Gastroscopy Sedation or not?

[middleoftheroadlife]

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?

Thank you. It's good to hear some positive experiences. x

I currently work in Endoscopy and would say over half have sedation alongside throat spray.
The spray is brilliant and most say it helps. Sedation wise, we tend to keep you for half an hour after just to keep an eye but of course each department is different in terms of time and also how you personally react. (I've left a few to have a good sleep while I gather paperwork!)

You'll also need someone to collect you and stay with you after the procedure.
As a previous poster said, it's entirely dependent on the person as to whether you don't remember a thing and have a good old nap after, or whether you're totally with it but just a bit more chilled.
It's a very quick procedure and while not nice, you'll have staff supporting you and talking you through it and it'll be done before you know it.
Personally I'd likely get sedation, but I've seen plenty of patients stroll in and out having just had throat spray and the added benefit of going on home without needing collection or a "responsible adult" with them for the day/night.

One thing we do say is for 24 hours it isn't advised that you care for dependents alone.
I've had this sedation before and while I felt totally fine after a little snooze, it is still in your body for around 24 hours.

Within my department we also offer entonox (gas and air) alongside throat spray. We do the spray and then a good 10 puffs of gas and air before we pass the scope. This is a good middle ground for some who don't want IV sedation but doesn't feel comfortable with the throat spray alone. Unsure if everywhere offers it mind and they'll have to go through a checklist before you can have it.

You'll be consented for the procedure beforehand and it's at this point that you'll consent to either sedation, throat spray, or both.

Hope it goes well OP and you get some answers to feeling so rubbish.

Thank you very much Olivia. My mum is going to be at home looking after the kids and she'll stay the night with me. I just need someone to arrange to pick me up from the hospital and get me home which we are trying to arrange.

One thing is that quite often after a medical proceedure ( I've had a few teeth out with local and even after this CT scan yesterday, I felt shivery and shaky for a while even though nothing was used yesterday apart from dye which I didn't even feel). After a while, I'm ok but it's straight after I feel a bit weird and yesterday I was really shaking and cold so they kept me in and gave me tea. Is this normal and maybe anxiety? I have had a few episodes at home also even when there's no medical proceedure being done.

Glad you've got your mum staying to help you out! I know it can be difficult arranging transport so hopefully that gets sorted for you.

It sounds like it could well be anxiety. Especially as it isn't after a particular drug.. more so just the fact you've HAD a procedure (and sometimes at home).
However even today I had a couple of patients with this reaction and I think it can be quite common. I know if I'm anxious about something, I get the same. I have a huge fear of the dentist. So much so that the sedation likely to be used for your procedure is what I have for dental appointments. When I arrive to an appointment and more often once it's finished I feel very cold, shaking head to toe and can't seem to stop it. Even if rationally I'm just relieved it's over! It usually passes well mind. Absolutely something worth checking out with the attending physician if you're concerned.

With throat spray you can't eat or drink for an hour after it's given. Normally by the time you've come out into recovery and all the paperwork is done, it's only 20-30 minutes. We advise some water to check you're okay swallowing and no longer numb before resuming normal eating and drinking. So if you're still there and feeling off I'm sure they'll offer you a nice cuppa but before that's possible they'll be on hand to offer support and check your observations.

Ah well, I'm doing pretty well with my free cuppas! 😃
Had blood pressure and weight done today at GP which was good so that's one positive. I have lost weight again though. I hate the weigh ins now 😩.
I have to say, since I was referred, everyone has been so genuinely lovely at the hospital. Thanks for all you do!

I always feel so bad when I can't offer a cuppa and some biscuits!

I can imagine, it's really stressful. Hopefully the gastroscopy can give you some answers.

I'm so so glad you've had such a positive experience. It's how it should be!
That's so kind, thank you. I adore what I do!

I just wanted to update on my gastroscopy today and for anyone who might have one in the future and be anxious. I had a small dose of sedation and throat spray. I didn't feel out of it at all really but I felt really calm. Calmer than I've felt in months. It was very quick and I managed it very well. No pain and I felt absolutely fine and normal after. No cancer was found in these organs so now just waiting on results of a CT scan.

Glad it went well and no nasty discoveries. You must be relieved 😊

@middleoftheroadlife am so pleased to hear that your gastroscopy went well and hope you get some equally good news from further tests. Good luck. ❤️

Well done OP 🙂

So glad it went well OP!!

Thanks for your advice and support everyone! Can always count on mumsnet. 😊