Endoscopy scared

[cheltsam83]

Hey lovely people.

I'm having an endoscopy on Monday and I'm so scared of the thought of it. They are using it to check my bile ducts a gallbladder.

The thought of being awake but sedated scares me and the fact it could take an hour or more. I'm getting nightmares about it.

Any tips for dealing with it. I have such a sensitive gag reflex.

I'm told by some the sedation doesn't really work. The whole thing sounds harrowing.

Is it an ERCP? If so, you’ll get plenty of sedation. The sedation gives a feeling a being awake but incredibly relaxed (even if you’re anxious in your head). You should get throat spray to numb your throat beforehand as well.
Make sure the staff are aware that you’re anxious, they will do their utmost to help you. In terms of dealing with it, deep breaths. I find counting backwards from 300 really helpful in situations where I’m prone to panic (I used it when I had a neck MRI and my head was in a cage!). It keeps your brain y. It’s not so easy you do it without thinking but it’s easy enough you don’t feel overwhelmed trying to do it. Good luck, hope it goes well for you.

Thanks. Good idea about counting.

It's an endoscopic ultrasound to look for gallstones in the bile duct. I was kind of hoping if they spot one they could take it out there and then. But Google says that is another type so I might need it twice.

Logic brain tells me it should be fine. But I am just so so worried. MRI I'm fine with but this just scares me. I know we put up with a lot worse but this hits on something for me.

Also it feels like my head is blocking up with a cold today. This often happens to me when I get nervous on the build up to something. Hopefully I can still have it.

I’ve had one where a stone was removed from my bile duct and the sedation does work!
I a totally understand your anxiety but can honestly say I don’t remember much apart from the removal of the endoscope, which did make me gag. The rest of the procedure is just a blur, I could just about hear people talking to me but not aware enough to be panicked-definitely not aware of what was actually being done.
Tell the staff you are anxious and I’m sure they’ll take good care of you.

I had it for hiatal hernia diagnosis. I had it without sedation, wont lie its not pleasant but its bearable. You fast before so you are not sick.

You lay on your side, worst bit is tube going down, strange feeling it in your stomach.

I managed it without sedation and it wasnt that bad do with sedation it will be better i would think. Try to relax as being tense will make it more difficult

I had one in May. I was allowed sedation or numbing spray but not both. I chose sedation. I felt very aware throughout but not particularly anxious so I guess it worked.

I am the biggest wimp, and was absolutely terrified of this. Had the sedation and it was fine! Was awake the whole time but couldn’t really remember it afterwards. Was very honest about how anxious I was and the staff were lovely. Have the sedation!

I had one 18 months ago. Had the sedation and numbing spray. I dreaded it too and, whilst it wasn't particularly pleasant, it didn't last long and I don't remember much about it (although I was more aware during the procedure than I thought I would be). Have the sedation and spray-you'll be ok, honestly.

I had sedation for a shoulder op. I can honestly say I knew nothing was happening. This despite some bone drilling and sawing. Ask for plenty of sedation, they also give you a numbing throat spray. Good luck.

I can’t remember anything about mine. It wasn’t very pleasant having to not have any food or water and I absolutely hate medical procedures so it certainly wasn’t enjoyable in general but I remember absolutely nothing except saying “I feel dizzy” and then I guess “waking up” afterwards. Then I felt nicely chilled for the rest of the day. It was honestly fine and if I was to have another one I wouldn’t worry at all.

Thanks for all the supportive comments. Had it today with sedation although far from nice, I would feel everything the sedation did it's trick of making me unbothered.

Gallstones is the issue. Another type of endoscopy to remove in about a month's time. Looking like I might avoid the gallbladder out.