Endoscopy terrified

[Ritz3012]

Hi

I have endoscopy scheduled tomorrow and I an absolutely petrified of the procedure?
I am thinking all sort of things like breathing issue, infection after the procedure?

is infection possible?

Are you having sedation? If so, you’ll be fine. You’ll barely remember the procedure. You might have a bit of a sore jaw and a sore throat afterwards for a couple of days.

I had one a couple of weeks ago…i won’t describe mine as I don’t want to scare you but it wasn’t pleasant.

I did have a sore throat for about 3-4 days but apart from that there was no real after effects

Isn't that the stomach one? I had it done without sedation and it was easy honestly, just stay relaxed. Focus on breathing through the nose. You do gag a few times but once it's down the whole way that settled. Then I tuned out, focused on breathing and counting. A nice nurse stroked my hair and held me down kind of. It was over so quickly. I really wished I hadn't wasted time worrying... Was the same when I'd a cystoscopy too. Good luck and hopefully you get answers xo

Have sedation and you’ll be fine. I had one without and it was NOT nice so the second time I went for the sedation. I have no memory whatsoever of that procedure, even though it was apparently “not well tolerated “. Mild sore throat afterwards but no other problems.
Hope it goes well.

Take the sedation.

Wishing you well x

If you are nervous don’t eat solids on the day. I was and they found stomach contents even though I hadn’t eaten for over six hours. I wasn’t nervous the second time. I didn’t feel it go in and the sedation was pleasant. I mentally recited some poetry.
I think any serious complications are very very rare. I don’t think infection was mentioned on the consent form.

had quite a few have sedation you will be fine just relax do what they advise just drift off to somewhere nice. Infection is rare all is sterilised and clean you maybe have a sore throat but not major you will be fine

Had one this week and had sedation. It was fine, I was totally knocked out. The consultant doing it really took charge and made me comfortable. I had 3 nurses in the room too. I know some people do it without sedation, speaking to the consultant beforehand he said it’s possible to do it with a throat spray. I ate the night before and didn’t drink after 4am. My procedure was scheduled for 930 but I didn’t get seen until 1140. That bit was frustrating being thirsty.

I’ve had two this year under sedation and they were fine. Took ages to be discharged afterwards (you need someone to pick you up). No issues afterwards.
I would fast longer than they say - was 6 hours first time and stomach hadn’t emptied (12 hours for second attempt and was fine).

Also mild bloating after but that went quickly

I had one a year or two back with sedation - it was over and done with in what felt like a few seconds and I felt fine afterwards (in fact the sedation made me feel lovely and chilled for a good few hours after)

Yes. At the time, I nearly posted a warning that six hours is not necessarily enough. When I was waiting for the second time, the same thing happened to a very elderly man.
It’s particularly annoying because to have sedation you need someone to drive you.
When I had a CT scan I arrived really early and said I still needed to drink half a litre. They said it didn’t matter. It’s not really necessary to drink a litre, but with the gastroscopy they don’t err on the safe side. I don’t understand it.
I hope it goes well. Local anaesthetic and sedation make it easy.

How did it go?

It was ok
however, I have some chest discomfort after endoscopy

also the results showed mild erythematous gastritis antrum. Unsure what it means. The consultant didn’t discuss the results. I was just handed the notes.

still afraid :(

I opted for sedation so I don’t have memory of what happened. I remember being wheeled in and out of the procedure room.

Lucky you. Now you’ve had it, I’ll say what happened in mine. I opted for the sedation but for whatever reason, it didn’t make me unaware of what happened. I felt everything. Even when they they removed samples from my stomach.

Now waiting for the biopsies to come back normal.

any idea how long can it take?

Don't be ridiculous. You aren't allowed
To eat for hours before an endoscopy!! Why on earth did you eat 6 hours before?!

The instructions always say 6 hours from our hospital. Sips of water up to 2 hours before. Many, many experiences of endoscopies here.

That was exactly what my notes said. I told them I was super anxious and they put the canula in and I woke up. I had to rest in bed for 30 minutes with a cuppa although I felt fine.

You have to be very careful not to eat. Aspiration can be serious. My consultant actually lay me in recovery position on my bed. He then went on to sedate me.

I woke up I think probably about 45 mins after my procedure and was told to eat and drink and call my DH to collect me.

What instructions did you get @OnTheRunWithMannyMontana? I was just following orders.

I’m glad it went ok. It was slightly over two weeks for the biopsy results for me.

Ahh try not to be scared. If it helps I had mild gastritis, worried so much and symptoms got worse.... Strong mind body connection. Eventually saw a consultant who is expert in the area and he laughed (kindly) and said about 70% of the population would have mild stomach inflammation if they were scoped at any one time. My symptoms eased after this and eventually petered out to not having anything now. DM me if you need x

That’s what they told me - 6 hours - was more like 7.5 when I actually had it - and they couldn’t get past the top of the stomach. Why do they say 6 hours when it’s obviously longer?