Tips for getting through an endoscopy

[HulaLulaa]

I’ve been referred on the 2 week pathway for acid reflux and swallowing problems. I’ve just been given an appointment on Monday morning for an endoscopy. I’ve been told I can have sedation which I’ll definitely be taking but I’ve read horror stories about the sedation not working or people being really aware mid way through the procedure

I’m super anxious about and I have the worst gag reflex anyway which won’t help!

just posting to see if anyone has any tips for getting through it, I know I need it done but I’m so scared

I had one without sedation and it was the worst medical experience of my life. Would rather give birth without drugs again!

My husband had one with sedation and barely remembers it.

Hope they get you sorted soon.

I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy done together, after the prep for the colonoscopy I wasn’t thinking about the endoscopy. Went to sleep and woke up and all was done. No issues after either. Honestly everyone I talked to had the same experience but it is scary thinking about it all beforehand. Make sure you bring a good book and best of luck x

I have had a few, and completely understand your worries. But, I can safely say it was nowhere near as bad as I had feared. Once the sedation has kicked in, I was pretty relaxed and was able to watch the cameras etc. It isn't fun, obviously, but just try to breathe the oxygen in deeply, and it is over before you know it. The staff were amazing, they will hold your hand and give you loads of reassurance.

I've had a few.
With sedation and without.
Sedation definitely worked.
The surgeon will also numb your throat.
A mouth piece is put into your mouth and once the camera passes your throught it only seems to take 2 mins if it's just for a look around.. and no pain.
(I've had longer ones into my bile ducts to suck out bile sludge and gall stones.. that did make me a tad sore ).
But honestly it's over before you know it.
You can drink or eat for an hour after because your throat might be still numb.
Good luck.

*Can't

I had mine without sedation as they couldn't find a vein on the day as I'd not been able to drink leading up to it. I had been utterly terrified and have a really strong gag reflex but it was ok. They used numbing spray as I was not having sedation, the nurse who was with me was very reassuring and 6 minutes later it was all over. Shortly after that I was on my way home. I totally understand the fear and so many people love to share horror stories but I didn't find it that bad.

Tell them how nervous you are and that you want heavy sedation!
I've had three. The doctors and nurses have all been brilliant and taken really good care of me.
I've had two where I was aware what was going on and they weren't pleasant but were fine.
The last one I had lots of sedation as I had a cough. I can't remember a thing about it.
Hope it goes well for you.

Definitely go for sedation! I had one (along with a biopsy) to confirm I had coeliacs disease. I vaguely remember waking briefly during it, whilst something was down my throat but soon was back out of it again. I’m glad that I did have sedation, that waking bit wasn’t particularly pleasant, but other than that it was absolutely fine, and the rest of my day was uneventful!

I never went to sleep with sedation.. are you sure you didn't have anesthetic?.sedation just makes you a bit drowsy.

make sure you ask for heavy sedation. I don't know why but they only gave me light sedation - maybe as I was breastfeeding- but it was the most awful experience. I gagged continuously and he had to give up as he couldn't see anything. this has given me anxiety years after in case they missed something.

on the other hand, my first endoscopy I had done privately and was fully sedated. I woke up and everything had been done. that was brilliant.

I’ve had quite a few endoscopies, all with sedation. I would not have one without.
In my experience the staff are very well versed in putting patients at ease and are extremely professional.
You’ll go to sleep. And then wake up when it’s all over. You’ll be fine.

I've had two with sedation and felt nothing at all they went fine and were over quickly.

I had one yesterday, I was not sedated, so cannot help on that but answering the questions before the procedure took longer than the procedure itself, I was done within 5 minutes. In the waiting room they had stats saying they do 300 a week and mine was very slick, really kind staff. Everyone else was having sedation (i get very tired after and as I dont have a bad gag reflux I opt for numbing spray) so they do it all the time. Tell them you are nervous and they will do their best to reassure you. Good luck.

Thank you for all the replies, I feel a bit more reassured now.

Weirdly I feel more anxious about the actual procedure than the impending results which is silly (although still keeping fingers crossed for nothing major obviously)

Generally I’m not squeamish and needles etc..I have no problems at all with but the thought of anything down my throat makes me feel so queasy 😩 thankfully my appointment is 9:30 on Monday so at least it’s first thing!

Honestly, I find mri's more uncomfortable this.
Opt for sedation, and close your eyes and you'll probably go to sleep. I felt nothing at all.
The drink before is more challenging.
Try not to worry, focus on something positive like what you'll have to eat afterwards x

I was absolutely terrified before mine a few months ago. I had the sedation and would have another again without being at all worried. Good luck.

I had one recently without sedation and it was totally fine. Weird but fine. Feels like you have terrible wind!

I’ve had a couple of endoscopies, just with throat spray and no sedation. It’s not a big deal. Yes it’s unpleasant but it’s literally a few minutes, you just need to focus on your breathing and remain calm.

I have had a few endoscopy’s done with the throat numbing spray and can honestly say I had no issues . The staff are superb and very reassuring and it was all over in 5 mins and left dept 20 mins later . Try not to worry. Take care

I’ve had two, both sedated and no issues. Good luck!

I've had 2 both with sedation. Both fine. My only piece of advice is to wear a panty liner or pad as I gagged at once point and my weak bladder let me down and when I can round I was very much aware that I had peed myself a little

Hope all goes well x

I had sedation and couldn't remember anything afterwards, was just feeling so relaxed! Would be happy to have another one just for that relaxed feeling 😆

My pain threshold is mega low. I.had sedation.and felt nothing.

I’ve had a couple with sedation, please be aware most of the time you are not asleep with the sedation, it’s just a low dose to relax you, but it is really quick and seems to be just a couple of mins of discomfort and it’s done.

hi sorry for jumping on this post months later but i was wanting to ask you what exact symptoms you had to get the scope and what was your outcome? (If you dont mind answering that). I found out today i'm getting an endescopy on monday for the same reasons that you had said and i'm really nervous about the procedure and the results!!