Endoscopy Friday am and really anxious

[CalmMeDownPls]

I have a gastroscopy on Friday morning (that I have put off for 3 months), and really dreading going. Ive got a terrible reflux and going to be gagging all the way. Also cant take sedation as i have to do the school run later that day. I cancelled my appointment last month but really need to do this one because of gerd, reflux, some difficulty swallowing etc. Had heartburn for nearly 4 months now not helped by gaviscon. Any virtual support appreciated xx

The throat spray they use to numb the throat is very effective - and wears off quite quickly.

Any chance at all of some help with the school run? Another Mum? The sedation would make it so much easier.

I’m sure you know, it is really important to have it done because you could be storing up some real problems for the future and the chances are it can be easily controlled if you get a diagnosis now.

It’s a very quick procedure. Obviously sedation is better, but I’ve had it without and it wasn’t too bad as it was so fast.

As above poster said it is so quick. I found the camera going in to be fine, the only not nice bit is when they take the camera out and that only lasts a few seconds and there’s no pain at all.

I’ve had this with no sedations and while it’s unpleasant it’s doable. The real trick is your breathing… steady in and out and you won’t heave as much.. but the nurses will talk you through this and be very helpful and reassuring.
There is no pain, and no feeling of having to swallow the camera. Brace yourself for some heaving (and rather loud belching) that is unpleasant but not awful

i I would def do it again without sedation if I needed to.

I tried to do it without sedation as I was breastfeeding, but actually I needed it and my partner just had to take the afternoon off work and look after the children. I was dreading it, but with sedation it was okay I don’t even really remember it and I was up and out straight after showing I could have a drink and eat a slice of toast.

if you can I’d arrange cover on the childcare for the rest of that day and opt for sedation

Arrange some childcare and take the sedation and throat spray. Who is taking you to the appointment and home again? Could this person possibly do the school run too?
I’ve had one recently, had the sedation and the throat spray. It’s not the most pleasant proceedure but it’s really over very quickly. I did heave but only as it was coming out.

I was very tired for the rest of the day and slept most of the afternoon, but that was only because I’d been awake worrying most of the night. I also made sure that I had the very first appointment of the day. 8am, sign the forms, tell them how you are feeling, the team that did mine were so so lovely. I know I’ll have to have more at some point but, it was doable and I won’t be frightened of having another one. Good luck.

I would try and get childcare to do the sedation. With sedation it's almost enjoyable!

It's a short procedure and very low risk so try not to worry!

I had the throat spray too as needed to be fine for afternoon school run. Wheeled in at 10am and by 10.05am literally wheeled back out - i only know because i read the clock passing on the way in and out. Its not pleasant, but the numbing spray really helps and its so quick too. I went in for similar symptoms. They confirmed hiatal hernia and inflammation. Did a full and thorough check in that time. Took pictures which the consultant printed and discussed with me afterwards.

Thank you so much for all your replies, and sorry for not replying sooner. I've been quietly anxious and trying to keep busy. It's not long to go now, and due to ongoing symptoms I really have to go ahead with the appointment. I'm sure if I had any relief from heartburn I'd find a reason to cancel it. I'm hoping for a quick procedure as my email from the hospital says about 10mins. I'll keep breathing slowly and counting my breaths and telling myself it will be over really quickly - and hope that does the trick. xx

It will be over before you know it.
I took throat spray ...not full sedation.
It was no where near as bad as I had imagined.
You are in a comfortable position on your side propped up by a pillow with nurse talking you through every step and as I say over in matter of minutes .
Good luck .

How’s your gag reflex? Mines really bad and I was really scared, I did it though with the help of a nurse who kept me still and I did the slow breathing but I think if my gag reflex was better it would have been a lot easier.

You gag a bit for 1 second then it’s in and fine. Close your eyes, breathe slowly and pretend you’re lying in the beach

@CalmMeDownPlshope it went ok…

All done without sedation but with throat spray (and a really kind nurse!) I gagged on the way down and on the way out, but thankfully it was a very quick procedure. I've got a small hiatus hernia which explains the reflux symptoms. Thanks everyone for the hand hold before the procedure. xx

Glad it went well, OP.

My biggest difficulty with endoscopies was the mouth guard which when they shoved it in caused panic attacks.

Id personally try to get some help with the school run so you can have sedation. I've had one with sedation and can't imagine having one without tbh.

OP I dreaded it too, but it really wasn't that bad (probably the taste of the throat spray was the worst thing!). I did have sedation, but could function fine afterwards.

Oh sorry, I missed the boat!