spray, do not fear the gagging, dont try and stop it and concentrate on your breathing, its over in minutes.

No bloating, did have a belly ache that night and sore throat/lump in the throat for a few days, but would do it again over sedation.

yellowblanketban · 29/03/2022 20:01

If it's lidocaine spray (which I think it usually is), just be aware that the sensation of numbness won't wear off for a few hours and it can feel quite odd (I find it's like I'm being choked because I can't feel any of my throat muscles!) - you also can't swallow - which is disappointing when all you want is a cup of tea!!

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 29/03/2022 20:02

Marvellous thanks everyone

OP posts:
LastFirstEverything · 29/03/2022 20:09

I've had 2 now with no sedation. I was frightened of it not working enough and feeling powerless etc. It was fine. Not pleasant at all, but surprisingly quick and bearable. I feared it would be unbearable and it was fine in comparison to my fears! I would do it again with no sedation. No sore throat for me, and no bloating. I found the numbing spray wore off within an hour or so.

Matchingcollarandcuffs · 29/03/2022 20:10

I had it and the sedation didn't work so they doubled it and gave up I was gagging too much. In the end they used full on sedation and even though I was well under I was still fighting it apparently.

I am a nightmare to sedate/anaesthetise.

My dad managed with just the spray as like you he didn't want to hang around. He fainted when I was born, is generally not good with medical things but said a combination of talking to himself sternly and a fab nurse ordering him about (in the right sort of way) got him through it

Ieatmarmite · 29/03/2022 20:13

I had the throat spray and had a big panic attack so they ended up giving me full sedation.

singlepringlenotbychoice · 29/03/2022 20:14

I had it with the throat spray it was ok just had to focus on breathing and staying calm. Staff doing the procedure were great and it was over quickly. I needed to drive straight after the procedure so sedation wasn't an option.

Marytherose · 29/03/2022 20:21

I had a gastroscopy a few months ago without conscious sedation. I decided to opt for the numbing throat spray so that once the procedure was over I could hopefully just get on with my day.

The throat spray is administered when you are in the endoscopy room and everything is ready to go. It only takes a short time to take full effect then you lie down on your side and they get on with the procedure.

Must admit to feeling very anxious beforehand but the staff were so reassuring it helped me relax. One nurse in particular seemed to be there to guide me through it all with encouraging comments, support and hand holding.

When everything is over you return to the ward for a short while before being discharged. You’ll be advised not to eat or drink for a time until your throat spray wears off, and then to only start with small sips of cold water.

It was certainly not a pleasant experience but if I ever need to have another one (hopefully not!) I would opt for the throat spray again.

Decorhate · 29/03/2022 20:25

I had one recently & absolutely everyone I asked in RL advised having the sedation, so I did. It was absolutely fine. I got a taxi home though I did not feel drowsy at all afterwards.

springflowerss · 29/03/2022 21:51

I had the sedation and it was a totally fine experience. Annoying to have to stop eating/drinking beforehand but not the end of the world. The sedation itself was great - don’t remember any of it and then had an amazing sleep when I got home but I appreciate it’s not practical for you. However, if there’s any way you could make it work I really would advise to have the sedation.

underneaththeash · 29/03/2022 22:01

@RunningRainbow

I tried it, and the tube was in, but I couldn't stop gagging. In the end, they withdrew it and sedated me. It wasn't something that I was in control of 🤷‍♀️
And me and I don't think I have a bad gag reflex.
Tallpaulwho · 29/03/2022 22:06

I had sedation, which didn't work at all on me. So I went ahead with the throat spray. It was pretty unpleasant, but it's over very quickly. If I have to have another one would just have the spray.

PatterPaws · 29/03/2022 23:10

I have had endoscopy twice with no sedation and no numbing throat spray or anything else which would have made it more comfortable. They weren't offered!

It's not a pleasant procedure, but it's quite so-able, and I wouldn't worry about having it again without sedation/numbing. Good luck.

WhatNowwwww · 29/03/2022 23:16

I had it with just the numbing spray and it was awful. I felt like I was choking and wouldn’t have it without sedation again. I refused the procedure at all last time the GP wanted me to have one. It was over very quickly though and didn’t hurt at all and I felt fine afterwards. So in your position I might just go ahead without sedation.

leviosa123 · 29/03/2022 23:56

I had the sedation but it didn't work at all unfortunately, had no effect whatsoever. The procedure itself wasn't pleasant in the slightest, but it was over with relatively quickly and I coped. Good luck, OP.

beccahamlet · 30/03/2022 00:00

I had it with the throat spray. It was horrid and if I had to have it again I would have sedation.