Endoscopy and Colonoscopy next week

[rubyslipperss]

Feeling incredibly nervous as having both next week . I hate the idea of sedation but also not sure if I can have the endoscopy without ! I’m more worried about the tests and the prep than the actual results !
Also confused about when to be NBM for the endoscopy ( They have said clear fluids up to 2 hours before colonoscopy) and can’t get through to the department! Can anyone give me any positivity as I know they’re horrible tests - Worried that my anxiety will go off the scale!
also, does anyone know if clear protein powder is okay to have on my clear fluid days?

Clear fluids will be tea/coffee, water, soup with no bits. Not 'cream of' soups either. Fizzy drinks and squash.

I actually enjoyed the sedation even though I was worried about it initially.

I have throat spray when I have a gastroscopy. You cant feel a thing but it is a weird feeling to be numb. You get a tiny bit of gagging when the tube first goes down but after that you dont feel it.
You can feel a little movement in your stomach but none of it is painful.
Im not sure about protein powder sorry. I think you're supposed to avoid milky stuff.
Good luck!

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/gastroscopy-guide-patients

This guidance is quite clear on gastroscopy prep.

Stop eating 6 hrs before
Stop drinking 4 hrs before including milk
You can sip water up to 2hrs before

Clear whey type protein shakes may be ok but in part it will depend on the colour. Avoid purple and red from memory (check the info they’ve given you).

I’ve had gastroscopies with and without sedation and I would choose sedation if possible. I’ve had colonoscopies with sedation and with gas and air and both were fine.

The key thing is to follow the prep guidelines for the colonoscopy to the letter and drink plenty of fluids especially water in the days before so you don’t get dehydrated. Elderflower cordial and lime cordial are two of my staples as they are virtually colourless. I used to have some ready to wash away the taste of the prep.

Clear fluids can include those with sugar in them, eg squash. They really help keeping blood sugar steady and you will not feel super hungry.

Thanks for replies @SwankyPantsthanks , I’d rather not have sedation - mainly as it’s a busy time of year & I want to get on with enjoying it !

@ChazsBrilliantAttitude squash sounds good . Luckily I’ve got a morning slot as I do get a bit dizzy if my blood sugar is low so that’s good to know

I don’t think the sedation should affect future plans too much, beyond 24 hours without drinking alcohol or strenuous exercise. It’s much better to be out of it imo.

I would recommend sedation, the after affects don't last long but it will make you slightly more relaxed. Didnt have much affect on me anyway but glad I had it even if it made a little bit of difference.