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Original poster

Gastroscopy Sedation or not?

37 replies

middleoftheroadlife · 28/12/2022 16:28

As part of investigations, I'm due to have a gastroscopy next week. I have a CT scan tomorrow and I'm quite nervous and anxious at the moment plus generally not feeling well (ongoing since October) with nausea and weight loss etc. Sometimes I get lightheadeness too.

So next week, I'm wondering if I should have the spray or the sedation. I've not had one before. My mum is looking after my kids so I'd have to see if someone could come and collect me after.

Will sedation just make me feel even more crap or do you think it's best for me to have it?

OP posts:
Original poster
middleoftheroadlife · 28/12/2022 16:45

Oh and to add, I am often gagging atm just brushing my teeth (though not actual vomiting).

OP posts:
Battlecat98 · 28/12/2022 16:47

I have not had one but my DH and DM have both with the throat spray and they said it was fine. Others may have different opinions, if you have the sedation you will need to stay for a while to be observed afterwards. Hope it go goes well and you get some answers.

Jaybird43 · 28/12/2022 16:49

I used to work in Endoscopy and my DH has had two OGDs - the thing to bear jn mind
id that sedation doesn’t always work the same on different people. Some people are out for the count and for others, like my DH, it doesn’t touch them! I would recommend the throat spray as it numbs the throat (you can’t have this if you have sedation). It is a quick procedure which lasts about 5 minutes, but it isn’t the nicest. Just remember to try and stay calm and that it will be over soon. Best of luck

HappyAxolotl · 28/12/2022 16:49

Go for the sedation. I had this done once with just throat spray and I retched the whole way through and next day had little bruises all over my face and sore stomach muscles from the retching. The second time I was sedated, went to sleep and woke up with no memory of what had happened and no pain or bruising.

Nannewnannew · 28/12/2022 16:54

I would definitely have the sedation, especially as you have a sensitive gag reflex. I’ve had both and would always choose the sedation if having a gastroscopy again. The sedation effects are short lived and you will be ready to go after a short kip.
Good luck OP and hope everything goes well.

Original poster
middleoftheroadlife · 28/12/2022 16:57

Thank you all. Do I need to tell them before that I'm going for sedation (I mean call them before I go in?). I haven't had any letters and booked over the phone as consultant ordered it last week. The lady on the phone explained that i should be offered both but I didn't say which I prefer.

OP posts:
Bluelightfairy · 28/12/2022 17:01

I did it without sedation and it's possible. Not nice and you will gag and bring up so much slime.
I had to cos I needed to drive home and also work the next day. You need someone to help out if you have sedation.

Newuser82 · 28/12/2022 17:02

Definitely the sedation. I had the throat spray and I wouldn't recommend it.

nancydroo · 28/12/2022 17:03

My late DF had a gastroscopy and found it to be a very negative experience and would often make reference to it months later, so would suggest a sedation.

279Nouveauxnoms · 28/12/2022 17:05

From experience I would definitely say have the sedation. You will need someone to drive you home.

megletthesecond · 28/12/2022 17:10

I had spray and sedation. I did briefly experience the procedure but it was ok.

Cantshakeit · 28/12/2022 17:10

I had both the throat spray and then sedation. I have no memory of the procedure and felt fine within 30 minutes of the procedure. Assuming you can get someone to drive you home afterwards, I would definitely recommend sedation.

tickticksnooze · 28/12/2022 17:11

middleoftheroadlife · 28/12/2022 16:45

Oh and to add, I am often gagging atm just brushing my teeth (though not actual vomiting).

Definitely sedation. This plus your anxiety are a recipe for it to be very distressing without.

I would just call them to make sure as everywhere has its own process. If they try and speed you through without sedation on the day, remember it is completely fine for you to stop them and firmly remind them that you do not consent to proceed without sedation.

Speaking from personal experience.

CoffeeBoy · 28/12/2022 17:15

Dd was fine with the sedation when she had it.

Original poster
middleoftheroadlife · 28/12/2022 18:50

Thank you. Think I will defo go with sedation if I possibly can.

OP posts:
ReindeerBelieve · 30/12/2022 01:35

I would go with sedation -I have had with spray only and I gagged so much and tried to fight it - sedation was painless and recovery time was minimal - just needed the lift home

DramaAlpaca · 30/12/2022 01:40

Adult DS is having a gastroscopy next week. He will be having sedation. He's had one before without sedation and absolutely wouldn't do it again, he says it was awful.

ArcticSkewer · 30/12/2022 01:55

I had spray only and it was fine (just for others reading the thread) - a moment of panic, and not the most pleasant experience I have ever had, but fine.

For you though, with anxiety, I wouldn't recommend it. If you panic it would be a bit of a nightmare. Sedation sounds a better idea.

ShirleyValentin3 · 30/12/2022 02:08

I have had 2 - both throat spray only.

First one was talked into the spray. Wasn't a nice experience. Second time I asked to be sedated, but they said it wasn't possible and again talked me out of it.

I had the tube up my nose (rather than down my throat like the first time) and it was much easier.

It's an incredibly quick procedure. I counted throughout the whole thing (to calm myself down) and it lasted approx 100 seconds in total.

Its nothing I'd choose to repeat on the daily, but manageable if you're calm.

Good luck op. I hope they get to the bottom of your issues.

Pantsomime · 30/12/2022 02:13

If you need to drive home, you’ll have to have the throat spray- it’s doable, the very long loud belching is quite funny, the wrenching not so.

Purpleskies46 · 30/12/2022 04:32

Sedation

JustDanceAddict · 30/12/2022 08:04

Have it! I had one recently and was so nervous as I’ve been sedated before but was still awake etc. This time it knocked me out and I don’t remember it at all. Woke up and it was all over!!
The throat spray is numbing, they do that first anyway, but not sure how much it would’ve helped had I been aware of what was going on.
You will need someone to drive you home afterwards, that’s the only issue, plus you should have an adult w you for 24 hours in case of adverse reaction (and no driving for 24 hours either).

Spect8 · 30/12/2022 17:44

I had throat spray AND sedation together. Bliss (if you could call this procedure blissful!)

OP, just a heads up, if you are going the sedation route - and I would recommend it - you have to fast for a number of hours beforehand. Check with your doctor etc.

jellybeans · 30/12/2022 17:49

Definitely sedation and ask for max dose otherwise it barely works.

Zippea · 30/12/2022 17:54

I had sedation as I have ptsd from a medical setting and wouldn’t have been a ‘good’ patient to have carried this procedure out on. I fell asleep - last thing I remember was being asked to put a guard in my mouth and woke up next to my husband holding my coat. (It was Winter 2021 and due to covid they wanted you in and out). Good luck - hope you are soon feeling better

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