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Original poster

Endoscopy - is it doable without sedation?

15 replies

Kaminari · 13/01/2025 10:59

Is it similar to an esophagoscopy? I managed to get through one of those without any kerfuffle - is an endoscopy much worse?

I'm absolutely petrified of being sedated.

Any experiences or words of wisdom please?

OP posts:
Dinodrivingacar · 13/01/2025 11:07

I wasn't sedated. It was awful and a bit traumatic! I do wish I had been. My reflexes kept pulling it out and I couldn't stop myself so had to have it put back in several times. I am also totally terrified of being sedated. It was doable without, if you're tougher than me!

BiggerBrighterBetter · 13/01/2025 11:14

I've had one without sedation. I'm not saying it was a walk in the park, but it was doable. They numb your throat and a nurse held my hand and upper body so I was still. I concentrated on my breathing and it was only in the last minute or so that I felt I couldn't cope much longer, but then it was over.

What is your fear about the sedation? A lot of people were having it when I was there. I only didn't go for it as I didn't have anyone who could be with me afterwards.

Greybeardy · 13/01/2025 11:19

are you talking about a colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy/OGD? (Endoscopy just means sticking a camera in...doesn't suggest which end).

HappydaysArehere · 13/01/2025 11:22

I have just had a transnasel endoscopy. So tube going through one of the nostrils. It wasn’t worth sedation and it only lasted around ten to fifteen minutes. The initial discomfort was not too pleasant and for a second or two I started to gag but fluid was quickly sucked out of my mouth and the probe continued down. The going down was slightly uncomfortable. I kept my eyes closed and soon the welcome words “ coming out” were heard. Bonus was soon able to go home.

MissyB1 · 13/01/2025 11:22

As pp said, exactly what kind of endoscopy is it? Are they looking at your oesophagus? If so that’s a gastroscopy. I had one of those with just a spray on my throat to numb it a bit. But everyone is different and some people need the sedation.

Original poster
Kaminari · 13/01/2025 11:32

@Greybeardy Oh crikey, erm, they want to have a look at my upper GI down my nose and throat. Think they want to look for hiatal hernia and whatnot. GP just said referral for endoscopy - not got the letter through yet with all the info.

I have had one before where they just looked at my larynx/pharynx before, will it be similar to that?

It's good to know that it will be potentially doable - I've just always been shit scared of losing any control/sensation of my mind or body via sedation or anaesthesia, even local. I don't even know why it terrifies me, it just does. I know my poor dentist thinks I'm a PITA for it too! 😬

OP posts:
Aworldofmyown · 13/01/2025 11:37

I've had a gastroscopy without sedation. It's not pleasant but over in minutes, I don't like sedation either so a few minutes of feeling uncomfortable meant I could just get up and leave after.

Punkpoprocknot · 13/01/2025 11:44

I had to have a gastroscopy with no sedation (was breastfeeding twins and couldn't pump enough). It was fine (not nice), takes about 5 minutes. I put my hands under my bum to stop me pulling it out and a nurse held my shoulders still.

MrsLeonFarrell · 13/01/2025 11:49

I had it without sedation too. Was quicker than I expected and a lovely nurse held my hand and reassured me from time to time, probably when my pulse went up.

At one point I was a little panicky because I thought I was going to be sick but it was just air they had pumped in coming out. I mention it because if I'd known to expect that I would have been calmer at that point.

Boffle · 13/01/2025 12:32

If it's any help I had sedation for this and colonoscopy and never at any point felt remotely sedated. I was fully concious and aware throughout.

Sadbeaver · 13/01/2025 13:43

Very doable without sedation. Takes a few minutes then up and good to go.

Concentrate on your breathing and it will be over pretty quickly

CoastalCalm · 13/01/2025 13:45

I’ve had a few without and a couple with sedation , with sedation you are awake still it’s not like being put to sleep

Hoppinggreen · 13/01/2025 13:46

I had sedation and it still wasn't a lot ot fun.
When DH had one a few years later he opted for no sedation against my advice - he admitted I was right when I went to pick him up!

BocaChica · 13/01/2025 14:06

I declined sedation and found it fine*. Would be my preferred option if I need another. I am quite old. Old people seem to have the edge here 😀 ( one of he few things going for old age ! )

*The reason was that I had previously had a sedated colonoscopy which caused significant long term deficits

Mercury2702 · 13/01/2025 14:12

I had sedation and unfortunately didn’t tolerate it so they could only have a quick look. I’m a nurse though and whilst midazolam is sedation, I was fully aware throughout the procedure, was a bit like having a glass of gin, I wasn’t out of control and could leave after 15 mins in recovery

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