I’ve had several endoscopies in the past few months because swallowing has become increasingly difficult. I’ve always had problems swallowing which was basically ignored by any dr I’ve seen because I was “managing” The sudden onset of severe symptoms and me finally losing my shit over the lack of interest in getting to the bottom of it eventually prompted a full investigation.
Im not in the U.K. so was not given a choice of sedation - sedation is standard here - so the procedure itself was always fine. I have no recollection.
Some I experienced pain after, some not. It depends on what they did. I felt miserable at the time, but it was actually manageable in hindsight. The irritating thing was I was told to take paracetamol for pain, but I couldn’t swallow them so 🙄 it took a while for the penny to drop I needed to be stocked up on liquid paracetamol so once I started that, things improved.
The other thing I struggled with after the procedures was constipation. I’m constipated anyway (sorry, TMI) but once a gentle laxative routine was put in place, I also felt so much better.
These sound stupid but when I’m stressed and sore, rational thought goes out the window.
In terms of any feedback immediately after the procedure, ask them to write down their observations and findings or have someone to listen with you. My memory after sedation is patchy even though I was alert in the moment.
I had biopsies taken in two of the procedures - over 30 sites in total. I was well prepared by my doctors so I wasn’t too fearful and didn’t read anything in to the number taken or the results. A biopsy does not necessarily mean they are looking for cancer. Many benign conditions of the oesophagus exist and are diagnosed by biopsy or by ruling out cancer.
Just hang in there - take it one day at a time.
If you feel like you are being difficult to live with, just be honest with your partner in that you are terrified and stressed. I’m sure they’ll understand.